As a pedestrian, you understand the importance of keeping close tabs on everything that’s happening around you. But even so, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent a pedestrian-car accident.

An understanding of the most common causes of pedestrian-car accidents can help prevent trouble:

• Distracted driving: When a driver isn’t paying attention to the road and their surroundings, they’re more likely to cause an accident.
• Speeding: For example, if a driver speeds through a city street, they may not have enough time to stop should they spot a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
• Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks: It may be a law, but many drivers don’t follow it for one reason or the next. Always beware of the vehicles moving toward you when you’re in a crosswalk.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol, drugs and prescription medication can all impact a driver’s judgment.
• Ignoring traffic signals and signs: For instance, driving through a red light puts everyone in the crosswalk at risk of an accident.

While you can’t do anything to change the behavior of the drivers on the road, you can take steps to protect yourself:

• Look both ways (twice) before stepping off the curb
• Use crosswalks to cross the street
• Obey the “walk” and “don’t walk” signs
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street

If you’re injured in a pedestrian-car accident, you need to receive immediate medical treatment. There’s a good chance you’re dealing with broken bones, a head injury and/or excessive bleeding.

Once you receive treatment and when your health allows, learn more about the cause of the accident and take steps to protect your legal rights and receive compensation.