Yes. Motorists on Visalia Roads have a legal duty to monitor intersections for pedestrians inside and outside the crosswalk as they approach. They must slow down when they see someone on foot in the crosswalk. All drivers must be ready to make a full stop to prevent a collision with a defenseless pedestrian, no matter where the pedestrian is encountered.
The Driver’s Responsibility When Visalia Pedestrians Are Crossing the Road
Pedestrians have the right of way at Visalia crosswalks and even at intersections with unmarked crosswalks. The responsibility is especially important at busy intersections like Geer Road and Monte Vista Avenue. Drivers in a rush can
California Vehicle Codes explain the clear responsibilities of drivers at intersections:
(a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
The vehicle code goes further to explain what motorists must do to ensure the safety of those on foot. Drivers must slow down when they see someone in a crosswalk or stepping towards the crosswalk. They must be ready to stop and travel at a speed that would allow them to stop before hitting a pedestrian.
Can I Get Help With My Injuries If I’m Struck by a Driver While Jaywalking?
Yes. The laws protecting Visalia pedestrians cover anyone using the road, even when they are crossing outside of a crosswalk. Drivers must ease off the gas when they see a pedestrian in the street at any location.
Pedestrians may be jaywalking and crossing at a dangerous section of road, but drivers are still required to do everything possible to avoid a collision. This elevated “duty of care” is due to the extreme harm that can come to someone on foot exposed to the power and weight of a vehicle.
A driver might still be found 100% responsible for hitting someone who is jaywalking. California also allows for pedestrians and drivers to share responsibility in an accident. A pedestrian may bear 20% of the liability for stepping out in front of traffic and crossing in an illegal spot. The driver might bear 80% of the blame for speeding and not paying attention.
The victim could still recover help with medical bills and lost paychecks while unable to work. However, any award would be reduced by the pedestrian’s 20% of fault.
Contact a Visalia Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you are seriously injured after being hit by a reckless driver, don’t wait to explore your options. Take action so your Visalia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer has time to collect fresh evidence and track down witnesses for testimony.
Contact Maison Law for a free consultation after any injury involving a pedestrian accident anywhere in Tulare County. Our case reviews are confidential and come with no obligation. If you decide we can help you earn more for your injury, you won’t need to have any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement money you are awarded.
