There’s no denying that Honolulu is a busy city. Whether you’re a resident, tourist, military service-member or visiting on business, you’ve seen that the streets are filled with people at all hours of the day and night.
Living in such a busy city means that the risks of pedestrian accidents are high. Historically, Hawaii has had a poor track record for pedestrian safety. Nearly three-quarters of traffic deaths in a recent year were pedestrians, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation
That same year, the Honolulu Police Department issued almost 2,200 citations for jaywalking, 445 citations to motorists who failed to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and 1,500 citations for crossing against a traffic signal.
Clearly, accident prevention means better behavior from both drivers and pedestrians. Here are some tips on how to stay safe on Honolulu roads.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Always cross at a crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, cross at a corner.
- Look left, then right, then left again before crossing the street. Continue to scan the road as you cross.
- Don’t enter the crosswalk if the signal is counting down.
- Walk, don’t run.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking at dawn or dusk.
- Watch out for drivers backing up from driveways and parking spots.
- Always walk facing oncoming traffic if there is no sidewalk.
- Stand on the side of the road while waiting for a bus. Stand at least 10 feet away from where it will stop.
How An Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
If you were injured as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional distress. At Recovery Law Center, Attorney Glenn Honda can help you determine your rights to compensation.
Recovering compensation is not always easy, even in pedestrian accidents where a negligent driver seems to be completely at fault. Insurance companies fight hard to protect their bottom lines, which often means denying or trying to underpay your claim. Adjusters may try a variety of tactics, including encouraging you not to hire a lawyer, pressuring you to accept a low-ball settlement offer or shifting some (or all) of the blame onto you.
In Hawaii, it is still possible to obtain compensation even if you share some portion of fault for the accident that injured you. However, you must be found less than 51 percent responsible in order to receive compensation.
Because the other party’s insurer will be looking to avoid as much financial responsibility as possible, be sure to hire an experienced injury lawyer who will know how to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
Contact Recovery Law Center Today
If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident in the greater Honolulu area, the legal team at the Recovery Law Center wants to hear your story.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.
