If you or a loved one has been in a pedestrian accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed right now. It’s a scary time, and we know that understanding how to move forward may not come easily. So what do you do if you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian? What are your rights? Do you qualify for a personal injury case?
Let’s dive a little deeper and give you some action steps if you find yourself in this position.
What’s a pedestrian accident injury?
A pedestrian accident is considered an accident in which a motor vehicle hits a person not in a motor vehicle. This is anyone using a walkway or crosswalk including:
- Rollerskaters
- Skateboarders
- Walkers
- Runners and joggers
- Bicyclists
- etc
And because a pedestrian does not have the protection that someone in a vehicle would have, these can be life-altering accidents.
Can I sue if I’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident?
The short answer is “yes.” If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, in which you were the pedestrian, it’s likely that you have a personal injury lawsuit on your hands.
What is a negligent pedestrian?
There are cases, however, where a pedestrian may be partially at fault. In California, this is known as Comparative Negligence. A negligent pedestrian is someone who:
- Wasn’t using a crosswalk
- Wasn’t obeying traffic laws
- Was acting in a reckless manner near a roadway
In these cases, both the pedestrian and the driver may share a percentage of the fault which could result in more or less money in a settlement.
What do I do if I’ve been hit by a car?
As always, we suggest that the first thing you do is get proper care. Take pictures immediately after the accident if possible, file a police report, and keep detailed records of all medical treatments and bills.
Then be sure to call an experienced personal injury lawyer like Meyer Injury Lawyers. This is our specialty, and we will always fight for your case to ease your burden as much as we can. Book a free consultation with us today.