Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in urban areas, especially in crosswalks where pedestrians should feel safest. If you’ve been hit by a car while using a crosswalk, it can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. The primary question that arises is, “Who has the right of way?” Understanding pedestrian right of way laws and how they apply in crosswalk accidents is crucial for protecting your rights and securing compensation.
This article will dive deep into the legal aspects of pedestrian accidents, focusing on who holds the right of way, what you need to know as a pedestrian accident victim, and how to seek the legal assistance of a pedestrian accident lawyer to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Understanding Pedestrian Right of Way Laws
In most places, pedestrian right of way laws favor the pedestrian when they are in designated crosswalks. These laws are designed to protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians from the dangers posed by vehicles, especially in busy urban settings. However, understanding how these laws apply to individual accidents can be complex, particularly when drivers or insurance companies attempt to shift blame.
Pedestrians’ Legal Right of Way in Crosswalks
Generally, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the street in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection. This right is usually backed by local traffic laws that require drivers to yield to pedestrians who are in the crosswalk. The reasoning behind these laws is that pedestrians are more vulnerable than drivers, and any collision between a car and a pedestrian is likely to result in significant injuries to the pedestrian.
For instance, in many states, drivers must come to a complete stop when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk, even if the driver has a green light. However, there are nuances to the law depending on the specific situation, such as whether the pedestrian suddenly stepped out into traffic or was crossing against a traffic signal.
Exceptions to Pedestrian Right of Way
While pedestrians generally have the right of way in crosswalks, there are exceptions. Drivers are not always at fault in pedestrian accidents, and understanding the details of the incident is essential to determining liability. Some common exceptions include:
- Jaywalking: If a pedestrian crosses the street outside of a designated crosswalk or intersection, they may not have the legal right of way.
- Crossing against traffic signals: Pedestrians are required to obey traffic signals just as drivers are. If a pedestrian enters a crosswalk when the “Do Not Walk” sign is illuminated, they may be considered partially at fault for the accident.
- Sudden Entry into Traffic: If a pedestrian suddenly steps out into traffic without giving the driver adequate time to stop, the driver may not be fully liable for the accident.
Understanding these exceptions can help clarify who was at fault for the accident and what compensation you may be entitled to. If you are unsure about how the law applies to your situation, consulting with a pedestrian accident lawyer is highly recommended.
How Pedestrian Accident Victims Can Prove Right of Way
Proving that you, as a pedestrian, had the right of way during the accident is crucial to establishing the driver’s liability and obtaining compensation for your injuries. There are several key pieces of evidence that can help you build a strong case.
1. Eyewitness Testimonies
Eyewitnesses play a crucial role in pedestrian accident cases. Their accounts of the accident can confirm whether you were in the crosswalk, obeying traffic signals, and exercising reasonable caution at the time of the accident. Gathering statements from witnesses who saw the event unfold can bolster your claim and clarify any points of dispute.
2. Surveillance and Traffic Camera Footage
In many urban areas, intersections and crosswalks are monitored by traffic cameras or private security cameras from nearby businesses. This footage can provide an unbiased view of the accident, showing exactly where you were when the collision occurred, how fast the vehicle was traveling, and whether the driver failed to yield. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you access and secure this critical evidence before it is erased or overwritten.
3. Police Reports
After a pedestrian accident, it’s important to contact the police immediately. The police report will contain important information about the scene of the accident, statements from both parties, and possibly the officer’s determination of who was at fault. This report can be crucial when proving that you had the right of way and the driver was negligent.
4. Medical Records
Your medical records will not only document the extent of your injuries but also serve as evidence that the injuries were caused by the accident. Consistent medical documentation, starting from the emergency room visit and continuing through any follow-up treatments, helps establish the timeline and severity of your injuries.
5. Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene
If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene. These visuals can show the location of the crosswalk, the damage to the vehicle, and any skid marks or other indicators of how the accident occurred. Visual evidence can be especially powerful in court and during settlement negotiations.
