Pedestrian Accidents Involving Runners in Oak Lawn

There are many people who run in order to stay in shape. If there are sidewalks, runners should use the sidewalk. However, if there are no sidewalks, a runner has the right to run on the far right of the road in the same direction as traffic. Vehicles must always be on the lookout for runners and must avoid striking with them. Pedestrian accidents involving runners in Oak Lawn occur often. Both the runner and the driver have a duty to keep a proper lookout. When a driver or a pedestrian fails to pay attention to the road, a severe accident could occur. A seasoned pedestrian accident attorney could help you seek compensation for damages.

How a Pedestrian Could Prevent an Accident

Even though drivers must be on the lookout for people who are running on the roads, joggers must also keep a lookout for motor vehicles. Some actions which joggers take can put them at greater risk of being struck. For example, wearing dark clothing or running at night without a light or reflective gear can contribute to a person being struck by a motor vehicle.

Additionally, when people are running, they need to make sure that they check their surroundings and do not run in front of a car. Finally, many people like to jog with headphones or while listening to music, and this can also present a greater hazard to people who are jogging.

When someone is running, they must obey all the traffic control devices. This means that a runner must be careful when they approach a stop sign or a traffic light. The vehicle may have the right-of-way over a runner.

Many municipalities provide sidewalks that a runner should utilize. Others may have dedicated jogging lanes, or even provide running paths away from traffic. Regardless, a jogger should always be on the lookout for vehicles in case they are struck.

The Obligations of Motor Vehicle Drivers

All drivers should be on the lookout for runners. They have an obligation to share the road with people who are jogging. However, some actions of drivers can endanger people who are running. When a driver fails to pay attention to their surroundings, it can result in a tragic pedestrian accident.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

There are certain steps that they should take if they are hit while they are jogging. First, be sure that the driver of the car stops. If they do not, they should try to get as much identifying information about the vehicle as possible. Even if the vehicle does not stop, they will still have a claim for their injuries for a hit-and-run accident. Assuming the other driver stops, they should always wait for the police to arrive and create a police report.

This will be their proof that the accident happened and will contain information about the person who struck them while they were jogging. Finally, after being hit by a car, whether they feel like they are injured or not, they should go to the doctor or hospital to be checked out. Sometimes injuries take time to develop.

If there is no immediate medical attention following the accident, an insurance company may deny the claim. These are the steps that they should take following an accident in which they are hit while they are jogging.

Reach Out to a Pedestrian Accident Attorney

When a pedestrian accident involving runners occurs, it is best to seek help from an experienced attorney as soon as possible. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney will understand the local laws and could help individuals seek compensation for damages. Schedule a consultation today to discuss pedestrian accidents involving runners in Oak Lawn.