What Happens If You Hit A Pedestrian In A Crosswalk?

It's a sobering thought - you're driving on a familiar road and all of a sudden, you hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk. It’s a terrifying experience that can occur in a split second – you may not even see the pedestrian until it’s too late. Sadly, there are more than 6,000 pedestrian fatalities each year from motor vehicle accidents. But what happens if you hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk?

Legal Implications of Hitting a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk

The legal implications of hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk vary from state to state, and depend upon the specific situation that caused the accident. In most states, if you strike a pedestrian in a crosswalk, it will be considered negligence and the pedestrian has the right to seek damages. For example, in Florida, a pedestrian has the right-of-way when entering a crosswalk – if a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk, the driver is typically found liable for damages or even criminal negligence.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident – such as the state you are in or the speed at which you were driving – you may face serious charges in addition to civil litigation. In many cases, a driver can be held criminally liable for hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk, ranging from fines to jail time. If the accident results in death, the charges may be even more serious, including vehicular manslaughter.

If you hit a pedestrian and are found liable through a civil court, you may have to pay damages for medical bills, lost wages, and even punitive damages. Unfortunately, even if you are cleared of criminal charges, the victim’s family may still choose to file a civil lawsuit against you.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents in Crosswalks

One of the best ways to prevent a pedestrian accident in a crosswalk is to be aware of your surroundings and cautiously approach crosswalks. Make sure to constantly look both ways and always remain aware of pedestrians who may be crossing the street. Also, be sure to comply with the speed limit posted for the area. Speeding not only increases your chances of being involved in a crash, but it also reduces the amount of time you have to react to potential obstacles in the road.

Additionally, if you’re driving late at night or early in the morning, make sure to take extra precaution when approaching crosswalks, as it may be hard to distinguish pedestrians until you’re already too close. Finally, take the time to look for any warning signs on the road, such as “Yield to Pedestrians” signs that indicate a crosswalk ahead.

By following the above tips, you can reduce your chances of hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk. However, if you do find yourself in an accident, it’s important to know what to do next and be aware of the legal implications that may come with a pedestrian accident.

Understanding Your Rights as a Driver or Pedestrian in a Crosswalk Accident

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in a crosswalk, the first and most important thing you should do is seek medical attention, especially for the pedestrian. From there, you should reach out to a qualified lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options. It’s important to keep in mind that even if you are cleared of criminal charges, the victim may still choose to file a civil suit against you, so it’s important to understand your rights and remain informed throughout the process.

A qualified car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and provide important advice if you were involved in a pedestrian accident. An attorney will be able to help you protect your rights and build a defense to ensure that you are not wrongfully charged for an accident that wasn't your fault.

Conclusion

It’s truly heartbreaking to think about the devastating consequences of hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk. To help avoid this kind of accident, remember to stay mindful of your surroundings, obey the speed limit, and look for signs, pedestrians, and other obstructions in the road.

But if you are involved in a pedestrian accident, seek help immediately to understand your rights and get the legal help you need. By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself and prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.