Pedestrians in crosswalks struck by reckless drivers must be fully supported through recovery. There are a few situations Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Bakersfield never wants to see play out for victims…
- Victims struggling with medical debt while a car insurance company offers no help.
- Victims falling behind on normal monthly bills, like mortgage payments and utility bills, because they are in too much pain to go to work.
Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Bakersfield offers a free, no-obligation consultation for all motorcycle accident victims in Kern County. It’s a chance to determine the value of your case and find out how to force car insurance companies to accept accountability.
Do I Need a Lawyer After Being Struck by a Car in a Crosswalk?
If you are seriously injured in a collision, and a bad driver is to blame, it’s a good idea to speak to a lawyer about your case. A serious injury means higher medical debt, and a tougher fight with car insurance companies that don’t want to get stuck with the bills. Insurance adjusters can resort to blaming you or questioning the seriousness of your injuries.
Your Bakersfield pedestrian accident is a safeguard for your case and often earns you more. Your attorney investigates your case and backs your claim with powerful evidence. Your lawyer files your claim with the goal of securing the maximum in compensation for you and your family. Your lawyer holds insurers accountable while you are able to focus on getting back on your feet.
Who Is Responsible for Pedestrian Accidents at Bakersfield Crosswalks?
Pedestrians are protected in crosswalks. Drivers must slow down (and be ready to stop) for anyone who is crossing, even when motorists have a green light. It’s also important to remember that crosswalks are sometimes invisible around Bakersfield.
They aren’t always marked with white lines or flashing lights. Motorists should show crosswalk caution at any location where a sidewalk meets a street.
When those on foot are struck, they can seek compensation from at-fault drivers. They can ask the driver’s insurer to cover medical bills, lost time at work, and other hardships stemming from an injury.
Pedestrians must also obey traffic laws and not step in front of traffic when they don’t have a “Walk” light. However, a pedestrian crossing the street can sometimes win accident support even if they are crossing the street on a “don’t walk” signal.
Drivers may still be found liable if they didn’t slow down enough to prevent an accident upon seeing someone in the street. Even if the pedestrian is crossing illegally. The driver and the injured victim may share blame in the accident, and that means the pedestrian can ask for at least partial help with medical bills.
What If I’m Blind or Suffer from a Mobility Issue?
Bakersfield drivers are required to monitor for those on foot traveling with disabilities. According to California Vehicle Code 21963., a pedestrian with a white cane or a guide dog will usually identify a pedestrian with a vision impairment.
Drivers must always yield to a blind person on the street. Striking a blind pedestrian can result in a misdemeanor charge and jail time.
Drivers should also show extra caution to those with mobility issues as they try to make their way around Bakersfield. They should slow down anytime they see a pedestrian. Drivers must allow extra space and time for those who may be using crutches or using a wheelchair. A knee scooter/knee walker would also indicate someone needed extra care.
Those with physical disabilities may need longer to get across an intersection, perhaps longer than a “walk” sign allows. Drivers should wait until the pedestrian has crossed at least their half of the street before proceeding on a green light. They should also make stops at intersections at least five feet behind the crosswalk, so they don’t create an extra difficult journey for pedestrians.
These courtesies should also be shown to mothers crossing with children.
Do I Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
If you come away from a pedestrian collision with a serious injury, say a broken bone or a head injury, talk to a lawyer in a free consultation. An attorney would be able to help you take on a giant car insurance company, and in many cases, earn you more.
Contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Bakersfield to schedule a confidential, no-obligation review of your case.
If you do need a strong Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyer to help earn what you require for a full recovery, you don’t have to use your savings to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check that a car insurer must write for you.
