What Are Some Common Issues That Arise in Pedestrian Accidents?
There are several things to remember regarding pedestrians accidents.
The general rule is that automobiles have the right of way over pedestrians UNLESS the pedestrian is in a crosswalk.
This means that a pedestrian who is injured crossing a street outside of a crosswalk rarely wins a recovery.
However, cross-walks can be both marked and unmarked! Just because there were no white lines indicating a cross-walk does NOT mean there is no crosswalk! Some jurisdictions apply the same protections to unmarked crosswalks as they do to marked crosswalks.
What is an unmarked crosswalk?
An unmarked crosswalk exists in the following situation;
- If there is a sidewalk that ends at a street corner, and
- If you hypothetically extend that sidewalk out in a straight line across the street, and
- If that hypothetically extended sidewalk results in a crossing of the street, then you have an unmarked crosswalk.
Some jurisdictions give pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks all the rights and protections which pedestrians in marked crosswalks have. In fact, it is not uncommon for a police officer to incorrectly ticket a pedestrian who was hit by a car if the officer fails to recognize that the pedestrian was in an unmarked crosswalk. These cases can still be won despite the police officer’s error.
If you or a loved one is injured as a pedestrian, call us. We will investigate and examine every possible way for you to be compensated.
Analyzing all possible methods for winning your case is just one of the many ways we distinguish ourselves from other firms. If someone hurts you, they must be held accountable. When we handle an accident case, our knowledge of the detailed nuances of accident law will help you stand firm in the journey for justice.
If you or a loved one have been hurt, call attorney Bruce A. Blaylock. You can reach us at 301-951-1800.
