Maison Law helps pedestrians in Tulare when they’re injured in accidents. Unfortunately, you’re never safe as a pedestrian in the city, even at crosswalks. That said, knowing the law and what you can–and can’t–do can help you. So can our team. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation to find out how.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way at Crosswalks in Tulare?
In most cases, yes–if you’re walking in Tulare, California law gives you the right of way at crosswalks, whether it’s marked or not. But that doesn’t mean pedestrians can cross however they want. The law expects everyone–drivers and walkers alike–to use good judgment. That means if you’re on foot, you still have:
- A duty to cross the street carefully.
You can’t step out into traffic suddenly or walk into the path of a car that’s too close to stop safely. Even if you’re in the right, the law expects you to use caution and not create a hazard for drivers.
Further, there’s also a specific law that offers added protection for blind pedestrians–especially those using a white cane or a guide dog. It’s often called the “white cane law”, and it makes things very clear:
- Drivers must stop and stay stopped until the person has fully crossed.
- They can’t honk, rush the crossing, or try to go around the pedestrian.
This applies not just at intersections, but at any crossing point in Tulare–mid-block, in parking lots, or anywhere else someone is trying to get across. The bottom line is that both drivers and pedestrians have responsibilities when it comes to safety. But if something goes wrong, it’s important to understand your rights and what to do next.
What Legal Options Do You Have When You’re Injured at a Crosswalk?
Getting hit while walking in Tulare–whether it’s on Prosperity Avenue or along K Street–can leave you with more than just bruises. When you’re on foot, there’s nothing between you and a moving car. That often means real, lasting harm.
But it’s not just physical pain. Many people carry the emotional weight long after the body starts healing–dealing with sleepless nights, anxiety near traffic, and even symptoms of PTSD.
All of this adds up to a lot of damage, but there is an answer. Filing an injury claim. Here’s the two main ways you can do that:
- File an insurance claim with the driver’s insurance company
- File a personal injury lawsuit if the claim doesn’t result in a fair offer
Most cases begin with a claim, where you ask for financial support to cover your recovery. That might include hospital bills, rehab costs, or time you had to take off work. But if the insurance company refuses to be fair–or tries to shift blame onto you–going to court might be the next step. The goal of either route is to secure “damages”, which just means financial recovery for what you’ve lost. That can include things like:
- ER visits, follow-ups, and therapy
- Lost income from missed work
- Physical and mental pain
- Emotional suffering or trauma
- Decreased quality of life
- Property damage (like a phone or glasses)
- Funeral costs, loss of companionship, grief, and even punitive damages in fatal accidents
Keep in mind: you only have two years from the date of the accident to file. That clock starts ticking the day it happens, not when you start feeling better–so the sooner you act, the better.
What Can Be Done to Strengthen Your Claim?
Even being clipped by a slow-moving car can leave you with serious injuries. If it happens, there are a few key things you should try to do, if you’re able:
- Call 911 – Even if you feel okay at first, it’s smart to get checked out. Call 911 for an ambulance and police response. Internal injuries and concussions don’t always show up right away. A police report also helps get you important information for your claim.
- Get medical attention – If EMTs want you to go to the ER, don’t brush it off. Follow up with your doctor and keep all the records and bills. Medical records are often a big part of your claim.
- Get important information – Under the law, drivers are supposed to stay at the scene and provide their information. If they do that, get their name, contact, and insurance details. In the case of a hit-and-run–say, near Blackstone or Tulare Avenue–try to note the car’s make, model, color, or any plate numbers.
- Take pictures – If you can, snap pictures of the intersection, your injuries, road signs, lighting, or anything that helps show what happened.
- Don’t apologize or admit fault – Even if you’re trying to be polite, don’t say things like “I didn’t see them” or “I’m fine.” Just share what happened and let the evidence speak for itself.
And if you’re too hurt to handle all this on your own, that’s totally okay. That’s what we’re here for.
Talk to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Who Knows Tulare
We know how hard it is to bounce back after being hit by a car–especially when the insurance company drags things out or makes it feel like you’re the one on trial. Whether your accident happened near a school zone or in a busy parking lot, Maison Law is here to help make the legal process feel less like a fight and more like a path forward by doing things like:
- Explaining your rights and next steps in a way that actually makes sense–no legal talk, just straight answers.
- Taking care of the investigation and collecting the proof that shows what really happened.
- Handling all the back-and-forth with the insurance company so you don’t have to stress about it.
- Speaking up when lowball offers come in–and working to get you the kind of support that truly helps you recover and move forward.
If you’ve been hit while walking in Tulare, we can help you understand your next steps–starting with a free case review. Set up yours today by using our contact form.
