- Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, cyclists, and rollerskaters
- There are protection laws in place to safeguard these road users, such as school zones for protecting child pedestrians
- Children should always follow pedestrian safety tips, like crossing at crosswalks and looking both ways
- If your child has been injured in a car accident, our team of attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you deserve for your child’s damages
Children are among the most vulnerable road users. Tragically, 176 children died in pedestrian accidents in the U.S. in 2021. In Minnesota, 225 pedestrians suffer severe injuries or die yearly on average. There were 46 pedestrian deaths in our state in 2022.
The pedestrian accident attorneys with Sand Law would like to share some information to help your child avoid tragedy when walking near vehicles. If something should happen and your child is hurt, please contact us online right away or call 651-291-7263 for a free consultation. We’ll work passionately to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
What are Vulnerable Road Users?
Vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, face an elevated risk on or near a street. They have limited protection from vehicular collisions. Children, due to their physical and cognitive development, are particularly vulnerable.
Children are more diminutive and typically have limited judgment and slower reaction times. These factors make them ill-equipped to defend themselves against the formidable force of a car.
Protection Laws for Vulnerable Road Users
Minnesota lawmakers have established a framework of laws and regulations to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable road users. These legal measures include but are not limited to the following:
- Speed limits are tailored explicitly to residential areas.
- The creation of designated crosswalks at strategic locations.
- The designation of school zones with reduced speed limits helps protect children on their way to and from school.
Pedestrian Safety Tips Your Kids Should Know
Education is vital to protecting your children when they have to walk. Here are some critical tips to share with them:
- Always use designated crosswalks when crossing the street.
- Carefully obey traffic signals.
- Always look left and right before crossing the road to ensure the path is clear of oncoming vehicles.
- Wear bright, reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions, to increase their visibility to drivers.
- Never dart out into traffic.
- Walk on the sidewalk whenever available.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children
Child pedestrian accidents occur for many reasons. Distracted driving, often from using mobile phones or other inattentive behaviors, is among the most common causes. Speeding, which reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions, poses a significant risk.
Also, drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians, especially in crosswalks, contribute to these incidents. Inadequate road signage and poorly maintained road conditions can also increase the likelihood of accidents.
Child Pedestrian Accidents Can Result in Severe Injuries and Fatality
A car hitting vulnerable road users—especially children—can result in devastating consequences. Due to their smaller size and still-developing physical systems, children’s bodies are more vulnerable to the traumatic impact of a car collision. Injuries from these accidents can be life-altering, causing long-term physical and psychological harm.
Some of these injuries may not be immediately apparent. That’s why you should seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries initially seem minor. Telling your children about the potential for severe injuries and fatalities is a powerful tool that can help keep them safe.
Steps to Take if Your Child was Hit by a Car
If your child is involved in a pedestrian accident, taking the proper steps is crucial to ensuring their well-being and protecting their legal rights. Please keep the following in mind:
- First, remain calm and prioritize their health and safety. Even if injuries appear minor, see a doctor immediately for a thorough examination.
- Once your child is safe and getting medical attention, call the police to file an official report. This report will be essential for documenting the incident and collecting critical details.
- Gather witness information, take photographs of the accident scene and any injuries, and preserve any evidence that may aid in understanding the circumstances of the accident.
All of the above can be invaluable if you need to pursue legal action or an insurance claim.
Finally, speak to an attorney with extensive experience in pedestrian accidents. A lawyer can explain all of your legal options, help you understand your rights, and explore potential avenues for compensation to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Recovering Damages for Your Child’s Pedestrian Accident
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of losses, including medical expenses, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and other related costs. Hiring a lawyer will be essential to protecting your child’s rights. A legal expert can help you assess the viability of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if needed, represent your interests in court.
You should hire an attorney as soon as you can so they can investigate the accident and uncover critical evidence before it disappears.
Contact Sand Law LLC to Speak with an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney ASAP
Sand Law has a team of skilled attorneys who get results for our clients, including vulnerable road users. We have years of experience in pedestrian accidents and other types of personal injury cases, offering the expertise and support needed to help you get through this very challenging situation.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced Sand Law pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to seek the compensation you and your child deserve. Remember, safeguarding our most vulnerable road users is a shared responsibility, and expert legal guidance can play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
If you would like to schedule a free evaluation of your case, please get in touch as soon as possible. Give us a call at 651-291-7263 or use our online contact form.