What are the primary causes of pedestrian accidents?

As pedestrian, you may enjoy the fact that you don't have to fight traffic, waste money on gas, or deal with other drivers.

However, there's something you should always remember: You could be part of a pedestrian accident at some point. The thought of this alone should be enough for you to want to learn more about the most common causes of these accidents. Here are some of the many things drivers can do that put you in a bad spot:

• Distracted driving, which can include things such as texting and talking on the phone
• Speeding
• Disobeying traffic signals and signs
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk
• Failing to use a turn signal
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Disregarding traffic or weather conditions

Dangers lurk on every Chicago street

As a pedestrian, you assume that all you have to do is stay on the sidewalk and look both ways before you cross the street. Unfortunately, this is not always good enough to keep you safe.

For example, you assume that cars will stop when you're crossing at a crosswalk, but it only takes one mistake by one driver to cause an accident. Maybe a person is speeding to get to work, and forgets to stop while you cross. Or maybe someone is talking on the phone, thus not paying attention to the people in the crosswalk.

In addition to understanding why drivers cause motor vehicle accidents, you should also know that there are things you can personally do to avoid trouble. For instance, don't text while walking or cross the street if the signal tells you to stay put.

If you are part of a vehicle-pedestrian accident, the first thing you should think about is your health and well-being. This means staying where you are and waiting for medical help to arrive.

Once you receive treatment and know what's going on with your injuries, you can then learn more about the cause of the accident and your legal rights. It's important to gain a clear understanding of why the accident occurred and who was at fault. If you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.