Maison Law helps pedestrians in Porterville when they’re hurt in accidents. You probably know the risk of getting around the city on foot, even in designated crosswalks. This is frustrating, because you were most likely following the law. Still, we can make it easier to move forward after one of these accidents. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.

Do Pedestrians Automatically Have the Right of Way at Crosswalks in Porterville?

When you’re at a crosswalk in Porterville, wondering if you automatically have the right of way is a reasonable question to ask. Thankfully, California law generally gives pedestrians the right of way when crossing the street–whether the crosswalk is painted or not. But that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want, whenever you want in this situation. The law still expects pedestrians to act responsibly. That means:

• You can’t step out into traffic if a car is too close to stop.

• You still need to watch for traffic and use reasonable care when crossing.
  
  

There’s also extra protection in place for blind pedestrians—especially those with white canes or service animals. Under California’s “white cane law,” drivers must:

• Stop and stay stopped until the person fully crosses.

• Keep from honking, rushing the crossing, or going around the person.
  
  

This law applies at intersections, mid-block crossings, and even parking lots in Porterville. The key takeaway: everyone has a role in keeping the roads safe. But if you’re injured, it helps to know where you stand, too.

What Do I Need to Do If I’m Injured at a Crosswalk in Porterville?

If you’re hit by a car while crossing the street in Porterville–whether it’s on Henderson Avenue, Olive, or any local crosswalk–there are a few key things you can do to protect both your health and your ability to file a strong claim:

• Call 911 – It’s smart to have both medics and police respond. Not all injuries show up right away, and a police report helps establish what happened and who’s involved.
  
  

• Get medical help – If EMTs suggest a hospital visit, don’t brush it off. Follow through and keep records of everything–appointments, treatments, prescriptions, and bills. These documents help connect your injuries to the accident.
  
  

• Try to get information – If the driver stays at the scene, try to get their name, contact info, and insurance details. If they take off, jot down anything you can–vehicle make, color, plates, or direction of travel. Hit-and-runs aren’t uncommon at busier crosswalks, and any detail can help.
  
  

• Take pictures – Take pictures of your injuries, the crosswalk, signage, traffic signals, and the surrounding scene. The more you document, the clearer your story will be.
  
  

• Watch your words – Stay calm, but don’t say things like “I’m okay” or apologize–it can be used against you later. Just give a clear account of what happened.
  
  

Once you’ve gotten the immediate care you need, the next step is figuring out how to handle the legal and financial fallout–especially if you’re facing medical bills or can’t return to work right away. That’s where an injury claim comes in.

What Are Your Legal Options After a Crosswalk Accident?

A car/pedestrian accident on streets like Henderson Avenue or Jaye Street isn’t just a bump or bruise–it can be life-changing. When you’re hit with no protection between you and a moving car, the damage tends to go far beyond the physical. Many people deal with anxiety around traffic, trouble sleeping, or even PTSD. These are real consequences—and California law gives you a way to respond. You may be able to file an injury claim, either by:

• Filing with the driver’s insurance company

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company won’t do the right thing
  
  

These claims aim to cover what the accident took from you, including:

• Medical expenses and ongoing care costs
• Lost income from missed work or a loss of earning potential if your job has to change (or you can’t work anymore)
• Repair/replacement costs for damaged property, like your clothes, shoes, glasses, phone, etc.
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Wrongful death expenses, if your injuries end up being fatal
  
  

It’s important to keep in mind that you only have two years from the date of the accident to file. That deadline doesn’t wait for you to feel better–so the sooner you reach out, the more options you’ll have.

Talk to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Who Knows Porterville

Being hit by a car can leave you feeling overwhelmed—physically, emotionally, and legally. You might’ve been in a crosswalk near a school, a park, or even a parking lot, just doing everything right. Then suddenly, you’re dealing with insurance calls, medical bills, and pain.

At Maison Law, we understand what you’re going through and want to help you get back on your feet. Here’s how we can do that for you:

• Explain your rights and options in plain English.

• Handle the investigation so you don’t have to collect evidence on your own.

• Take control of communication with the insurance company so you can focus on getting better.

• Push back on lowball offers and work to get you real support–enough to help you move forward, not just get by.
  
  

If you’ve been hit while walking in Porterville, we’re ready to help. Your first consultation is free, and we’ll walk you through what to expect.