Pedestrian accident lawyers: Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Many people also walk for relaxation and at the same time, considered as an environment-friendly means of transportation. Besides, walking is much safer and less stressful compared to driving a car since you won’t get stuck in a traffic jam.
The cool breeze in Glendale makes it suitable to stroll around the neighborhood, do your errands on foot, or walk to work if the workplace isn’t that far. However, being a pedestrian doesn’t mean you’re out of danger when out on the streets. Remember that you’re sharing the road with different vehicles and drivers.
If you or a loved one was run by a vehicle while rightfully crossing the street, you have the right to file a claim against that negligent person who caused your injuries. Contact Big Ben Lawyers and speak with one of our pedestrian accident lawyers to know what are your options. Call our office at (818) 423-4878 (Glendale) and schedule a FREE consultation of your case.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers: What is a Pedestrian?
A pedestrian is regarded as any individual who walks, on a skateboard, roller skates, hoverboard, in a wheelchair, or uses a tricycle but isn’t a standard bicycle. You don’t always have the right of way and must use specified crossing areas when going out into the streets. However, drivers or motorists are responsible to take sensible caution to uphold a pedestrian’s safety.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws in Glendale
According to California Vehicle Code 29150, drivers must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian traversing the roadway within any designated crosswalk or within any unspecified crosswalk at a crossroad. This doesn’t mean that pedestrians will always have the right of way.
The truth is, they have no authorization to walk into the street without a crosswalk. The pedestrian should give way to vehicle traffic on the road anywhere with no marks or have marks for intersection crosswalks.
Simply put, not every intersection has a marked crosswalk. If there’s no mark, there’s still a supposed crosswalk. Drivers, on the other hand, must yield to a pedestrian who will cross the street.
Additionally, the law states that even if a pedestrian has no permission to just step into the street in the course of a vehicle where no crosswalk is present, the driver is still responsible to drive safely to avoid crashing into a pedestrian in case they cross the street.
Take note of the following pedestrian right-of-way laws in Glendale:
- A motorist or driver may not drive on a sidewalk except if it’s necessary to cross the street
- A pedestrian must follow traffic rules, but a motorist is anticipated to give right of way even if the pedestrian isn’t correctly following the law
- A pedestrian has the right of way in either marked or unmarked crosswalks but is not allowed to jaywalk
- A driver should yield to a blind person using their cane to indicate that they would enter a crosswalk while pulling a cane back indicates the driver to proceed
- The motorist must stop at least 5 feet from a crosswalk so pedestrians can cross safely
- The driver should slow down and be ready to stop at any time they draw close to an intersection
Liability in a Glendale Pedestrian Accident
You can be hit by any vehicle such car, motorcycle, bus, or even another pedestrian while crossing the street. Eventually, the standard for liability and negligence in a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian is the same as any other personal injury.
As an injured pedestrian, you have to prove three elements to recover damages in a personal injury claim. These are:
- The driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver’s negligence breached that duty of care
- That negligence of the driver caused your injury
The driver is responsible for ensuring other people’s safety while on the road driving to prevent accidents and injuries.
Comparative Negligence
Glendale follows the comparative negligence rule when an injured person contributes to the accident causing his own injury. Under this rule, he can get compensation but not in full because the percentage of his negligence will be deducted that caused the misfortune.
An example is a pedestrian crossing an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection while texting his phone. He didn’t notice a car that was fast approaching and hit him. Both of them share responsibility for the accident. If you’re the pedestrian you may file a lawsuit against the reckless driver, however, the court may determine that you’re at least 10% responsible for the accident because of your inattentiveness. You know that you’re crossing the street, and you should have paid attention to your surroundings, especially to incoming traffic.
Since this is a complicated situation, speaking with our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will help you better understand your share of responsibility and the percentage of the compensation that you will get.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Glendale?
Getting hit by speeding cars, buses, or trucks while crossing the road may result in serious damages and even death. Even if there are safety measures set by the government, accidents on the road still happen because of other negligence. If you or a loved one suffered injuries because you were hit by a vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact Big Ben Lawyers to help protect your rights.
Some of the most common reasons for the occurrences of pedestrian accidents in Glendale include:
- Speeding drivers
- Drunk driving or intoxicated driving
- Pedestrians are jaywalking
- Distracted drivers
- Children crossing the street without an adult’s supervision
- Walking at night
- Drivers making unsafe left or right turns
- Distracted pedestrians
Freedom to Walk Act
This is a pedestrian crossing bill that was recently signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom that decriminalizes jaywalking in California. It allows pedestrians to cross outside of intersections if they believe it’s safe to do so. Additionally, it limits officers from stopping pedestrians from jaywalking. This bill will take effect on January 1, 2023.
Get the Help You Need. Contact Big Ben Lawyers Today.
If you’re a victim of a pedestrian accident whether you suffer minor or serious injuries, it’s better to speak with our compassionate and knowledgeable advocates not only to help protect your rights but also to help you know what are your options. Most of our lawyers have a background and interest in Medicine and could therefore help establish a strong case against the defendant.
You have nothing to lose because Big Ben Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Get in touch with us today so we can work on your case immediately because waiting can only hurt your case.
Reach out to us today and schedule a FREE evaluation of your case.
Big Ben Lawyers
144 N Glendale Ave.
Suite 250
Glendale, CA 91206