Maison Law helps pedestrians in Tulare when they’re injured in accidents. A lot of these accidents happen at crosswalks and intersections, but there’s another facet of these accidents that you might not think about: what happens if there’s a blind pedestrian? It might seem obvious, but it’s still tough to think about these accidents. Our team can help you through it, starting with a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Should You Do When You See a Blind Pedestrian at a Tulare Intersection?
Whether you’re driving through the roundabout near Tulare Union High or approaching a crosswalk on Mooney Boulevard, intersections can get hectic. This is especially true during school pick-up or after work. With so much going on, it’s easy to miss a pedestrian until the last second. Then there’s the added–but critical–scenario of seeing a blind person at an intersection. If you see someone crossing with a white cane or being guided by a service dog, California law is clear:
- You must stop and stay stopped until they’ve fully crossed. Not halfway. Not once they’re past your lane. Fully across.
You’re also expected to:
- Keep from honking your horn, even if you’re in a hurry.
- Never try to go around them, even slowly.
- Be patient, no matter how long it takes.
It might seem like common sense, but knowing exactly what to do around a blind pedestrian can prevent serious harm. And if something does go wrong, whether you’re the driver or the one hurt, it’s important to understand what happens next.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Pedestrian Accident in Tulare?
When someone is hit at a crosswalk or intersection in Tulare–maybe near Cross Avenue or right outside the outlet mall–it usually means hospital bills, missed work, and everything else piling up. It’s a lot to deal with, but there are legal options in place. In most cases, that means either:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Both routes aim to help the injured person recover financially after the accident. That includes covering things like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Damaged property (clothing, phone, glasses, etc.)
- Pain and suffering
- Mental or emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral or burial costs (in fatal cases)
What’s important to understand is that every case is a little different. The amount that can be recovered depends on how strong the claim is and how clearly the impact is shown. And timing matters–people generally have just two years from the date of the accident to take legal action in California. Miss that deadline, and they may be out of options.
What Should You Do If a Blind Pedestrian Is Hit at a Tulare Intersection?
Seeing someone get hit while walking–especially a blind or visually impaired pedestrian–is a jarring experience. Knowing what to do in the aftermath can make a real difference in their recovery and legal options. Here’s how you can help if a blind pedestrian is hit by a car at an intersection:
- Call 911 right away – Don’t assume someone else already has. EMTs can provide immediate care and take the injured person to the hospital if needed. Police will also document the scene, which can become important evidence.
- Exchange information with the driver – If you can, help collect the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information. Stay calm and respectful, but make sure these details are recorded.
- Talk to witnesses – If others saw what happened, ask for their contact info before they leave. Their accounts could help support the pedestrian’s version of events later on.
- Document the scene – Take photos or video of the area where the accident happened. That includes traffic signals, crosswalks (or lack of them), vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. If the pedestrian is unable to do this themselves, your help here is especially valuable.
- Offer support with logistics – If the pedestrian asks, you can help notify their emergency contact or provide updates to their insurance company. These early steps can help keep things on track while they focus on recovery.
- Encourage them to keep all records – Medical bills, prescriptions, transportation costs—every detail matters when it comes to understanding the full impact of the accident.
- Avoid assigning blame at the scene – It’s natural to want to explain what happened or offer comfort, but saying things like “they stepped out too soon” or “the driver couldn’t see them” can complicate matters later. Just stick to what you saw.
If the injured person can’t take these steps themselves, your support can be a lifeline. Once their immediate medical needs are taken care of, our team is here to step in, protect their rights, and help them figure out what comes next.
How Our Tulare Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Support You
Pedestrian accidents with a blind person often leads to more than just scrapes and bruises–especially in areas like Tulare where some crossings are unmarked or poorly lit. And when serious injuries happen, trying to deal with the legal side on your own can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Here’s how we help take the weight off your shoulders:
- Investigating the accident, gathering police reports, talking to witnesses, and figuring out who’s legally responsible.
- Pulling everything together, from medical records and injury photos to traffic camera footage or expert opinions, to build a clear, evidence-based claim.
- Handling the back-and-forth with insurance companies, taking over the negotiations and making sure you’re not pressured into a lowball offer.
- Filing a lawsuit and supporting you throughout the court process.
If you were hit while walking in Tulare–especially if you or someone you love is visually impaired–it’s not something you should have to go through alone. We’re here to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and work toward a resolution that actually helps you move forward. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.
