Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem nationwide. The number of pedestrian accidents increases every year. It is no surprise that studies show that cell phone use by both pedestrians and drivers is a significant cause of this terrible trend. It seems like most people have their heads down looking at their smartphones these days.
Another factor in the increase in pedestrian accidents is the popularity of SUV cars. SUV cars have large bodies and taller front ends, which can cause serious injuries to pedestrians when impacted by vehicles. Therefore, Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers are there to help you if you get hit by a car while crossing the street.
What should I do if I get hit by a car while crossing the street?
Most pedestrians get struck by cars, trucks, and SUVs. The cause of the collisions involved factors such as:
- Speeding
- Failing to stop or slow at signs, crosswalks, school zones
- Texting while driving
- Sharp turning without looking if a pedestrian is crossing
- Truck drivers are unable to see if a pedestrian is walking in front of their grills
There are laws meant to protect people crossing intersections or roads. Pedestrian has the right to use the crosswalks, and closing vehicles must decrease their speed and give their right of way.
The duties of a motor vehicle operator and a pedestrian in public use are reciprocal, and each relies to some extent on each other using appropriate care. Pedestrians must exercise due care in their public use. Due care means that the plaintiff should exert the care caution which is naturally expected from a reasonably cautious person under similar or same circumstances. Also, a pedestrian has the right to cross a street even if they do not use the crosswalk but must do so with proper care.
As you can see, just because a pedestrian crosses a street outside of the crosswalk does not prevent them from successfully recovering their damages through a personal injury suit. The law needs a deeper examination of the circumstances of the accident to determine who was responsible and to what degree the party is at fault.
Tips for safety crossing the streets
The best tips for safe crossing the streets include:
- Do not look at your phone.
- Do not just look left and right
- Always try to use crosswalks.
- Make eye contact with the car driver when crossing the crosswalk before you come in front of the vehicle.
- If a driver stops to pass you, make ensure no other vehicle is approaching next.
