Due to hot weather, there are a lot of individuals who prefer walking over driving a car in Los Angeles. Some prefer riding a skateboard, scooter, and other human-powered vehicles.
However, it is no secret that many pedestrians get hit by vehicles on a daily basis. There are laws and regulations that protect pedestrians from car accidents, but there are also laws that will punish pedestrians if they ignore these laws.
Here is everything a pedestrian in Los Angeles should know about the right-of-way laws.
Have you Crossed The Street Legally?
As a pedestrian, you should be aware of your surroundings. When crossing the street, you need to follow the simple rules:
- Wait for the light to turn green
- Only cross the street at a crosswalk
- Look left and right prior to crossing the street and only cross it when it is completely safe
Before 2017, crossing the street when the light turned red was considered as jaywalking and was punishable by the law. Today, you can start crossing the street but have to finish crossing it before the light for vehicles turns green.
If you get hit by a vehicle while crossing the street, we encourage you to contact our pedestrian accident lawyers in Los Angeles and schedule a free consultation. It may be your fault if you ignored the traffic lights, and to determine who is responsible for causing the accident, our attorneys will perform a thorough investigation and help you recover your compensation if you ended up with injuries.
The Right Of Way
For those who do not know, the right of way means having the right to move first, having the preference of movement, and all the other vehicles must yield and wait for you to cross the street (or walk) before they are able to continue moving.
The most common confusion is: When do pedestrians have the right of way?
In California, you have the right of way:
- When crossing the street at a marked crosswalk
- At any intersection (even if there is no crosswalk) as long as the light for pedestrians is green
- When walking on a sidewalk and a car wants to cross or enter a parking lot
If you are on any part of the street or intersection, you do not have the right of way. Use the sidewalk to walk around safely and do not enter the street at any point, unless you are using a crosswalk.
Have You Been in An Accident?
If you ended up in an accident involving a motor vehicle, you should speak with Los Angeles personal injury attorney right away. Visit the doctor and get treated, and do not worry about the medical bills; once our attorneys help you file a claim against a reckless driver, you will receive compensation that will help you cover for your:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages (past and future
Be extremely careful when crossing the street, obey the law and always walk on the left-hand side of the street.
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