One of the most dangerous things to do when you are on the highway or busy road is to get out of your car. Every year, stranded motorists are injured or killed when they get out of their vehicles to walk for help or to repair a breakdown. Sadly, there are also many cases where a Good Samaritan stops to help or rescue stranded motorists only to be injured or killed by passing vehicles. Our Detroit personal injury attorneys have helped many victims of these types of accidents get the compensation and resolution they deserve, and we are here to help.
Know that when a motorist gets out of their car and is on foot, they are now pedestrians, and every person driving on a road or highway should be extra cautious and alert for them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) considers pedestrians any “person on foot, walking, running, jogging, hiking, sitting or lying down who is involved in a motor vehicle traffic crash.” The Michigan Vehicle Code defines a pedestrian as “any person afoot.”
There are several reasons why stranded motorists or Good Samaritans are injured or killed. Here are some of the most common:
There are a number of factors that can affect the seriousness of injury. Obviously, the faster a car is moving, the more traumatic an injury a pedestrian will sustain. But pedestrians can be seriously injured by a car moving at even 10 mph. Age is also a factor. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable, and drivers should be especially vigilant when they are present.
Some of the most common injuries are:
Injuries to pedestrians can be life-changing not only for themselves but for their families. Motorists should always remember that pedestrians are vulnerable near vehicles, and keep in mind the importance of sharing the road. Injuries to people stranded outside of their cars or to Good Samaritans who just want to lend a helping hand are completely preventable if drivers just stay watchful and alert on the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call our Detroit personal injury law firm at (800) 638-6722 for a free consultation.
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