Pedestrian accidents happen when someone hits you with a car, bicycle, or other vehicle while you are on foot. These accidents happen for many reasons, including driver or pedestrian negligence and inadequate or defective infrastructure, and can leave you with severe and life-altering injuries.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident caused by the thoughtless actions of a negligent motorist, you have every right to expect them to cover the costs of this accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A qualified personal injury attorney can help. Contact a Hayward pedestrian accident lawyer to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents occur for countless reasons and in various locations, such as crosswalks, parking lots, and intersections. Some common causes include:
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Distracted driving, such as texting
- Low visibility at night or during inclement weather
- Failing to yield to pedestrians who have the right-of-way
- Lack of adequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as clearly marked crosswalks, traffic signs, and sidewalks
After reviewing the case, a Hayward pedestrian accident attorney can answer case-specific questions about the process and responsibility.
Establishing Fault
Establishing fault after accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians is essential for collecting a settlement to cover damages and losses. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Hayward with extensive experience with these cases can investigate and gather crucial evidence to establish the cause of the accident.
The investigation may include reviewing the traffic rules in the accident’s location, speaking to eyewitnesses, reviewing police reports, and interviewing experts. A lawyer may also request and review surveillance footage and recreate the accident to closely review the factors leading up to the collision.
Rules of the Road
All drivers and pedestrians must understand their rights and responsibilities to the roadways to prevent accidents. Motorists must watch for people crossing the street and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. When crossing at intersections with traffic light control, pedestrians must obey the signal and cross only when they receive an indication that it is safe to proceed. Pedestrians should avoid jaywalking whenever possible.
Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to approaching vehicles when crossing the road outside marked or unmarked crosswalks. Motorists must exercise a higher level of care and caution while traveling in school zones, and children crossing the street in crosswalks always have the right-of-way.
Drivers must also yield to blind pedestrians using white canes or guide dogs. Traffic laws can vary substantially, depending on the local ordinances and other factors.
Meet with a Knowledgeable Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Hayward
Pedestrian accidents can have severe and lasting consequences, leaving you with permanent disabilities, an inability to work, and mounting medical expenses. If you were in an accident and sustained damages because of driver carelessness, you must hold them responsible for their thoughtless actions.
A Hayward pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the compensation process and advocate for the maximum award to cover your damages and losses. Call today to learn more and schedule an appointment to discuss your options.