If you are a driver in California, it is important to be aware of the laws that protect pedestrians. And if you are a pedestrian, it is important to know what to do after an accident.
In this article, we will discuss the steps that both drivers and pedestrians should take after a pedestrian accident in California.
1. Know the laws that protect pedestrians in California
The first step you should take is to learn and understand the laws protecting pedestrians in California, as this can help prevent accidents in the first place.
For example, did you know that in California, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street at a marked or unmarked crosswalk? If you didn’t know this law and caused an accident because you didn’t yield to a pedestrian, you could be held liable.
However, that doesn’t mean pedestrians always have the right-of-way. “Unmarked crosswalk” doesn’t mean that you can cross at any place —it is assumed that unmarked crosswalks are those only at intersections where it is a clear place for pedestrians to pass (i.e. where a sidewalk meets the road).
These are just a couple of examples of pedestrian traffic laws you should understand.
2. Stay at the scene of the accident
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important that you stay at the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in California, and if you are found guilty, you could face jail time, fines, and have your driver’s license suspended.
If you are a pedestrian who has been hit by a car, and the driver tries to leave the scene, try to get their license plate number so you can report it to the police.
3. Call 911 to report the accident
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, the next step you should take is to call 911 and report the accident. Be prepared to give the dispatcher your location, as well as any information about injuries sustained in the accident.
This will help the dispatcher determine whether or not to send an ambulance to your location along with a police unit. Failing to report an accident in which an injury occurred can result in hefty fines and even jail time. So sit tight and wait for the police to arrive.
4. Exchange information with the driver
Once the police arrive, they will likely exchange information with the driver. If you are a pedestrian who was hit by a car, the police will get your information as well. It is important to exchange insurance information with the other party involved in the accident so that you can file a claim with their insurance company.
It’s also important to avoid discussing the details of what happened with anyone at the scene. You need to ensure that you get all the facts straight before you start sharing your version of events —you don’t want to inadvertently say something that isn’t true.
Discussions of the details of the accident with others at the scene can become emotionally charged and unproductive. It’s best to just keep to yourself until you’re ready to give your statement to the police.
Also, insurance companies typically prefer that you wait to give a statement until you’ve had a chance to speak with an attorney. So if you’re ever involved in an accident, remember to keep your cool and avoid discussing the details until you’ve had a chance to speak with a professional like someone from JT Legal Group.
5. Get medical attention
If you are a pedestrian who was hit by a car, it’s important to get medical attention even if you don’t think you’re injured. Often, people involved in accidents experience an adrenaline rush, which can mask pain and injuries.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you’ve been hit by a car, it’s best to go to the hospital to get checked out, even if you don’t require an ambulance for transportation.
Conclusion
If you’re ever involved in a pedestrian accident, whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, remember to stay calm and follow the steps outlined above. These steps will help ensure that everyone involved is safe and that the legal process runs smoothly. And if you ever have any questions about what to do after an accident, don’t hesitate to seek out professional legal counsel.
