When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the damages are often severe. Pedestrians have little protection from the hazards around them, which is why they have the right-of-way in most traffic scenarios.
If you were injured by a moving vehicle while crossing the street or walking near a road, our experienced attorneys can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Our Atascocita pedestrian accident lawyers at Haines Law will help you fight for the compensation you need.
The Duty of Care Owed to Pedestrians in Atascocita
Duty of care is the central concept in most negligence claims. While all motorists owe some sort of duty to operate their vehicle in a safe manner, the duty owed to pedestrians is expansive. If a driver fails to take reasonable steps to avoid hitting you, they could face civil liability for any injuries they cause.
It is not enough for a motorist to follow the normal rules of the road when pedestrians are involved. Requirements like staying within marked lanes and signaling turns are only part of the duty drivers owe when pedestrians are nearby. Motorist drivers must take particular care when pedestrians are present—especially at crosswalks.
Right-Of-Way at Crosswalks
A motorist must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks. This is true regardless of whether a sign is present that indicates pedestrians have the right-of-way.
In fact, drivers must yield to pedestrians even at unmarked crosswalks at intersections. The law even requires motorists to yield when they notice pedestrians approaching an intersection on a nearby sidewalk.
The right-of-way is important, as it indicates that the negligent driver had a duty to act take caution near you. If a reckless motorist failed to yield to the right of way, a pedestrian accident attorney can help you draft a settlement demand.
Resolving a Crosswalk Injury Claim
Going to court is not always necessary after a pedestrian accident. If you are concerned about the prospect of litigation, our attorneys can help you negotiate a favorable settlement.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely urge you to accept a low settlement amount. This is why it’s important to work with a reputable lawyer on your crosswalk injury claim. Our legal team at Haines Law can build a strong case for negligence to obtain a fair settlement offer.
If the other party refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement amount, we are prepared to assist you in filing a lawsuit. However, filing suit does not automatically lead to trial. You can continue negotiating a settlement and resolve the case before ever getting to court.
Speak to an Atascocita Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you were struck by a motor vehicle while walking, you may be understandably overwhelmed. The thought of pursuing a legal claim may be daunting, but you can resolve the case without going to court.
At Haines Law, we will do everything in our power to settle your case without going to trial. Call an Atascocita pedestrian accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.