The Role of Comparative Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents
In many pedestrian accident cases, the concept of comparative negligence comes into play. Comparative negligence refers to situations where both the pedestrian and the driver may share some level of responsibility for the accident. In these cases, the amount of compensation the pedestrian can recover is reduced by their percentage of fault.
How Comparative Negligence Works
Let’s say a pedestrian crosses in a crosswalk but does so against the traffic signal. The driver, who was speeding, hits the pedestrian. Both parties may be partially at fault—the pedestrian for disobeying the signal and the driver for speeding. Under comparative negligence laws, the pedestrian’s compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.
For example, if the pedestrian is found to be 30% at fault and the total damages are $100,000, the pedestrian would only recover $70,000. Understanding how comparative negligence applies in your state and your case can have a significant impact on your settlement or court award.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help Navigate Comparative Negligence
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident where comparative negligence may apply, it’s crucial to work with a pedestrian accident lawyer. They will advocate on your behalf, ensuring that any percentage of fault assigned to you is minimized and that you still receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Your lawyer will gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and if necessary, represent you in court to ensure that your right to compensation is protected, even if you are found partially at fault.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians who are hit by vehicles often suffer from serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries due to the lack of protection between their bodies and the vehicle. Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:
1. Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries
A common and serious result of pedestrian accidents is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even if you were hit at a lower speed, the impact can cause your head to strike the pavement or the vehicle, resulting in concussions or more severe brain injuries. TBIs can have long-term effects on cognitive functions, memory, and personality.
2. Broken Bones
Pedestrians often suffer from multiple fractures or broken bones due to the direct impact of a vehicle. The legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis are particularly vulnerable in these accidents. Severe fractures may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries
A pedestrian hit by a vehicle may experience spinal cord injuries, which can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis. Spinal injuries often require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and long-term care, significantly affecting the victim’s quality of life.
4. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are common in pedestrian accidents, even if they are not immediately visible. Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and ruptured blood vessels can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
5. Emotional Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, pedestrian accident victims often suffer from emotional trauma. The psychological impact of being hit by a car can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which may require therapy and long-term mental health support.
Seeking Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
As a pedestrian accident victim, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries, including both economic and non-economic damages. Here are the types of damages that may be available to you:
1. Medical Expenses
You can seek compensation for all medical bills related to the accident, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing care such as physical therapy. If your injuries require long-term medical care or future surgeries, you can also claim compensation for anticipated future medical costs.
2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you can claim compensation for lost wages. If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, affecting your ability to earn an income, you may also seek compensation for loss of earning capacity.
3. Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering is designed to compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This includes compensation for emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and any long-term psychological effects.
4. Property Damage
If any of your personal belongings were damaged in the accident, such as your phone, clothing, or other items, you can also seek compensation for property damage.
5. Punitive Damages
In some cases, if the driver’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior in the future.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially if you are recovering from serious injuries. A pedestrian accident lawyer can provide the legal support and guidance you need to navigate the complexities of the claims process, ensure your rights are protected, and maximize the compensation you receive.
1. Gathering Evidence
A lawyer will help gather all necessary evidence to prove that you had the right of way and that the driver was at fault. This includes collecting witness statements, securing surveillance footage, and obtaining police reports.
2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing liability or offering lowball settlements. Your lawyer will handle all negotiations with the insurance company, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
3. Representing You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting a compelling case on your behalf. Their goal will be to ensure that the court recognizes the driver’s negligence and awards you the full compensation you deserve.
Conclusion: Protect Your Rights as a Pedestrian Accident Victim
If you’ve been hit by a car while in a crosswalk, it’s essential to understand who has the right of way and how that affects your claim for compensation. By working with a pedestrian accident lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Pedestrian accidents can have long-lasting effects on your life, but with the right legal representation, you can hold the at-fault driver accountable and secure the compensation you need to recover. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified lawyer to discuss your case and begin the process of seeking justice.
English 
Español de México