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It’s something we all do but don’t put much thought into when it comes to safety – walking.

Whether you are simply out for an evening stroll or walking across town to get a meal, pedestrian accidents can be scary and unexpected. While you hope it never happens to you or a loved one, if it does, you may need a San Mateo pedestrian accident attorney. At Allegiance Law, we want to help you figure out your next steps.

Plenty of Places

Walking can be such a great alternative to riding from place to place in a vehicle, especially in the San Mateo area. Downtown San Mateo offers so many options for pedestrians, from the many restaurants and shopping to the historical sights and parks. Whether you are out with friends and family or by yourself, walking can be enjoyable.

Unfortunately, just because you are careful and safe doesn’t mean that other vehicles on the road will be. When an accident happens, and pedestrians are involved, there is potential for serious injuries.

According to the CDC, over 5,000 pedestrians are killed each year in traffic accidents. Almost 129,000 people are injured. Those numbers are high, and you can expect a crowded area like San Mateo and the rest of the Bay Area to have their fair share of pedestrian accidents.

They don’t all occur the same way. Sometimes a driver ignores a pedestrian right of way and makes an illegal turn. Other times a driver is driving too close to the sidewalk and sideswipes a pedestrian. When you are legally using a roadway or sidewalk, an accident can happen suddenly and without warning.

We are finding that more and more drivers are distracted by their smartphones or other devices, causing them to lose focus on the road. Distracted driving can be just as deadly as impaired driving.

When a vehicle strikes a person, the potential for a devastating injury is high. From dislocated or broken bones to more severe head and internal injuries, a hospital stay is often necessary. Even minor accidents can lead to PTSD or other emotional trauma.

If you are hurt and have to miss work because of someone else’s negligence, not to mention getting stuck with any medical bills you may incur, you may have the right to financial compensation.

What To Do

If you or a loved one has been in an accident, please seek medical attention no matter how minor your injuries may seem. Make sure the police are notified so the appropriate reports can be made.

After that, you may need a pedestrian accident attorney in San Mateo. Insurance companies will try to contact you quickly for a statement or try to get your medical records, but please don’t speak to them until you seek legal advice. No matter how major or minor the injuries, Allegiance Law is ready to help through this process, from handling insurance companies to medical claims. You can contact us by clicking here or calling 415-404-6395.