Many people choose to walk to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, or simply get where they need to go without driving. Unfortunately, pedestrians are vulnerable in traffic, and even a moment of driver inattention can lead to serious and life-changing injuries.

If you or someone you love was hurt because a motorist failed to drive responsibly, you deserve answers and support as you move forward. A compassionate Santa Paula pedestrian accident lawyer at Swift Justice can explain your rights and help you pursue the compensation and accountability you may be owed.

Motorists Must Share the Road Safely With Pedestrians

Pedestrians and motorists are most likely to meet at crosswalks. The law requires motorists to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. However, drivers may fail to pay attention, and pedestrian injuries and deaths have risen considerably over the past decade due to negligent drivers.

Pedestrian Right-Of-Way

Important points to keep in mind regarding the right-of-way that pedestrians enjoy include the following:

  • If a traffic light or signal instructs pedestrians to stop at the intersection, they lose the right-of-way
  • Jaywalking is no longer illegal in California as long as pedestrians exercise care and there is no oncoming traffic
  • Pedestrians who are vision impaired and use a cane or have a guide dog have the right-of-way at every intersection
  • A crosswalk is anywhere that two roads intersect at something close to a 90-degree angle—the distinctive white lines are not required

When a motorist approaches a crosswalk with one or more pedestrians in it, they must stop until the pedestrians have crossed and it is safe to proceed. If a driver injured you in a collision at a pedestrian crosswalk in Santa Paula, a skilled attorney can review the details of your accident to help you understand your potential legal options.

Pedestrians Also Face Legal Restrictions

The law requires pedestrians to exercise caution when they cross the street. This includes refraining from leaving the curb suddenly, delaying or stopping traffic unnecessarily when crossing the street, or stepping into the immediate path of an oncoming car or vehicle. When pedestrians cross the street outside of a crosswalk, they must wait until no traffic is close enough to pose an immediate risk.

No matter how safe pedestrians are, drivers can still make errors that lead to severe injuries.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Motorists who are not paying enough attention are often the cause of pedestrian accidents. This may be due to distracted driving, excessive speed, fatigue, impairment, failure to yield the right-of-way, or failure to stop at red lights.

When motorists enter intersections, they must prioritize safety, including scanning for pedestrians and taking the necessary precautions on their behalf. Drivers who prioritize reaching their destinations over sharing the roadway safely put pedestrians at extreme risk. If a driver hurt you while you were walking in Santa Paula, an attorney can help you determine the reason for their negligence.

Identifying Your Legal Damages

In a Santa Paula pedestrian accident claim, an attorney can help you pursue compensation for the full range of losses you’ve experienced. This includes economic damages such as current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income if your injuries have kept you from work.

You may also be able to recover non-economic damages, which reflect the personal toll an accident can take—physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and the disruption to your daily life and independence. For many injured pedestrians, these non-financial harms can be just as significant as the medical bills themselves.

Consult With an Experienced Pedestrian Injury Attorney in Santa Paula Today

A dedicated Santa Paula pedestrian accident lawyer at Swift Justice appreciates the significance of your claim in relation to your future and will spare no effort on your behalf. For more information on how we can help, contact us online or call us today.

Contact Us!