Yes. Drivers around Madera are required to monitor the road, and especially intersections, at all times. They must be on the lookout for vulnerable pedestrians when approaching crosswalks and even when not near an intersection. They must slow down when they see someone on foot in a crosswalk or crossing a street anywhere else. All drivers must be ready to make a full stop to prevent a collision.
The Driver’s Responsibility to Keep Pedestrians Safe in Madera
In California, pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks. That responsibility includes drivers who are approaching intersections with unmarked crosswalks. The legal duty is especially important at busy intersections like Geer Road and Monte Vista Avenue.
Drivers in a rush can be on the phone or reaching for a coffee when they miss spotting someone on foot in the road. These are especially dangerous activities at busy intersections like Schnoor Avenue and Cleveland Avenue.
California Vehicle Codes explain the clear responsibilities of drivers at intersections:
- The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
- The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.
Drivers must slow down when they see someone in a crosswalk or stepping towards the crosswalk. They must be ready to stop and travel at a speed that would allow them to stop before hitting a pedestrian. Drivers are liable when they make mistakes and strike pedestrians. Victims can file injury claims to get help with their medical bills and other hardships they face. Families who lose a loved one to a tragic collision are also able to file wrongful death claims against an at-fault driver and seek support.
Can a Driver Be Held Responsible for Hitting a Jaywalker?
Yes. Motorists can be held financially accountable for hitting a pedestrian who may have been crossing outside of a crosswalk. Drivers can still share some or all of the blame for hitting someone who is jaywalking.
Even though a pedestrian may not be crossing the street in a safe spot, motorists are still under an obligation to reduce speed and do everything possible to avoid an impact. If it’s found that they were going too fast or not paying attention to the road, drivers can be found liable for the victim’s financial and emotional damages.
Drivers in cars, SUVs, and trucks, and riders on motorcycles are under an extra “duty of care” when it comes to pedestrians. It’s due to the extreme danger walkers with no protection face when getting into an accident with a large, heavy vehicle.
Contact a Madera Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you are seriously injured after being hit by a reckless driver, don’t wait to explore your options. Take action so your Madera Pedestrian Accident Lawyer has time to collect fresh evidence and track down witnesses for testimony.
Contact Maison Law for a free consultation after any injury involving a pedestrian accident anywhere in Madera County. Our case reviews are confidential and come with no obligation. If you decide we can help you earn more for your injury, you won’t need to have any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement money you are awarded.
