No one deserves to be struck by a car while walking down the street. Unfortunately, these things happen with alarming frequency during certain parts of the year, notably times when more children are out and about, such as before and after school, and on special occasions like Halloween.
Why the Spike?
As tragic as this is, the larger number of pedestrian accidents on Halloween makes sense. Trick-or-treaters take to the streets around sundown and stay out late at night. They also tend to wear dark costumes that blend into the background. Things can get dangerous with this combination of low visibility and difficult-to-see pedestrians.
On top of these dangerous conditions, you can add intoxicated party-goers to the mix. Irresponsible people will drink at Halloween parties before driving home, increasing the risk of accidents taking place. Alternatively, people may drink and continue walking the streets without paying attention to their surroundings.
Tips to Protect Children
You can help protect your children on Halloween by accompanying them as they go door to door. It is also a good idea to instruct children to:
- Carry a flashlight
- Wear reflective clothing
- Stick to the sidewalks
- Cross the street at crosswalks and never against the light
- Travel in groups
- Be aware of their surroundings
Responding to These Accidents
Now more than before, emergency responders are forced to handle multiple emergency calls in a single night. When accidents spike on certain nights, such as Halloween, they may take more time to respond to each crisis.
So many things can happen when you are waiting for an ambulance, and the patient’s condition can get worse. Depending on how long it takes for an ambulance to reach you, the patient can go from stable to critical condition.
Getting Compensated
Pedestrian accidents are usually tricky when it comes to receiving proper compensation. This extra insult can be frustrating for the victims, especially since children are more likely to get into an accident on Halloween.
If you or your child are injured in a pedestrian accident this Halloween, please call Shaw Cowart at 512-499-8900 to schedule a free case review at our Austin or San Antonio office right away. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to listen to your story, explain your options, and help you choose the best path forward.