Pedestrian accidents are oftentimes very difficult for the victims. They were simply walking along, going about their daily business and a car slams into them. This can lead to very serious accidents. In some cases, the driver of the car will automatically blame the pedestrian and claim that the pedestrian should have stayed out of the way. But, that isn’t correct. All drivers and pedestrians should know the answers to some basic questions about pedestrian traffic.
Shouldn’t pedestrians just stay out of a car’s way?
Pedestrians have a duty to follow the law when it comes to their interactions with cars. There are some places where pedestrians do have the right-of-way. One is in crosswalks. If there is a signal for the pedestrians, the signal should be obeyed. Pedestrians should also use common sense when interacting with vehicles. It is usually a good idea to stay out of the roadway when there are vehicles that are approaching if it doesn’t appear that those vehicles will be able to stop. This alone might help to prevent some pedestrian accidents.
What kinds of compensation can pedestrians seek?
Pedestrians can seek a variety of different types of compensation if they are struck by a vehicle. This can include damages for pain and suffering, medical bills and missed wages. The damages could depend on the cause of the accident, but you would have to show that the driver who struck you was either driving recklessly or acting in a negligent manner. There are firm time limits that apply in these cases, so if you were struck by a vehicle you should learn about your options quickly.
Source: FindLaw, “Pedestrian Accidents FAQ,” accessed Jan. 05, 2017