Santa Clarita Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Being involved in an accident as a pedestrian can be a very scary and traumatic event. Pedestrians can get seriously injured or even killed if there is an auto accident. About 20% of all traffic fatalities involve pedestrians.
They are the most vulnerable group. They typically are not wearing protective gear of any sort because they are not planning on getting hit. California has many laws in place designed to protect pedestrians. For example, vehicles must yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the street. If other cars are stopped, that should be a clue that a pedestrian might be crossing. As a general rule, while pedestrians are certainly subject to traffic laws, drivers of motor vehicles bear greater responsibility.
Vehicles should yield the right of way to pedestrians at all times, especially when entering or exiting a driveway. This can be particularly dangerous when a pedestrian is walking down the sidewalk. Elderly or disabled folks should be given ample time to cross the street. This is not the time to be impatient. Generally speaking, vehicles should exercise due caution even if someone is crossing the street at an unmarked location. It is important to talk to an experienced attorney if you've been injured as a pedestrian. The advice of a good lawyer can be very helpful in resolving your claim against the responsible party. A lawyer can advise you of your rights and reasonable expectations.
If you were injured as a pedestrian, you may recover damages for:
If the pedestrian dies, his or her survivors may be entitled to compensation. However, just by being a pedestrian doesn't mean you will win your case every time. Even though the law generally places a heavier burden on the driver of a motor vehicle, every pedestrian has the duty to obey traffic laws and to reasonably observe traffic conditions.
Generally speaking, pedestrians should not begin or continue crossing a street if they see an approaching vehicle. That is just plain common sense. If you were partly to blame for the accident you may bear some responsibility, which may reduce your eventual recovery. For example, if you were 50% at fault, your recovery may be reduced by half.
Being involved in an accident as a pedestrian can be a very scary and traumatic event. Pedestrians can get seriously injured or even killed if there is an auto accident. About 20% of all traffic fatalities involve pedestrians.
They are the most vulnerable group. They typically are not wearing protective gear of any sort because they are not planning on getting hit. California has many laws in place designed to protect pedestrians. For example, vehicles must yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the street. If other cars are stopped, that should be a clue that a pedestrian might be crossing. As a general rule, while pedestrians are certainly subject to traffic laws, drivers of motor vehicles bear greater responsibility.
Vehicles should yield the right of way to pedestrians at all times, especially when entering or exiting a driveway. This can be particularly dangerous when a pedestrian is walking down the sidewalk. Elderly or disabled folks should be given ample time to cross the street. This is not the time to be impatient. Generally speaking, vehicles should exercise due caution even if someone is crossing the street at an unmarked location. It is important to talk to an experienced attorney if you've been injured as a pedestrian. The advice of a good lawyer can be very helpful in resolving your claim against the responsible party. A lawyer can advise you of your rights and reasonable expectations.
If you were injured as a pedestrian, you may recover damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future wage loss
- Past and future pain and suffering
- If the defendant's conduct is extreme, punitive damages may be awarded.
If the pedestrian dies, his or her survivors may be entitled to compensation. However, just by being a pedestrian doesn't mean you will win your case every time. Even though the law generally places a heavier burden on the driver of a motor vehicle, every pedestrian has the duty to obey traffic laws and to reasonably observe traffic conditions.
Generally speaking, pedestrians should not begin or continue crossing a street if they see an approaching vehicle. That is just plain common sense. If you were partly to blame for the accident you may bear some responsibility, which may reduce your eventual recovery. For example, if you were 50% at fault, your recovery may be reduced by half.