As gas prices increase nationwide, walking has become an even more common form of transportation for populous cities in states like California. The financial and physical benefits are helpful, but they don’t prevent walking from becoming a dangerous task for both drivers and pedestrians.
Even with California’s initiatives to improve roadways, pedestrians are still unsafe. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,485 people died while walking in 2021. Of these fatalities, 1,026 occurred in California. Most of these accidents can be attributed to conditions such as age, time of day, distracted driving, or walking/driving under the influence. With these varying factors, safe driving and walking practices are crucial yet do not prevent pedestrian accidents.
If you find yourself in a pedestrian accident, it can become complicated considering all the factors: Was the pedestrian jaywalking? Were one or both parties distracted during the time of the accident? Was it a hit-and-run? For these questions and more, you need a knowledgeable pedestrian injury accident law firm like Avrek Law to help you properly proceed.
Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way When Jaywalking?
Pedestrian accidents can be tricky and require you to examine the pretext of the accident. In some cases, the pedestrian could have been jaywalking. Alongside drivers, pedestrians are responsible for following the rules on the road. When the signal allows, they only have the right-of-way crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. However, if a driver was distracted or speeding, the driver could be at fault. Drivers are expected to slow down for pedestrians, even if jaywalking occurs.
Regardless of the conditions, if you are hit by a vehicle while walking, it’s necessary to reach out to a lawyer to discuss your next steps.
Getting Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian
Getting hit by a car as a pedestrian is a traumatic experience. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 7,500 pedestrians died between 2009 and 2018 from pedestrian accident-related. In 2018, more than 14,000 pedestrians were critically injured.
These accidents create physical, emotional and financial distress for you and your loved ones. Knowing what to do after an accident is crucial to receive suitable pedestrian accident compensation for your case. First, seek medical assistance and report your injuries, even if they aren’t severe. Next, document any information from the accident, such as weather conditions, vehicle make and model, the driver’s license number and witnesses. After documenting this information, speak with your insurance company about your policy.
Even after following these steps on your own, it is wise to find a pedestrian injury lawyer like those at Avrek Law who can protect your legal rights and keep you focused on recovery.
How to Report a Hit and Run in California
A pedestrian accident can become even more stress-inducing if a hit-and-run occurs. A hit-and-run can happen for many reasons, including distracted driving, uninsured vehicles, revoked licenses or unlicensed drivers. In California, an accident is considered a hit-and-run if the driver fled the scene, failed to identify themselves, and didn’t leave contact information for the other party or parties involved.
If the driver neglects any of these actions, here is how to report a hit and run accident in California.
- Collect as much information from the scene, such as location, time and what was happening during the accident.
- Document witnesses of the accident.
- Take photos of any damaged property or injuries from the collision.
- Report the hit and run to the police and provide as much information as possible.
- Inform your insurance provider of the collision.
- Seek medical assistance.
- Find a pedestrian injury accident law firm in your area to represent your case.
Seek Legal Assistance from a Dependable Pedestrian Injury Accident Law Firm
No one should fight their pedestrian accident case alone. If you are a pedestrian who has been struck by a car, you will have more severe injuries than the occupants in the vehicle. Therefore, you need a reliable pedestrian injury lawyer from Avrek Law to protect your legal rights as you recover and help you determine how to proceed with your case. With more than 50 years of combined experience, Avrek Law has recovered more than $1 billion for clients in more than 45,000 cases. Our expertise is what you need to receive the maximum pedestrian accident compensation. Contact us today to receive a free consultation and start fighting your case.
