What to Consider if You Have Been Hit by a Vehicle along the Side of a Highway
Without the highways connecting our country, we would definitely have a difficult time organizing a simple drive to work or a road trip. In many cases, the interstates and state routes are some of the most effective means of getting from point A to point B, but the high speed posted on these roadways can also prove to be problematic factors. Such high-speed travel can result in disastrous consequences, but not always for motorists. In some tragic cases, some people may be forced to pull to the side of the road to fix their vehicle, only to be struck by another vehicle that spun out of control. Here is what you should consider if you have been hit by a vehicle along the side of a highway.
AN OVERLOAD OF DELAWARE’S ROADWAYS
The Delaware State Government confirmed that, in 2015 alone, roughly 24,066 traffic accidents occurred along highways roadways and ultimately produced a crippling $641 million in expenses. Tragically, among these crashes, 133 people died, while 8,058 sustained injuries. Within this range of accidents, the State of Delaware also confirmed that 249 pedestrian accidents occurred, 33 proving fatal.
Here is a closer look at the most common contributing factors to these crashes overall:
- Failure to pay attention/distraction/exhaustion: 5,511 accidents
- Tailgating: 2,766 accidents
- Reckless driving: 2,495 accidents
Based on this data, we can garner that the majority of roadway accidents were connected to negligence, distraction, or completely malicious behavior. For more details on the protocol for walking along roadways in Delaware, please review the NHTSA’s pedestrian safety guide.
THE RIGHTS OF PEDESTRIANS ALONG HIGHWAYS
Regardless of all rules laid out for pedestrians in Title 21 – Subchapter V of the Delaware Code, all motorists must provide the right of way to any men, women, and children crossing streets. For example, even if a person is straying outside the crosswalk or has not used this travel route, motorists must be prepared to stop and yield to this person.
As such, under Title 21 – Subchapter III, motorists must be fully aware of the requirements for passing bicyclists or swerving out of the way of drivers attending to vehicles on the side of the road. Maintaining proper driving protocol and adhering to pedestrian laws will guarantee safety for both parties.
YOUR LEGAL SOLUTION
Highways are the vital network for national transportation in the United States, and, as such, can prove to be some of the most hazardous roadways in our country. In the blink of an eye, you can sustain severe injuries when a car loses control and slams into you or you and your loved ones. You should not have to suffer in such a terrible manner. If you have sustained severe injuries after stepping off a bus and getting hit by another vehicle, you should not have to struggle to regain your footing. We can provide the help you need to get your life back on track.
Our team of professional lawyers at Edelstein, Martin & Nelson are passionate about our practice and are fully knowledgeable in the laws, rules, and statutes surrounding unfortunate bus-related pedestrian accidents throughout the State of Delaware. We can guarantee you will receive the justice you deserve. For legal advice and for more information about our services, contact our office today at 800-300-0909.
