Avoiding an Accident While Waiting at a Bus Stop

Local 10 News recently reported that a 63-year-old man has been injured in a hit-and-run crash at a Miami bus stop. According to a police report, the collision occurred when the 36-year-old driver of a Lexus apparently drove onto the sidewalk and struck the victim who was sitting on a bench at the bus stop. The report also indicates that a whipped cream dispenser and several nitrous oxide cartridges were in plain view in the passenger compartment of the car and that a subsequent inventory of the car showed 104 used whippet cartridges. The driver is now facing multiple criminal charges and the victim suffered a broken pelvis and a cut to his liver.

Why Can Accidents at Bus Stops Lead to Such Serious Injuries?

This is mainly attributable to the fact that people who wait for buses are traveling on foot, meaning they are pedestrians. And unfortunately, pedestrians face significant risks when traveling. Unlike in a collision between two vehicles, a collision involving a pedestrian and a vehicle always places the pedestrian in the more vulnerable position because there is no barrier to help reduce the force of direct impact. According to the Centers for Disease Control, pedestrians are actually 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash on each trip.

What Can You Do to Help Avoid an Accident at a Bus Stop?

• Pay attention. Keep in mind that while headphones can make the time go by faster, they do so by distracting you from what’s going on around you, including a rapidly approaching vehicle. Turn down the music and pay attention to what’s happening.

• Stay away from the curb. Some bus stops have covered awnings with benches inside them. Make this your waiting location if the one you’re at happens to have one since it would offer some protection in the event of an accident. Regardless, stay away from the curb.

• Dress appropriately for night bus rides. Avoid wearing dark colors when you are riding the bus at night unless you also have reflective panels on them. This makes it easier for drivers to see you from a distance especially at a time in the day when they’re more likely to be impaired.

You Can Depend on Us For Help.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto collision at a bus stop or somewhere else, your first thought is probably to obtain the medical help you likely need – and you should. However, after obtaining medical help, your next step should be to obtain legal help. We understand how expensive and stressful the treatment for an unexpected injury can be, and the good news is that you may be able to collect compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses related to your injuries. As the  South Florida pedestrian accident attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez, we will provide you with compassionate and personalized legal representation while ensuring you have the guidance that you need. Contact us today to explore your legal options and determine your next steps.

Resource:

local10.com/news/local/miami/suspect-arrested-in-hit-and-run-crash-at-miami-bus-stop

https://www.leiferlaw.com/the-dangers-of-roads-for-child-pedestrians/