Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are becoming increasingly common in Washington, D.C. Many accidents are occurring as children are walking to school, along with at night once it turns dark. As safety is a number one concern for most people—politicians, parents, and D.C. citizens alike—implementing safety measures to reduce pedestrian accidents is a must. Below are some proposals to make the D.C. streets safer and reduce pedestrian accident deaths, along with what to do if someone is involved in a pedestrian accident.
The below proposals have been recommended after a nine-year-old child was injured in Southeast Washington, D.C. last week. The child was crossing the street when she was struck by a car outside a church by an oncoming vehicle.
Proposals in D.C. City Council
Various members of the Washington, D.C. city council have proposed bills to address pedestrian deaths and injuries. One proposal is the “Walk Without Worry Amendment Act” which will create more raised crosswalks and intersections throughout the city. A raised crosswalk is a ramped speed table to reduce vehicle speed. Raised crosswalks help to reduce pedestrian accidents as it is easier for drivers to see pedestrians—both during the day and at night—and thus fewer incidents occur.
Another proposal in the city council is the Safe Routes to Schools Act, which would require traffic safety upgrades near schools. This proposal includes expanding school zones, increasing traffic enforcement around schools, and improving the roadways. Protecting children—especially as they are walking to school in D.C.—is a necessity, and these actions could also help reduce these horrific accidents.
Finally, the city’s District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is also taking measures to increase pedestrian safety. As of this past week, they have installed automated traffic cameras around new locations, hoping to stop drivers from slowing down and stop running traffic lights. By slowing down, observing the road conditions—including people in the crosswalk—and paying attention to traffic signs, DDOT helps to encourage safer driving around the city.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been in a Maryland Pedestrian Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a Maryland pedestrian accident you should contact an experienced attorney to assist you in deciding whether or not to file a personal injury lawsuit. To successfully bring a claim, you must show that the driver who hit you violated a duty of care owed to you and that they caused your injuries. While this may seem difficult to prove, attorneys are experienced in bringing these claims and can help create a compelling case for maximum recovery.
Because pedestrian accidents can have a devastating impact on those injured, victims of such accidents should contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Washington, D.C. Pedestrian Accident?
If you or someone you love was recently injured or killed in a Washington, D.C. pedestrian accident, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen as soon as possible. Our team of attorneys has decades of experience handling pedestrian accident cases and will work to obtain the financial compensation and justice you deserve. To schedule a free, initial consultation, contact us today at 800-654-1949.