If you’ve been involved in a right-of-way pedestrian crosswalk accident in Turlock, Maison Law can help. Pedestrian injuries often lead to extensive medical bills, missed time at work, and permanent disability

We support your right to compensation after a crosswalk injury by connecting you to our medical resources and providing you with expert legal representation. Maison Law gets you the financial security you need after suffering a life-altering pedestrian injury.

How Maison Law Helps Pedestrians Injured at Turlock Crosswalks

If you find yourself in a pedestrian accident at a crosswalk in Turlock, it is advisable to consult with an attorney about your legal options. However, it is important to note you most likely won’t need an attorney in a pedestrian accident if:

The accident is minor with no apparent damage
Your injuries are minor scrapes or small bruises

If you’ve sustained serious injuries that have caused you to miss work, required treatment from a doctor, or prevented you from reasonably completing daily tasks, an attorney can:

Connect you to trusted doctors for continued treatment
File a lawsuit to get you compensation for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Assign liability to all parties responsible for your injuries
Communicate with insurance adjusters to protect your right to compensation
Build your case by gathering concrete evidence to confirm your claim
Negotiate a fair settlement
Represent you in court if your case goes to trial

What is Considered a Crosswalk in Turlock?

According to California Vehicle Code 275, crosswalks exist when boundary lines of sidewalks connect at intersections. The statute goes on to say:

“That portion of a roadway included within the prolongation or connection of the boundary lines of sidewalks at intersections where the intersecting roadways meet at approximately right angles, except the prolongation of such lines from an alley across a street.

Any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, there shall not be a crosswalk where local authorities have placed signs indicating no crossing.”

What are the Right-of-Way Rules for a Crosswalk in Turlock?

The term “pedestrian” applies not only to people walking across the street but to people on skates and skateboards. Generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all crosswalks. Crosswalks in California are typically marked with white lines and reflectors. Some cities even require flashing lights to illuminate the crosswalk. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must adhere to the following rules when approaching a crosswalk:

All drivers must reduce their speeds or stop, if necessary, to yield to pedestrians within the crosswalk.
A driver must stop before the line, not in the middle of the crosswalk.
A driver must stop if a pedestrian is in his or her half of the lane or approaching quickly enough to be in the direct path of the vehicle.
Drivers are not permitted to pass stopped vehicles while they’re allowing pedestrians to cross at a crosswalk.

However, a pedestrian should not step off the curb if it is unsafe. Just as drivers owe a “duty of care” to pedestrians, pedestrians are also required to avoid putting drivers in unsafe situations.

Can a Pedestrian Cross the Street Outside a Crosswalk in Turlock?

If you attempt to cross the street without a crosswalk or outside of an intersection, you can still cross the street according to California Vehicle Code 21954 (a). This statute states:

“Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.”

Other notable pedestrian laws include:

Pedestrians lose right-of-way at crosswalks whenever traffic lights or law enforcement officers indicate for them to remain on the curb.
Pedestrians are not permitted in bike lanes when a walking path is available.
Jaywalking is not illegal in California if it is done safely and with no oncoming traffic.
Pedestrians with impaired vision who require a cane or a guide dog have the right-of-way at all intersections

Legal Duty of Pedestrians at a Crosswalk in Turlock

According to California Vehicle Code 21950 (b), pedestrians owe a legal duty to motorists to exercise due care for themselves and other pedestrians around them. CVC 21950 (b) states:

“This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.”

So, while there are laws to protect pedestrians in crosswalks, pedestrians must exercise caution and avoid stepping out into a crosswalk when it is unsafe. Being aware of traffic also includes traffic control devices.

Pedestrians must yield to motorists who have a green light. They must also not step into a crosswalk when the “Don’t Walk” signal is displayed. Not only is it against the law for a pedestrian to cross an intersection with a “Don’t Walk” signal, but this action can also make them liable for any collisions that may occur as a direct result.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Right-of-Way Turlock Crosswalk Accident?

If you only suffered minor scrapes or bruises from a pedestrian accident, you may not need a lawyer, but it never hurts to contact us if you’re unsure. Our door is always open – call, text, or stop by our offices with any questions you may have. Scenarios where injured pedestrians are strongly encouraged to consult with one of our attorneys include the following:

There were serious injuries: You will need compensation to cover your current and future medical bills if you’ve suffered serious injuries. Maison Law will ensure both.
Wrongful death: If a loved one has passed away due to the accident, you will need compensation for funeral expenses and damages related to the untimely loss.
Fault: If you are blamed for the accident but are not at fault, the attorneys at Won And Done will protect you from liability, as well as take legal action against the at-fault parties. In certain situations, if you are found at fault to some degree, we will minimize your liability or eliminate it entirely.
Multiple parties involved: Multiple parties make cases complex. An attorney can manage your case against multiple liable parties while protecting your best interests and right to compensation from everyone who played a part in causing your injuries.
False police report: If a police report places blame on you, and you disagree, our attorneys will gather evidence to support your claim.

Average Settlement for Pedestrian Accidents Based on Injury

The severity of your injuries will account for a majority of your overall compensation if you reach a successful settlement. Big firms often overlook costs associated with severe injuries that come with pedestrian accidents. That’s why it’s important to choose the right law firm to ensure you receive fair compensation for everything you’ve been through.

At Maison Law, we establish communication with all your medical providers to calculate the medical attention you’ll need now and for the rest of your life. While there are other determining factors, the following pedestrian accident injury classifications can give you a rough estimate of what your case is worth.

Minor injuries: Approximately $1,500 – $15,000 – minor injuries are considered sprains, strains, and minor cuts and bruises.
Moderate injuries: Approximately: $15,000 – $100,000 – moderate injuries are considered fractures, herniated discs, and torn ligaments.
Severe injuries: Approximately $100,000 – $1,000,000+ – paralysis and death can quickly exceed settlement amounts of around $1,000,000 or more.

Contact a Turlock Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Tragic accidents happen every day in Turlock, but at Maison Law, we give injured victims the chance to recover physically and financially. Medical treatment, lost wages, limited career options, and emotional trauma are things no pedestrian in Turlock should have to endure due to a careless driver at a crosswalk.

Get the help you need after a Turlock pedestrian accident by contacting us today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. There are no upfront fees for our services as we only get paid if we win your case.

Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way at Turlock Crosswalks?