Can the Pedestrian be at Fault in an Accident?

Typically when we think of pedestrian accidents, we somehow think that the car or other vehicle that was involved was strictly at fault and the pedestrian is the victim. This belief is typically because the pedestrian is often hurt much worse than the other party, but could they be to blame for their own accident?

Short answer? Yes, the pedestrian can be partly or wholly at fault for a pedestrian accident.

When determining the fault of a pedestrian accident, much of the proof will need to come from witnesses. Some circumstances, like where the pedestrian was clearly jaywalking, are pretty clear cut. However, if they were struck at a crosswalk, there will need to be someone who can attest that the pedestrian did or did not have the sign to cross. Pedestrians can even be at fault if they were intoxicated during the accident since that impairs their overall judgment.

However, in many cases, both parties share the blame. The driver may have been intoxicated and the pedestrian may have tried to chance it and cross the street on the do not cross sign. In most states, these cases are handled by comparative negligence, in which the injured person’s damages are reduced by a percentage equal to the share of their fault.

If you have been in a pedestrian accident in los angeles, whether you are driver or pedestrian, and believe that the other party is at least partly to blame and you aren’t getting your justice, contact us today. The Law Office of Freeman & Freeman is ready to fight for your rights.