At one point or another, everyone is a pedestrian. As the expense of driving and insuring a vehicle rise, more and more people choose to walk to their destinations. As the number of pedestrians increases, so do the number of pedestrian accidents. To see where the Cleveland and Akron region ranks in terms of pedestrian collisions nationally, please go to this National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report.

Despite safety improvements, pedestrian accidents are common in the Cleveland and Akron regions

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2012 nationally:

• 69% of pedestrians killed in 2012 were males;
• 73% pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas;
• 32% of all pedestrian fatalities occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.;
• 34% of pedestrians killed had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dL or higher.

Pedestrian Laws in Ohio

Both motorists and pedestrians can engage in behaviors that cause collisions. According to state pedestrian law as described by the State of Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles -

Drivers must:

• exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian at all times.
• yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• stop or slow down before passing another vehicle stopped in a travel lane until the driver has determined whether that vehicle has stopped for a pedestrian.
• in the presence of a school crossing guard, wait for all persons including the guard to completely clear the road before proceeding.

Pedestrians must:

• use the sidewalk and the nearest crosswalk, pedestrian bridge or tunnel when possible.
• obey official traffic control devices.
• walk on the left side of the street facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.
• not cross an intersection diagonally unless the intersection is specifically designed for this.

Get information on pedestrian accidents from the region's law enforcement agencies

The Cleveland Police Department and the Akron Police Department offer information on accidents. The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department and the Summit County Sheriff's Department are also useful resources for information.

The Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles provides information on traffic and safety laws.

These departments are good resources after a pedestrian accident.

Common causes of Cleveland and Akron pedestrian accidents include:

• a failure by drivers to check for pedestrians in crosswalks;
• drivers failing to stop at stop signs or lights;
• texting and other driver distractions;
• drivers choosing to make turns without paying attention to their surroundings;
• speeding;
• driving under the influence.

When someone is injured in a Cleveland or Akron pedestrian accident, what needs to happen next?

When a pedestrian is injured, it is crucial to get appropriate medical treatment, regardless of the financial cost. The major hospitals in the area include:

• University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center;
• Lutheran Hospital;
• Cleveland Clinic;
• Akron General;
• Summa Akron Hospital.

As soon as possible, an injured person should contact their insurance company to find out how medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy. Since insurance policies often have unique provisions to deal with pedestrian-accident injuries, it is important to review the policy and speak with the insurance adjuster to get clarification on coverage.

Personal injury lawyers offer a no-cost claim evaluation to help you.

Since there is no cost to speak with a lawyer, it is a good idea to learn more about your potential claim. Accident Data Center can help you by connecting you with our network of experienced injury lawyers who can provide you with information about your rights and options. Learn more here about the value of a no-cost legal claim evaluation.