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When Pedestrians are Injured – Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Cleveland
Posted on August 30th, 2012 No commentsYou don’t necessarily have to be in a car to be injured in a car accident. Countless of innocent pedestrians are injured or killed every day, often simply by crossing the street. In fact, nearly 70,000 pedestrians are victims of car accidents every year. Since there is no metal car body to absorb the impact, the injuries can often be very severe if not fatal. Injured pedestrians may require the legal services of a car accident attorney in Cleveland to advocate for their rights.
The Right of Way
Pedestrians always have the right of way, whether they are walking in a cross walk or not. If you are crossing the street, the motorist has the duty to give you the right of way and let you cross. Though you are in the legal right, however, keep in mind that jaywalking is dangerous, and could well result in citation or injury.
Areas of Increased Care
Some areas, such as residential areas or schools, require an extra level of care on the part of the driver. If you are run over or hit by a driver using excessive speed in these areas, the experience of your car accident attorney in Cleveland will use the location of the accident to your advantage in seeking a claim.
Parked Motorists
Motorists will often park by the side of the road or on the median when conducting repairs, navigating or talking on a cell phone to seek on the road service. When they get out of their car, they become pedestrians and should be given the same right of way as any other pedestrian. If they become the victim of a car accident, an experienced car accident attorney in Cleveland can advocate for their rights as a pedestrian.
Emergency Vehicles Roadside
When approaching a broken down vehicle and/or a police or emergency vehicle on the side of the highway, it is the responsibility of the motorists to either move over to the next lane or slow down their speed as they pass the vehicles. Both are required safeguards against negligently harming the pedestrians involved.