Traffic laws for Fresno pedestrians are crucial for safety and reducing pedestrian accidents. These laws protect pedestrians by establishing clear guidelines for drivers, including yielding rights-of-way in crosswalks and intersections, and by requiring pedestrians to follow specific safety protocols.
If a pedestrian suffers injuries in an accident due to a driver’s violation of traffic laws, the law provides a framework for holding the driver accountable and for the pedestrian to seek compensation for damages. If you suffered injuries recently in a pedestrian collision caused by an at-fault driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Valero Law Group, and they can evaluate your legal options and protect your rights.
Important Traffic Laws for Pedestrians
In Fresno, pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked traffic crosswalks, requiring drivers to yield. Drivers are required to come to a full stop before a stop line, not in the middle of the crosswalk. Drivers are legally obligated to yield if a pedestrian is in half of the lane or approaching quickly enough to be in danger.
Pedestrians should obey traffic signals and warning signs, cross only when the “walk” signal allows, and avoid crossing unsafely. To ensure their safety, they should not suddenly leave a curb and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is too close. Likewise, pedestrians should avoid unnecessarily stopping or delaying traffic while in a crosswalk.
Pedestrians should refrain from using the bike lanes when a walking path is available. The term “pedestrian” includes people walking, skateboarding, or using other mobility devices. Jaywalking is no longer a crime as long as it is done safely and with no oncoming traffic. While it is still technically illegal to cross a street outside of a crosswalk, the law prevents law enforcement from issuing tickets for jaywalking unless a pedestrian’s actions create immediate danger. Despite the change, pedestrians still have a responsibility to cross the street safely and avoid becoming a hazard to themselves or others. They should still obey traffic signals and exercise caution when crossing.
Common Traffic Violations That Cause Pedestrian Accidents
Common traffic violations by drivers that contribute to pedestrian accidents in Fresno include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and reckless driving. Other factors include impaired driving, poor visibility, and aggressive driving. Liability for pedestrian accidents generally falls on the driver if they negligently caused the accident.
Drivers have a duty of care to pedestrians and must exercise reasonable caution. If a driver violates these duties and their actions directly cause a pedestrian’s injuries, they can be held liable. While drivers are generally responsible, pedestrians also have traffic rules to follow, and pedestrians’ actions can also influence liability.
A comparative negligence system is applicable in pedestrian accidents, meaning both parties can share fault. Therefore, if a pedestrian’s actions contributed to the accident, their damages could be reduced. For example, if the pedestrian was crossing outside the crosswalk at the time of the accident, this could reduce the driver’s liability and shift it to the pedestrian. Contact Valero Law Group to learn more about this system.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney To Learn About Traffic Laws in Fresno
In pedestrian accident cases, an attorney can provide legal guidance about traffic laws for Fresno pedestrians and explore whether the other driver violated one or more traffic laws. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, a lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court as needed. You could be owed compensation for your medical bills, pain, suffering, lost wages, and more.
An attorney can also help to gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf. Do not delay securing the legal representation you deserve. Contact a local pedestrian injury attorney at Valero Law Group as soon as possible.
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