Pedestrians Face Injury Risks from More Than Just Cars

When many people think about pedestrian accidents, they often imagine the individual being hit by a car, motorcycle, or truck. However, the truth is that pedestrians walking around the bustling city of Chicago face many risks that do not involve motor vehicles. Instead, some of these accidents happen due to various factors, such as construction work, poor visibility, distractions, unleashed pets, sidewalk defects, and more. Here are five common risks that pedestrians in the windy city face on their commute every single day.

1.     Falling objects

One of the most dangerous parts of being a pedestrian in Chicago is the unavoidable construction happening each day. If you frequently walk around this city, you are likely aware of the scaffolds, cranes, and constant noise that can be seen and heard around the construction sites. Since construction workers are typically working on tall buildings, their work is mostly done at elevation. This means that you must walk under or below the construction happening, placing your trust and confidence in the construction crews to keep you safe and harm-free while doing so. However, it only takes one simple mistake and a hammer, nail, or piece of wood may come tumbling down on your head. This is extremely dangerous and can severely injure a pedestrian or even instantly kill them.

In addition, when it is very windy or stormy outside, some buildings may have debris or parts that become loose and fly away in the wind. These debris can eventually end up striking someone in the head, causing a traumatic brain injury or fatalities.

2.     Running or bumping into other people or objects

When it is rainy, snowy, or foggy, visibility issues may emerge. Most people assume that vehicle drivers are the only ones who have issues with visibility during these conditions, but pedestrians are also at risk of experiencing visibility issues when walking in inclement weather. This is common during the dark or nighttime hours as well, making it very difficult to see other people if there are not enough streetlights to light up the area. Unfortunately, when these issues arise, two or more people walking the same path in different directions may collide. In addition, pedestrians may run into hard or sharp objects that can severely injure them.

While pedestrians cannot do much to change the weather or time of day that they need to go somewhere, they can avoid constantly looking down at their cellphones while walking, which is a big problem seen among many people walking across the city.

3.     Trips, slips, or falls

Trips, slips, and falls commonly happen when there is a defect on the road or sidewalk. A defect may be a hole, crack, or uneven surface due to poor maintenance or design. However, other factors that may cause pedestrians to slip, trip, or fall include snow or rain, spilled products, loose gravel, and improper lighting. When a person trips or falls on the sidewalk, they are at risk of suffering the following:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Severe bruising
• Head and skull injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Cuts and lacerations

4.     Being run over or struck by a skateboarder, bicyclist, or e-scooter driver

Skateboarders, bicyclists, and e-scooter drivers often use the sidewalk to get around the city. This not only causes inconveniences in your daily commute as you have to keep an eye out for them, but it can also lead to a tragic and devastating accident within seconds. (Note that it is illegal to ride a skateboard or an e-scooter on sidewalks in Chicago.) The reason for this is because if a skateboarder, bicyclist, or e-scooter driver believes that the path is clear or does not see you in time, they may decide to proceed and end up striking or colliding with you. Depending on how strong the impact is, this can cause severe injuries as well as death.

5.     Dog bites

If you see a stray dog or a dog with its owner, you may be tempted to pet the dog. However, it is highly recommended that you refrain from doing this. Some dogs are not friendly and may bite you. Instead, you should always ask the owner if it would be OK to pet or interact with their dog. If the dog appears to have no owner and is running around freely, you should back away from the dog and continue doing what you were doing. If the dog proceeds to follow you or chase after you, you should call 9-1-1 and report the dog. If you are bitten or attacked by the dog, you should seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. The doctor will assess your injuries as well as make sure that the dog did not have rabies or other diseases that could have been transferred to you.

Tips to prevent pedestrian accidents in Chicago

There are certain steps and precautions that pedestrians can take to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring while strolling around their neighborhood or commuting to and from work. The following are a few of them:

• Wear bright colored clothing to ensure that other pedestrians and drivers can see you.
• Always stay on the sidewalk if possible.
• Look where you are walking while also being aware of your surroundings.
• If you notice any defects in the sidewalk, walk around them.
• Wear shoes that are less likely to slip in the rain or snow.
• Do not touch stray pets or unleashed pets without the owner’s permission.
• Remain alert and cautious.
• Do not listen to music or talk on the phone while walking. If you must do this, only use one headphone to ensure that you can still hear what is happening around you.
• If you notice a crowded area or construction area, take a detour. If you cannot go another way, be very careful.

If you or someone you know was injured in a pedestrian accident, please reach out to the Chicago personal injury lawyers of Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers as soon as possible. We have handled many different clients’ pedestrian accident claims, and we are more than glad to handle yours as well. Our team has the experience, knowledge, and skills to help you determine who is responsible for your accident, and we will do everything we can to hold them accountable for their negligent behaviors. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Chicago.