Child Pedestrian Injuries in Poway

Now that school has started, and children in and around Poway are walking to bus stops and through neighborhoods, it is important for parents and caregivers to think about the risks of child pedestrian injuries and to take precautions. Children are often at particular risk of severe and deadly pedestrian accident injuries, but most of these accidents are avoidable. Our Poway personal injury lawyers can provide you with more information about child pedestrian injuries and how to file a claim in the event of an accident.

Getting the Facts About Child Pedestrian Injuries

Children are at a higher risk of incurring pedestrian accident injuries than people of other ages. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 20% of kids under the age of 15 who were killed in motor vehicle collisions were pedestrians at the time of the crash. Safe Kids Worldwide reports that more than 15,000 nonfatal child pedestrian injuries occur every year, and more than 350 children are killed in pedestrian collisions. The majority of the kids who are seriously or fatally injured in pedestrian accidents are between the ages of 12 and 19, and a majority of the accidents occur at non-intersections.

How Kids Can Stay Safe While Walking

What kinds of behaviors can parents encourage so that kids can avoid pedestrian injuries? Safe Kids recommends the following safety tips:

• Follow all road rules, and only cross when you have a “walk” signal;
• Always walk on the sidewalk when one is available;
• Walk against traffic when there is no sidewalk;
• Do not listen to music while walking;
• Only walk and cross streets in well-lit areas if walking at dawn or dusk is necessary;
• Do not assume a driver sees you;
• Wear brightly colored and reflective clothing;
• Be aware of bus accident risks when standing and waiting for the bus, and remain away from the road; and
• Never cross behind or immediately in front of a school bus.

Was Your Child Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?

If your child was injured in a pedestrian accident, it is critical to hold the at-fault driver accountable and to seek compensation for your child’s injuries. Most personal injury claims in Poway must be filed within two years from the date of the accident, according to California law, but you will likely want to get started on your case as soon as possible. One of our experienced Poway personal injury attorneys can speak with you about the case and discuss your options for pursuing compensation.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Poway

Pedestrian accidents and injuries can be devastating under any circumstances, but they are especially catastrophic when a child is injured. Our Poway pedestrian accident attorneys know how important it is to hold responsible drivers accountable for the harm they have caused. We can assess your case today and provide you with more information about the options available to you. Contact the Walton Law Firm for more information.

See Related Blog Posts: Distracted Driving Problems May Be Bigger Than You Think Touch-Free Crosswalks and Pedestrian Safety in the Age of Coronavirus