As summer winds down and the leaves begin to fall, Americans of all ages excitedly prepare for one of the most celebrated holidays – Halloween. Every year, millions of children dressed up as their favorite characters line neighborhood streets, going door to door in the excited pursuit of treats. While Halloween is a happy time for most, it also poses a serious threat of injury to children, trick-or-treaters, and pedestrians.
If you or your child are injured in a Halloween pedestrian accident, contact Freeburn Law. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers in Harrisburg is focused on helping injured victims get the financial compensation they need and deserve. To learn more about how we can help, call (717) 777-7777 today to schedule a free consultation.
Pedestrian Accidents on Halloween
Although Halloween can be dangerous for anyone, it poses an even higher risk to children. A study found that children between the ages of 4 and 8 are ten times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident on Halloween than on any other day. Adults are also at risk, with November 1st being the deadliest day of the year for pedestrians over the age of 18, with most of these accidents occurring in the early morning hours.
Tips on How to Stay Safe
While we all enjoy Halloween’s festivities, it is important to ensure your and your family’s safety. Whether your family is trick-or-treating or you and your friends are traveling to or from a Halloween party, there are things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.
Halloween Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Cross the street at a corner or intersection and use a designated crosswalk if available. Also, be sure to look both ways before crossing.
- When crossing the road, never assume a driver is going to stop. If possible, make eye contact with a driver to ensure they see you. If you are unable to, make sure they come to a complete stop before attempting to cross.
- Don’t be distracted. Don’t let your cell phone or other distraction take your attention away from the road.
- Always walk – never run – across the street.
- Stay on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing oncoming traffic and stay as far to the left as possible.
- Teach your children not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.
- If your children are 12 years old or younger, accompany them while they trick-or-treat. Tell older children to stay in familiar neighborhoods and trick-or-treat in groups.
- When trick-or-treating with children, choose a well-lit neighborhood with sidewalks that don’t require crossing the street frequently.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident on Halloween, you must take steps to protect your health and your right to financial recovery.
- Call 911 – Move yourself to safety and out of the path of oncoming vehicles. When you are safe, call the police and ask for an officer and emergency personnel to assist with your injuries.
- Get the driver’s information – Ask the driver for their name, contact information, and driver’s license number. Look for eyewitnesses. Obtain their contact information and a brief statement as to what they say.
- Gather evidence – Take pictures of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. Get a copy of the police report and keep all medical records.
- Seek medical attention – Get a comprehensive medical examination so all of your injuries are identified and treated promptly. Be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and document your recovery.
- Talk to an attorney – Discuss your accident with a lawyer to learn your rights and legal options. Even if you feel you may have been partially responsible for the accident, you might still be entitled to compensation.
Contact Freeburn Law Today
Halloween is a fun time for all ages. Trick-or-treaters, parents, and party-goers should be able to enjoy the festivities without the threat of injury. Unfortunately, Halloween pedestrian accidents are exceedingly common, turning a fun night of festivities into a victim and their family’s worst nightmare. If you or a loved one was hit by a car or involved in any other accident on Halloween, you may have the right to compensation from the negligent party.
At Freeburn Law, our skilled pedestrian accident lawyers have helped injured victims across Pennsylvania get the money they deserve. We firmly believe that parties who act negligently and cause harm or injury to others need to be brought to justice. That is why we never back down, actively pursuing every possible avenue on behalf of our clients. Contact us online or call (717) 777-7777 to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our qualified pedestrian accident lawyers in Harrisburg.