School has started again, and kids will be walking near traffic on their way to and from school and bus stops. The beautiful fall weather means that more people are likely to be taking walks to enjoy the fresh air and the scenery. More pedestrians sharing the roads with traffic also, unfortunately, means an increased risk of accidents.

Pedestrian accidents are common in Illinois. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 115 pedestrian deaths in 2010. Whether a driver isn’t paying attention and races through a crosswalk against the light, or a pedestrian decides to jaywalk instead of crossing at an intersection, the fact remains that pedestrian accidents are far too high in our state.

Preventing more pedestrian accidents

A person walking along the road was hit by a car in Godfrey, when the vehicle crossed the white line at the shoulder. The driver of the car sped away from the scene of the accident, but luckily the pedestrian received only non-life-threatening injuries, says KSDK News.

More accidents can be prevented if drivers are aware of their surroundings and drive according to road conditions. Esurance has provided the following tips to keep pedestrians safe:

• Drive slowly in areas where kids are present, such as school zones, neighborhoods and parks.
• Slow down and look for pedestrians crossing before turning at an intersection.
• Be careful when backing out in a driveway or especially in a parking lot.
• Respect pedestrians with special needs.

Also, avoid distractions while driving, such as texting or making phone calls.

Getting help from an attorney

Nobody gets into their car with the intent of hurting a pedestrian, and most people attempt to drive carefully and keep the safety of others in mind. However, not all accidents can be prevented. Pedestrians who are hit by cars are often severely injured or even killed. Medical bills and funeral expenses can quickly skyrocket. People who are hurt in an accident can face additional challenges while they recover, including the loss of wages, ongoing physical therapy and permanent disability.

If you or your family has been affected by a pedestrian accident, it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. You shouldn’t have to deal with the stress of insurmountable medical bills in addition to your recovery. An attorney will be able to advise you on your rights, which can include the compensation of your expenses.