It is easy to assume that drivers are at fault when an accident happens between a pedestrian and a car in Hawaii. But negligent pedestrians who step into the roadway might make it hard for a car driver to prevent an accident.
Because of that, the driver can hit the pedestrian, hit an oncoming car, or veer off the road. If pedestrians cause an auto accident, a few things may happen.
Firstly, the pedestrians will be liable for the damages, and the car driver may need to get one of the best Honolulu pedestrian accident attorneys to seek compensation.
These might include lost wages, property damage, medical expenses, and pain & suffering. Even when pedestrians are injured, they can still be responsible for the damages.
How Pedestrians Cause a Car Accident
The blame for a pedestrian-car driver accident doesn’t always fall on drivers alone. At times, the party liable for the accident could be the pedestrian.
A pedestrian can cause a car accident in several ways, including jaywalking. Basically, jaywalking happens when pedestrians unlawfully cross the road. It often accounts for any situation where pedestrians ignore the right-of-way rules.
Pedestrians in Hawaii not using crosswalks to cross the road can be charged with a jaywalking offense. The same applies to pedestrians crossing the street without paying attention to signals or instructions that a traffic officer gives. Other causes may include the following:
- Tripping when crossing the road
- Crossing the street while distracted
- Crossing the road while drunk or intoxicated
Determining Fault
Basically, there are pedestrian accident scenarios where a car driver is clearly at fault. Making a right turn at the red light in front of the crossing pedestrian, running a stoplight, and not stopping at the designated crosswalks are some of the few examples that the driver is at fault.
However, pedestrians can also be deemed to have an equal chance of preventing a car accident. It is easy to see the reason why. Some pedestrians may behave in ways that make it nearly impossible for car drivers to prevent an accident.
Any accident that happens when pedestrians cross the road outside of a designated intersection or area can be their fault, based on the crash’s circumstance.
If you believe that you were driving a car safely, hit a pedestrian, and the fault wasn’t on your side, it is best to gather evidence that can collaborate your argument.
Vital evidence, which can help with your case, includes video footage, physical evidence, witness testimony, and police reports.
Unfortunately, even if you have pieces of evidence showing you were not at fault for the accident, the pedestrian might still file a lawsuit for the damages. This is why hiring a good pedestrian accident attorney in Hawaii is best to represent your interests.
In a Nutshell!
You and your loved ones don’t deserve to suffer any financial damages caused by a negligent party or lack of cooperation from insurance firms.
Pedestrian accident attorneys in Hawaii understand personal injury laws and insurance nuances. So they can put their expertise and experience to work for you.
