Pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality in our society, affecting individuals from all walks of life. However, recent studies have shed light on a troubling disparity: Racial minorities are disproportionately impacted by these accidents. A recent article published in The New York Times highlights the disturbing racial disparity in pedestrian accidents across the United States. The analysis reveals that Black pedestrians are overrepresented in traffic fatalities … [Read more...]
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident? What You Should Know About Crosswalk Laws in California
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in California, it's important to understand the state's crosswalk laws. Knowing your rights and responsibilities will help you navigate the aftermath with confidence, so you can seek the compensation you deserve. First and foremost, you should know that California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians who are in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. This means if you were legally crossing the street when the driver hit you, they are likely at … [Read more...]
The Freedom to Walk Act Has Decriminalized Jaywalking in California
Pedestrians in California no longer have to worry about getting ticketed for crossing outside a formal intersection—as long as there is no “immediate danger of a collision.” Under the Freedom to Walk Act, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed late last month, jaywalking has been decriminalized across the state. The new law states that officers can only ticket pedestrians for jaywalking if doing so posed the risk of a motor-vehicle collision. Written by Assemblymember Phil Ting of San … [Read more...]
The Dos & Don’ts of Building a Pedestrian Accident Claim
If you were struck by a motorist while on foot, you may be planning on filing a pedestrian accident claim. The damages are probably mounting quickly, after all, and it may not be much longer before your financial security is in jeopardy. Thankfully, by taking action, you may be able to secure compensation for virtually all the losses you incur. First, however, you’re going to have to put together a strong claim. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you should take—and some of … [Read more...]
What to Look for in a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
From drunk drivers to reckless motorcycle riders, there are all kinds of traffic hazards that can seriously hurt—or even kill—people on foot. Across the United States, roughly one pedestrian is killed every 88 minutes. An additional 137,000 pedestrians need emergency care for non-fatal accident-related injuries annually. If you were seriously hurt in a pedestrian accident, it’s imperative that you turn to the right attorney for legal counsel. Not all personal injury firms are … [Read more...]
6 FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Claims
Every 90 minutes, a pedestrian is struck and killed by a motorist in the United States. People on foot are incredibly vulnerable in traffic crashes because they have zero protection from the force of impact. As such, even low-speed collisions have the potential to cause debilitating injuries and even death. If your loved one died from accident-related injuries that he or she sustained while on foot, your family may have grounds for legal action. Let’s take a look at the answers to some of the … [Read more...]
4 FAQs About Midblock Pedestrian Accident Claims
Jaywalking might seem like a fairly benign traffic violation, but if you are hit by a vehicle while breaking the law, you may face an uphill climb when it comes to pursuing damages. Depending on the circumstances, however, it might be possible for a pedestrian to recover compensation for 100 percent of their economic and non-economic damages even if they were jaywalking. Determining liability for a “midblock accident” can be complicated, and even if there is strong evidence of liability, the … [Read more...]
Can I File a Pedestrian Accident Claim If I Was Jaywalking?
It’s no surprise why so many people make a habit out of jaywalking. It saves time, and trekking down the road just to reach an intersection can seem overly cautious. Unfortunately, if you were hit by a vehicle while jaywalking, it might be difficult to recover compensation for 100 percent of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. In the state of California, pedestrians are generally prohibited from entering a roadway outside of a marked crosswalk, or on an unmarked crosswalk at an … [Read more...]
4 Differences Between Pedestrian Accident vs. Auto Accident Claims
You may already be familiar with the basic process of filing an auto insurance claim. You gather evidence at the scene, get a police report, seek medical care, calculate your damages, and you or your attorney submits the claim package. Although these same steps apply to pedestrian accident cases, the laws that govern liability are slightly different when a pedestrian is involved. Also, the injuries suffered by pedestrians tend to be severe, which can affect settlement negotiations. If you were … [Read more...]
Will Banning “Texting While Walking” Prevent Pedestrian Accidents?
Traffic accidents are killing pedestrians in record numbers. In 2016, pedestrian deaths reached their highest level since 1990. The 5,987 pedestrian accident fatalities in 2016 represented an 11% increase in deaths from 2015 and a 27% increase from 2007. Pedestrian accident attorneys have seen the devastating impact on families when cars kill or seriously injure pedestrians. The 2017 pedestrian accident death rate maintained the 25-year-high of nearly 6,000 fatalities in a year. Researchers, … [Read more...]