Pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable to sustaining severe injuries in accidents with vehicles. People on foot can take steps to reduce their chances of suffering injuries. Yet, most of the time, accidents occur because of careless drivers.
When negligent motorists’ actions cause damages, the civil court could hold them financially accountable. If you need help to recover compensation after an accident with a negligent driver, schedule a meeting with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney to review your case. To learn more about the common causes of pedestrian accidents in San Jose and your legal options after a collision, give us a call at Solution Now Law Firm.
Vehicle and pedestrian accidents can occur for many reasons but almost always involve driver negligence. Some of the most common pedestrian accident causes include:
Distracted driving is a significant cause of all motor vehicle crashes, including accidents with pedestrians. When a motorist takes their eyes off the road, even for one second, there can be severe consequences. Electronic devices and other distractions are among the most common pedestrian accident causes in San Jose.
Left-hand turns can be hazardous if the motorists fail to notice pedestrians are present. Drivers often focus their attention on looking for approaching cars on their right side and may forget to look left before proceeding.
Failing to adhere to traffic signs is another significant cause of accidents. One example is rolling stops at a stop sign. In their rush, motorists may fail to notice people stepping off the curb to cross the street.
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, they often sustain life-threatening or, in the worst cases, fatal injuries. Some of the most common injuries include severe face, head, and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones or soft tissue injuries.
Because the pedestrian often sustains life-altering injuries, the award amount for damages can be significant. An award for damages could cover the total cost of medical care, the loss of salary while they recover, and pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer in San Jose could help injured pedestrians pursue the compensation they deserve after an accident, regardless of the exact cause of the crash.
There are safety regulations motorists must adhere to when pedestrians are present. Pedestrians must also do their part to avoid accidents with vehicles. Even when pedestrians have the right-of-way, remaining vigilant can keep them safe and help prevent severe injuries. The California Department of Motor Vehicles lays out the right-of-way laws that everyone on the road must follow.
When a motorist approaches a pedestrian crossing the street at any crosswalk, they must yield and stop if necessary to allow the pedestrian to cross safely. Additionally, it is unlawful for a driver to pass another car stopped at a crosswalk. With disabled, elderly, or child pedestrians, the driver must allow additional time to cross the street. Drivers also should never stop in the middle of a crosswalk.
Despite these right-of-way regulations, drivers’ failure to yield still leads to many pedestrian accidents in San Jose and across the state. A knowledgeable attorney could go over right-of-way laws and the other relevant laws governing these cases during an initial consultation.
When people choose to walk for transportation, there are many benefits, including physical fitness and saving money on gas. However, pedestrians face many dangers crossing the street in high-traffic areas. That is especially true when negligent drivers are present.
Schedule a meeting with the hardworking lawyers at Solution Now Law Firm if you need help taking legal action after a collision. We could answer specific questions after reviewing the case and provide additional details about the common causes of pedestrian accidents in San Jose.
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