Back To School Time Means Greater Risk of Accidents

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Attorney Grant Travis | Travis Law Firm | Personal Injury Attorney, DUI Defense Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney | Serving Erie, Crawford, Warren & all of Northwestern PA | Call the Travis Law Firm at 814-277-2222 today!

As students return to college this fall, we see an increase in bicycle crashes and pedestrian accidents. Many college students ride bicycles or walk for economic, health, or environmental reasons. With an increase in bicycle and pedestrian traffic, the number of injuries from traffic-related accidents can increase. As experienced personal injury attorneys serving many of the college towns in northwestern Pennsylvania, the safety of our college students is important to us.

Therefore, we want to take this opportunity to review some bicycle and pedestrian safety tips that can help prevent accidents on college campuses and in college towns.

College Campus Pedestrian Safety Tips

When walking on and off your college campus remember to:

  • Always walk with someone whenever possible, especially at night
  • Use sidewalks — if sidewalks are not available, walk as far off the road as safely possible
  • Use crosswalks or cross at intersections
  • Obey all traffic signals
  • Remain alert at all times — avoid distractions such as texting, eating, and talking on the cell phone when walking
  • Wear reflecting clothing and carry a flashlight when walking at night, at dusk, or at dawn

College Campus Bicycle Safety Tips

Some of the same safety tips that you need to remember as a pedestrian can keep you safe while riding your bicycle:

  • Remain alert – avoid using electronic devices and wearing headphones while riding
  • Wear reflective clothing and install reflectors on your bicycle for riding at dusk, at dawn, and at night
  • Obey all traffic laws when riding on campus and off campus
  • Keep your bicycle well-maintained
  • Watch for drivers because they do not always watch for you
  • Never ride more than two bicycles side by side
  • Install a headlight and a tail light on your bicycle
  • Read and follow all Pennsylvania bicycle laws
  • Do not carry large packages or heavy items when riding — carry books and other items in a backpack

Steps To Take After A Bicycle Accident or Pedestrian Accident

If you are injured while walking or riding your bicycle, the steps you take after the accident are very important. You want to protect your health and protect your legal rights.

  • Seek medical attention, regardless of whether you believe you are seriously injured. In addition to getting the medical care you need, you also need to document your injuries for your accident claim.
  • Call the police. Always file a police report for a bicycle accident or pedestrian accident.
  • Get as much information as possible at the accident scene. Ask the driver for his or her name and contact information. Note the make and model of the vehicle. Ask eye witnesses for their names and contact information. Take photographs of the area and the vehicle.
  • Do not provide a statement to the insurance company for the driver or sign any releases or forms until you consult with an attorney. The insurance adjuster is NOT working for you!
  • Consult with an attorney as soon as possible. You need someone on your side who has your best interest as the top priority and who will fight to protect your legal right to receive a fair and full settlement for your injuries.

Call a Northwestern Pennsylvania Accident Attorney

Contact The Travis Law Firm toll free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.  Our office serves clients throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. If you have been injured in an accident, let our attorneys handle the insurance company while you focus on your recovery.