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Semi-Trucks and Pedestrians

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at Mike Agruss Law.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Over 8000+ consumer rights cases settled.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

While pedestrians are always at risk of serious injury when struck by a motor vehicle, accidents involving pedestrians and large commercial- and semi-trucks are especially dangerous and more likely to result in fatalities. If you’ve been injured in an accident as a pedestrian due to a driver’s negligence, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 75% of all pedestrian fatalities occur in urban settings (as opposed to rural settings), and about nine in ten pedestrian fatalities in 2012 were caused by a single vehicle. Furthermore, while only 6% of accidents in 2012 involved a pedestrian and a large truck, pedestrians accounted for 15% of all fatalities involving large trucks.

Here are some safety tips for pedestrians and truck drivers alike to reduce the risks of these accidents, especially in high-traffic areas. For pedestrians:

– Use the sidewalk whenever possible. If there isn’t one, stay as far to the side of the road as possible and walk against traffic.
– Try to make eye contact with drivers when possible to ensure that they are aware of your presence, and never automatically assume that a driver can see you.
– Try to avoid jaywalking (for your own safety!) and cross at intersections and crosswalks wherever possible.
– Avoid walking on pedestrian-prohibited roadways, especially freeways.
– Try to wear bright, reflective clothing when walking at night.
For truck drivers:
– Always keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially at intersections and in high-traffic areas.
– Always be prepared to stop when entering a crosswalk or making a turn.
– Vehicles which are stopped at crosswalks are usually allowing pedestrians to cross, so do not pass them or only do so with extreme caution.
– Always follow reduced speed limits in school zones and residential areas.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident due to another’s negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

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