What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car While Walking in a Crosswalk
Being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in a designated crosswalk can be a devastating and life-altering experience. Despite having the right of way, pedestrians remain vulnerable to drivers who fail to yield, run red lights, or become distracted behind the wheel. These accidents often result in serious injuries that require immediate medical attention and can lead to mounting medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering.
At Younglove Law Group, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face after a pedestrian accident. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have helped countless pedestrian accident victims throughout California recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
Immediate Steps to Take After Being Hit in a Crosswalk
The moments following a pedestrian accident are critical for both your health and any potential legal claim. Taking the right steps immediately after the incident can protect your well-being and preserve important evidence for your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always be the top priority after any accident. Even if you feel fine initially, adrenaline can mask serious injuries that may not become apparent for hours or days. Call 911 immediately to request emergency medical services, and allow paramedics to evaluate your condition. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not produce obvious symptoms right away but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Contact Law Enforcement
California law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury or property damage exceeding $1,000. The responding police officer will create an official accident report that documents the circumstances of the crash. This police report can serve as valuable evidence in your personal injury claim.
When speaking with the officer, provide an honest account of what happened, but avoid speculating about fault or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility.
Gathering Evidence at the Scene
If your injuries allow, collecting evidence at the accident scene can significantly strengthen your case. Take photographs of the accident scene from multiple angles, including the crosswalk, traffic signals, vehicle damage, and your visible injuries. Document the exact location where the impact occurred and any skid marks on the roadway.
Obtain contact information from the driver, including their name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Also, gather contact details from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
Understanding Your Rights as a Pedestrian
California law generally gives pedestrians the right of way in marked crosswalks. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk.
California follows a pure comparative fault system, which means that even if you bear some responsibility for the accident, you may still recover damages proportional to the other party’s fault. This is why it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who can properly investigate the accident.
Common Injuries in Crosswalk Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the significant difference in size and weight between vehicles and human beings. Traumatic brain injuries are unfortunately common, as victims often strike their heads on the vehicle or pavement during impact. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that affects cognitive function.
Broken bones and fractures frequently occur when pedestrians are struck by vehicles. The force of impact can cause fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, pelvis, and skull. Some fractures may require surgical intervention to heal properly.
Spinal cord injuries represent some of the most devastating consequences of pedestrian accidents. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a victim’s quality of life.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Crosswalk Accident
If you have been injured in a crosswalk accident, protecting your legal rights should be a priority as you focus on your recovery. At Younglove Law Group, our skilled car accident attorneys have over 20 years of combined experience helping accident victims throughout California. We have recovered over $50 million for our clients and understand how to build strong cases that maximize compensation for pedestrian accident victims.
Our team will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, work with medical professionals to document your injuries, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf. We handle all aspects of your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact Younglove Law Group today at (949) 691-3660 for a free consultation, or get in touch with our experienced legal team to discuss your case.
