Pedestrians who are hit by vehicles may be able to win damages

 Posted on September 17, 2021 in Car Accidents

In cities across the U.S., pedestrians share the roads with drivers of motor vehicles. When people need to cross the street or enter traffic to get to their destination, they need to carefully follow traffic laws in order to avoid being hit by a car.

Unfortunately, not all motorists practice safe driving habits when around pedestrians. Countless people are injured due to other driver's careless acts.

For example, a pedestrian may be crossing a busy city street that is controlled by a traffic signal and a walk/do not walk signal. The pedestrian waits for the "walk" signal and, when it appears, they start to cross the street.

A truck approaches the intersection and disregards the red left-turn arrow. They speed through the intersection, striking the pedestrian, causing them to suffer serious injuries.

How an injured pedestrian may recover damages after being hit by a vehicle

As traffic officers respond to the scene, they may speak to the driver and, if possible, the pedestrian. If other people saw the accident, the police may want to speak to them as well.

Once the officers know what happened, they may charge the driver with failing to yield the right of way and disobeying a traffic signal. The pedestrian made sure they followed traffic laws. A lawyer may be able to represent the pedestrian and win damages that go beyond what the driver's insurance company may offer. The lawyer may also have to remind the insurance company who was at fault in the accident.