Pasadena Intersections and Pedestrian Right-of-Way
Pasadena is a popular destination for foodies, shoppers, and tourists. It has neighborhoods like Old Town Pasadena that attract a lot of pedestrians. But if drivers and pedestrians want to prevent serious accidents, it’s important for them to remain alert and obey traffic signals. If you were injured while walking at a Pasadena intersection, speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer today.
Right-of-Way Laws for Drivers and Pedestrians
An intersection is a junction where two or more roads meet. Right-of-way refers to the legal right of a pedestrian or vehicle to proceed in a particular situation. A crosswalk is the portion of the roadway designated for pedestrian crossing.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections with pedestrian signals. Drivers must yield to pedestrians, which means slowing down or stopping to allow pedestrians to cross safely. However, pedestrians are also responsible for following traffic control devices and signals.
Pedestrians should only cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections, and they should not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close it is an immediate hazard. When there is no marked crosswalk at an intersection, pedestrians may still cross, but they must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles close enough to become an immediate threat.
When approaching a crosswalk, drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop if a pedestrian is present. Drivers should never overtake or pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, as there may be pedestrians crossing that are not visible. Drivers must always exercise due care by staying alert and avoiding distractions such as texting or using a mobile phone while driving. It’s also important for drivers to remain vigilant in school zones, residential areas, shopping districts, and other high-pedestrian-traffic locations.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Failure to yield is among the most common factors that lead to pedestrian accidents at intersections. When drivers neglect to give pedestrians the right-of-way, the consequences can be severe, often resulting in injuries or fatalities. This failure may occur in various types of scenarios, such as when drivers turn at intersections without checking for pedestrians in the crosswalk or when they speed through marked crosswalks without slowing down.
Speeding drivers are much more likely to cause crashes that result in pedestrian injuries. When drivers exceed speed limits, their reaction time significantly reduces. Speeding also increases the impact force, resulting in more severe injuries or fatalities for pedestrians. Reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and running red lights, further endanger pedestrians at intersections.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a major contributor to pedestrian accidents at intersections. Drinking beyond the legal limit impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it difficult to drive safely and respond to pedestrians. Distracted driving is another serious concern. Activities such as texting, using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can have tragic consequences by diverting a driver’s attention from the road.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Intersection Accident
Call 911 right away if a pedestrian has been struck by a motor vehicle. First responders will assess the situation and make sure that the pedestrian receives the appropriate care. A law enforcement official will provide a police report detailing the accident.
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Injuries such as nerve damage, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can grow much worse over time, and it’s important to get the correct diagnosis and treatment right away.
After receiving initial medical care, it’s essential to follow all recommended treatment plans, including attending follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions. Thorough documentation of your medical care is also vital. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, and any related expenses. This documentation provides critical evidence for any legal claims or insurance settlements, demonstrating the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life.
Gather contact information from the driver involved and anyone who witnessed the collision. You can use your cell phone to record pictures of the accident scene. If you require immediate medical assistance, you can ask a friend to take the pictures for you.
Get Tenacious Legal Representation from a Pasadena Pedestrian Accident Attorney
At Vardanyan Law Firm, we’ve won millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. We understand that your case is important. Our Pasadena injury lawyers treat all of our clients with respect and compassion, and we keep you informed about how your case is progressing.
Vardanyan Law Firm takes cases on a contingency basis, so you won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.
Call (747) 239-4055 to speak with one of our pedestrian accident attorneys in Pasadena and learn more today.