Jaywalking occurs when a pedestrian crosses the street improperly. This typically occurs when someone crosses the street without using the crosswalk. Jaywalking can lead to dangerous consequences for pedestrians and vehicles on the roadway.
California enacted the Freedom to Walk Act which prohibits a pedestrian who crosses or enters a roadway when no cars are present from being subject to a fine or criminal penalty. Pedestrians must still exercise due care in not running out into the street or causing an immediate hazard for cars.
While jaywalking was decriminalized in California, it is still a risky practice to engage in. Remember that whenever you enter a roadway on foot, you are also sharing that space with cars.
What if You Get Hit by a Car While Jaywalking?
Failing to cross the street at a crosswalk is dangerous. If you are jaywalking, it increases the risk that you will be hit by a car. As you’re enjoying the beautiful California weather, remember to obey traffic laws, use crosswalks, and walk on sidewalks whenever possible.
If you are jaywalking, a car traveling on the same street as you may not see you walking across. If a driver cannot see you, they may not be able to avoid colliding with you. Avoiding jaywalking can help keep you safe. If you are hit by a car while jaywalking, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself.
The following are steps to take if you are hit by a car while jaywalking:
- Check yourself for any injuries and seek immediate medical attention
- Take photos of any injuries, the scene of the accident, and the vehicle that hit you
- Exchange information with the driver that hit you
- Document what occurred, any witness statements, car insurance information, and the license plate number
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney
If you are hit by a car while jaywalking in California, contacting an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Injuries That Can Occur if You Are Hit by a Car
It is so important to use crosswalks because you can suffer catastrophic injuries if you are hit by a car while jaywalking.
The following are injuries that can occur if you are hit by a car while jaywalking:
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injury
- Concussion
- Neck injury
- Back strain or sprain
- Dislocated rib
- Herniated disc
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Amputation
The types of injuries that pedestrians can sustain after being hit by a car vary in severity. It is crucial to try to avoid jaywalking to decrease the likelihood of being hit by a car. Saving a few minutes by jaywalking is not worth the risk of serious injuries.
What Damages Are Available if You Are Hit by a Car?
If you are hit while jaywalking, you may still be able to recover compensation. California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that you can still recover damages even if you were also partially at fault for the accident.
The following are the types of damages that are available if you are hit by a car:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Chronic pain
- Disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
In California, you have two years to bring your personal injury claim if you are hit by a car. If you fail to bring your claim before the statute of limitations expires, you will be barred from recovering damages. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney immediately following an accident can help you begin the process of recovering damages.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA
If you were injured in an accident in Los Angeles, CA or you lost a loved one and you need legal assistance, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. One of our Los Angeles car accident lawyers at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers will get in touch with you soon.
M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers – Los Angeles Office
4929 Wilshire Blvd Suite 960,
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(877) 300-4535
M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Office
350 S Figueroa St Suite 276
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(877) 751-8953