Pedestrian
A pedestrian is any individual who travels on foot, including those walking, jogging, or using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. In traffic law, pedestrians have specific rights and responsibilities when sharing roadways with vehicles, and drivers are required to exercise care to avoid accidents. Pedestrian accidents, often resulting in severe injuries, are typically caused by driver negligence, unsafe road conditions, or pedestrian inattention. At 770GoodLaw, we assist pedestrians injured in accidents, helping them understand their rights, navigate claims, and seek fair compensation for their injuries.
Rights of Pedestrians on the Road
Pedestrians are afforded specific rights to ensure their safety on public roadways. Understanding these rights helps prevent accidents and establishes liability when accidents occur. Key rights of pedestrians include:
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Right of Way in Crosswalks: Pedestrians generally have the right of way at marked crosswalks, where drivers must yield to allow them to cross safely.
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Protection at Intersections: Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing legally at intersections, whether or not there is a marked crosswalk.
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Right to Use Sidewalks: Pedestrians have the right to use sidewalks, and drivers exiting driveways or alleys must yield before crossing sidewalks.
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Protection in School Zones: In designated school zones, drivers are required to slow down and exercise extra caution to protect child pedestrians.
Responsibilities of Pedestrians
While pedestrians have specific rights, they also have responsibilities to promote safety and reduce the risk of accidents. Key responsibilities include:
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Following Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and pedestrian control devices at intersections and crosswalks.
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Using Crosswalks: Pedestrians should use crosswalks when available and avoid crossing in the middle of the street or between parked cars.
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Avoiding Distractions: Pedestrians are encouraged to stay alert and avoid distractions, such as using phones, when crossing streets or walking near traffic.
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Yielding to Vehicles Outside Crosswalks: When crossing outside of designated crosswalks, pedestrians must yield to vehicles, as drivers may not expect them.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are often the result of driver negligence or unsafe conditions, but they can also occur due to pedestrian inattention. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones, GPS devices, or other distractions may fail to notice pedestrians crossing or walking nearby.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time, increasing the likelihood of striking a pedestrian.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who do not yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections create hazardous situations.
- Poor Lighting or Visibility: Low-light conditions, fog, or obstructed views can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night.
- Jaywalking: Pedestrians who cross outside of designated crosswalks may put themselves at risk, as drivers may not anticipate their presence.
Steps for Pedestrians After an Accident
If a pedestrian is involved in an accident, it’s important to take certain steps to protect their health and preserve their legal rights. Key steps include:
- Seeking Medical Attention: Immediate medical evaluation is essential, as pedestrian injuries are often severe, even if they do not appear obvious at first.
- Reporting the Accident: Pedestrians should report the accident to the police, ensuring an official report documents the details of the incident.
- Collecting Information: If possible, the pedestrian should gather contact information from the driver, witnesses, and any bystanders who can provide statements.
- Documenting the Scene: Taking photos of the accident scene, injuries, and any road conditions can provide valuable evidence for a potential claim.
- Consulting an Attorney: Seeking legal advice helps pedestrians understand their rights, assess liability, and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses and damages.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians injured in accidents may be eligible for various types of compensation to address the financial, physical, and emotional impacts of their injuries. Common types of compensation include:
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Medical Expenses: Compensation for emergency treatment, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
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Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work, as well as loss of earning capacity if the injury causes long-term limitations.
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Pain and Suffering: Damages awarded for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on quality of life.
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Property Damage: If the pedestrian’s personal property, such as a phone or glasses, was damaged in the accident, they may be eligible for compensation.
How 770GoodLaw Assists Pedestrians with Accident Claims
At 770GoodLaw, we are committed to helping pedestrians injured in accidents seek justice and fair compensation. Our attorneys provide experienced representation, from investigating the cause of the accident to negotiating with insurers. Our approach includes:
- Evaluating Liability: We assess the circumstances of the accident, determining fault and identifying responsible parties for the claim.
- Gathering Comprehensive Evidence: Our team collects police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any relevant video footage to support the claim.
- Negotiating Fair Settlements: We negotiate assertively with insurance companies, advocating for full compensation that reflects the extent of our clients’ injuries and losses.
- Providing Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we represent pedestrians in court to seek justice and hold liable parties accountable.
Importance of Legal Representation for Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident claims can be complex, particularly when determining fault and negotiating with insurers. Legal representation ensures that injured pedestrians have a knowledgeable advocate on their side, maximizing their chances for fair compensation. At 770GoodLaw, we provide dedicated support for clients injured in pedestrian accidents, helping them navigate the claims process with confidence.
Why Choose 770GoodLaw for Pedestrian Accident Claims
Our commitment to Relentless Reliability and Sincetegrity drives us to provide comprehensive, client-focused representation for pedestrians injured in accidents. At 770GoodLaw, we work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and secure fair compensation for their injuries.
