Maison Law helps pedestrians when they’re injured in Porterville. As a driver, you know you have to be careful when you’re at an intersection or a crosswalk. But when you see a blind or otherwise visually-impaired pedestrian, the stakes get raised considerably. That’s why California law is what it is for this situation, but our team can help you, too. Reach out today for a free consultation.

What Should You Do When You See a Blind Pedestrian at a Porterville Crosswalk?

Intersections in Porterville–like those near Porterville High or around busy roads like Olive Avenue or Plano Street–can get hectic fast, especially during school hours or the afternoon rush. When you’re in this traffic, it’s easy to overlook someone on foot. But when that person is blind or visually impaired, it’s absolutely critical to know what to do.

If you see someone using a white cane or being guided by a service animal, California law is straightforward:

• Stop and stay stopped until the person has completely crossed the street–not just your lane, but the entire road.
• Don’t honk, even if traffic is backing up.
• Never try to drive around them, even if you’re moving slowly.
• Be patient, even if the crossing takes longer than usual.
  
  

It might seem like simple courtesy, but these rules are backed by law to protect blind pedestrians from serious injuries. Knowing how to respond in the moment helps keep everyone safe–and it’s the right thing to do.

What Should I Do If a Blind Pedestrian is Hit in Porterville?

Seeing a crash involving any pedestrian is deeply unsettling–but even more so if the pedestrian is visually impaired. Whether it happens at a downtown crosswalk or near a neighborhood corner, what you do next can make a huge difference in their safety, recovery, and legal rights.

Here’s how you can help if a blind pedestrian is struck in Porterville:

• Call 911 immediately – Even if others are around, don’t assume someone else has called. Quick medical attention and a police report are both vital.
  
  
• Get the driver’s information – If the driver stops, help the pedestrian get their name, contact and insurance details.
  
  
• Ask witnesses to stay or share their information – Others may have seen something you missed. Their statements can help later when sorting out what really happened.
  
  
• Take pictures or video – Snap photos of the scene, any visible injuries, the vehicle, street signs, and signals. This can be especially important if the pedestrian isn’t able to do it themselves.
  
  
• Help with the basics, if asked – That might mean calling a family member, providing updates, or helping with practical needs while they focus on getting care.
  
  
• Remind them to keep records – Medical visits, receipts, transportation costs—all of it helps paint a full picture of the impact they’re dealing with.
  
  
• Don’t assign blame at the scene – It’s human to want to explain or comfort, but saying something like “they came out of nowhere” or “the driver couldn’t have stopped” can cause issues later. Just stick to what you saw.
  
  

If they’re too injured or overwhelmed to manage everything on their own, your help can be a lifeline. And once the emergency has passed, our team is here to help them understand their legal options and next steps.

What Legal Options Are There For Accident Victims in Porterville?

Getting hit while walking—especially if you’re blind or visually impaired—can leave you facing much more than just physical injuries. In places like Porterville, where some crosswalks near roads like Henderson Avenue or Morton Street may be poorly marked or badly lit, the risks are even higher. But there’s legal options available:

• File an insurance claim – This is usually the first step. It involves seeking coverage through the at-fault driver’s insurance.
  
  
• File a personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance company refuses to be fair or denies responsibility, a lawsuit may be the next move.
  
  

Both options are designed to help you recover financially for what you’ve lost. That usually includes things like:

• Emergency care and long-term medical treatment
• Lost wages from time you’ve had to take off work
• Damage to personal property like clothing, a cane, or a phone
• Ongoing pain and physical limitations
• Emotional distress, anxiety, or trauma
• Loss of independence or quality of life
• Funeral or burial expenses, in the event of a fatal accident
  
  

Every case is different. The outcome depends heavily on how clearly the injury’s impact is shown and how strong the evidence is. And timing matters—California generally gives you just two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. If that window closes, you could lose your chance to recover anything. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and reach out to our team for a free consultation. We can walk you through your options and help make this process as manageable as possible.