Sadly, thousands of pedestrians are severely injured or killed each year when they are struck by motor vehicles. While in an ideal situation motorists and pedestrians should be able to share the road in a safe manner, many accidents still occur. These accidents are frequently the result of a drivers error, such as when they do not follow traffic safety laws and fail to yield. Even what may be a minor mistake for the driver could cause severe, even deadly, harm to a pedestrian as they are wholly unprotected from the force of a collision.
When pedestrians are involved in an accident with a vehicle, they will most likely suffer severe physical trauma and be faced with costly medical bills. If the accident was caused by a negligent driver, it may be possible to hold them accountable through a civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation.
When to Yield
Wisconsin has strict and straightforward traffic safety laws regarding pedestrians and the right-of-way. Vehicles are a very real and constant threat to pedestrians lives, and so in many cases must yield to them. Drivers are required to yield in the following circumstances, when:
* Pedestrians begin to cross an intersection with a walk signal or a green light
* Pedestrians cross an alley or driveway
* Pedestrians make use of a crosswalk, whether they are marked or unmarked
* A vehicle ahead has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street at a crosswalk or intersection
Just as drivers must yield to pedestrians in these, as well as other, circumstances, pedestrians are required to yield to drivers when a crosswalk or other traffic signal is not present.
What Next?
If you or someone close to you has been hurt in an accident while traveling on foot, you may wish to contact a Green Bay car accident attorney who can help you determine if you have a viable case for pursuing legal action.
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