There are a few common scenarios where a pedestrian can be held at fault after being hit by a car. For example, if you crossed at a crosswalk that’s red and were hit by a car, you may be found partially at fault for the accident.
Jaywalking is the act of crossing a street illegally, for example by walking outside marked crosswalks. Pedestrians who are struck by cars while jaywalking may bear some amount of blame for the accident, as they visibly acted with negligence by disobeying the signs around you.
But even if you were walking when you weren’t supposed to be, there is a chance the car is somewhat at fault for the accident as well. Maybe the car wasn’t driving within the speed limit, or they were distracted and were not able to stop in time. Often times, despite the fact that a jaywalker was walking where they shouldn’t be, a car can be held just as liable if they failed to act with care when they saw them.
Thankfully, even if you are deemed partially at fault in your pedestrian accident case, you still have a chance to recover compensation that covers the cost of your damages. With the help of a lawyer, you can demonstrate the negligence of the other driver by building a strong personal injury case.
Can I Still Sue If I Was Jaywalking?
Determining liability is never black and white. There are many factors that contribute to any accident, and often times both parties are at least a little bit at fault. So if you, as a pedestrian, crossed a crosswalk that was red and were hit by a car, you may still be able to receive compensation. As long as you can prove the car’s negligence, recklessness, or disregard for your safety, you may be able to receive a settlement.
A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can not only provide you with the legal advice you need to feel confident about your case, but they can leverage evidence from the accident scene and witness testimony to increase the amount of compensation you may receive. Even if you’re unsure whether or not you’re at fault in your pedestrian accident case, the only way to be sure is to contact a lawyer.
After an accident, it can be difficult to know where to start. Your insurance company will be asking you questions, as well as the other party’s insurance company. It’s best to hire a lawyer to communicate with these companies, as they often try to pay victims the least amount possible. Your pedestrian accident attorney will handle every aspect of your case, so you can fight for the maximum compensation possible regardless of whether or not you were jaywalking at the time of the accident.
What Kind Of Compensation Can I Receive After A Pedestrian Accident?
While handling the pain caused by your injuries may be a major aspect of the aftermath of your accident, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering can make your life difficult long after your injuries have mended. If you suffered an accident while jaywalking, you might falsely think that you have no right to seek compensation. But the reality is that any injured accident victim has the right to seek compensation and, with the help of a pedestrian accident attorney, getting that compensation may be possible.
Getting hit by a car can be debilitating. Unfortunately, thousands of pedestrians are hit by cars every year, and injuries can range from mild to severe depending on the nature of the accident. Severe injuries, like a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), can cause life-long medical problems. Debilitating injuries of this nature may require a victim to receive physical or occupational therapy for years to come, and some may need surgery or medication just to get by. Even more mild injuries, like cuts, scrapes, and broken bones, can keep an unsuspecting pedestrian out of work and on the mend for quite some time.
Your pedestrian accident lawyer in California will fight for your right to receive compensation for your medical bills. You shouldn’t have to suffer the high cost of medical care for an accident that you didn’t entirely cause. Diagnostic tests, prescription medication, and rehabilitative care can all carry a high price, which can be hard to handle on your own.
As an injured victim, you likely will not be able to work. When you miss out on money in your paycheck as a result of staying home to heal, you and your loved ones suffer. Your pedestrian accident attorney will factor these lost wages into your settlement so you can get your life back on track as soon as possible.
If You Got Hit While Jaywalking, Call A Riverside Attorney Right Away
The most important step after an accident is to seek medical care. The second most important step is contacting the right lawyer. At The Accident Network Law Group, we handle many pedestrian cases every year. We understand your concerns as a victim, and know how difficult it can be to find answers. Even if you were hit by a car while unlawfully jaywalking, you have the right to contact an attorney and learn your options for justice. Our team is here to help.
Our team of attorneys are dedicated to helping Californians get their lives back on track after an accident. Not all California personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation. At The Accident Network Law Group, we never charge for an initial consultation because we’re dedicated to being a helpful resource for those who need it most. Even if you’re unsure of who’s at fault after your accident, calling a lawyer can help you get the answers you need.
Contact The Accident Network Law Group today at (951) 291-0976 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We have offices in Costa Mesa and Riverside, California and are here to help any California accident victim who needs help. Remember: you pay no fees unless we win your case.