Hit By a Car While Walking Through a Crosswalk

Getting hit by a car while walking through a crosswalk is a tragic experience. It can leave you dealing with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Unfortunately, crosswalk-related pedestrian accidents are common in Texas, Illinois, and North Carolina. If a car hits you while you are in a crosswalk in any of these states, you must understand your rights. Knowing the actions needed to protect your health and legal rights is also essential.

Why Pedestrian Accidents are so Dangerous.

When a vehicle collides with another car, the occupants are protected by the vehicle’s body, seatbelts, and airbags. On the other hand, when a pedestrian is involved in a collision with a car, they are left completely vulnerable. Pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a vehicle. Even a low-speed accident can cause life-altering injuries. 

Some of the common injuries pedestrians sustain in crosswalk accidents include;

• Broken bones/fractures
• Soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Permanent disability
• Death

Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents

Accidents between vehicles and pedestrians in crosswalks happen for various reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons;

• Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Poor visibility
• Running a red light or stop sign

Often, traffic law violations serve as the underlying cause of these accidents.

Determining Liability After a Crosswalk Accident

If a car injuries you while you are walking through a crosswalk, explore your right to claim compensation. The claim would be against the liable party. The liable driver’s available insurance is triggered Often, the driver who hit you is to blame. Drivers typically have an obligation to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Motorists must stop and wait for pedestrians to cross. A driver who fails to do so, is liable.

However, liability is not always that straightforward. The driver who hit you may not be the only one to blame. Other potentially liable parties may include;

• The driver’s employer if the driver was on the job.
• A government entity, if the accident was caused by poorly maintained roads, lack of proper signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, or another issue that the entity could and should have resolved.
• A construction company or road maintenance crew, if the accident occurred in a poorly managed construction zone.

Establishing liability in a crosswalk-related pedestrian accident requires thorough investigations. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate your accident and identify all liable parties.

Damages Recoverable in a Crosswalk Accident

If you were hit while walking through a crosswalk, you may be entitled to compensation for, among other damages;

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering

Steps To Take After a Crosswalk Accident

The actions you take after getting hit by a car in a crosswalk can impact your health. They can also influence your legal claim. Here are some vital things you need to ensure you do immediately after your accident;

• Seek medical attention. Even if you think you are uninjured or your injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately after the accident.
• Call the police and report the accident
• Gather evidence at the scene, including photos and videos of the accident and witness information
• Contact an attorney