How to Avoid Being a Hit and Run Victim

With the increase in traffic due to the holidays coupled with more severe weather, as a pedestrian, one needs to be extra cautious and alert. When an accident does occur, by law the person is supposed to stop and give contact information and render any help necessary if anyone is injured but this does not always occur. Sometimes people get frightened and leave the scene or simply may not have known they hit someone and continue travelling.

Precautions to Take

Intentionally leaving the scene of an accident is against the law and comes with penalties for the offender, but as pedestrians we can at least take precautions to prevent getting hit. Most often, pedestrians get hit because the driver simply did not see them. Following are a few tips for avoiding getting hit as a pedestrian:

• If you are walking at night, wear light colored or reflective clothing
• Take extra caution when crossing streets in poor weather conditions or wait until the weather clears before going out
• Observe more closely the actions and intentions of drivers to see if they notice you when walking or crossing streets
• Never assume that drivers will give you the right of way as a pedestrian
• Stay alert yourself and avoid talking on cell phones or allowing yourself to be distracted when close to traffic
• Do not go out if you have been drinking or if you are experiencing a negative effect of a drug or medication that could impair your judgment or perceptions

If you have been a victim of a hit and run accident in the Long Island area, you need to contact a Long Island personal injury attorney to help you. You may have sustained serious injuries that will require medical expenses and possible rehabilitation costs necessitating financial compensation. If you cannot work for a period of time, you will need additional compensation for loss of wages. At the Odierno Law Firm, P.C., we specialize in personal injury law including hit and run accidents. We will aggressively fight to help you acquire the compensation you may need to start the recovery process and help you get back on your feet.