Pedestrians usually aren’t allowed to walk on California interstates, but there might be times when walking on these busy roads might be necessary. Because of that, all drivers have to be vigilant about keeping an eye out for pedestrians. For pedestrians who were injured on the highway or interstate, serious injuries are almost certain. Learning about pedestrian accidents on the highways might help those who are victims of these accidents and their family members.
Why would someone walk on an interstate?
There are many reasons why someone would have to walk on highways and interstates. Some people might be walking to the nearest exit because they had car trouble on the roadways. Others might have been involved in another accident or are helping other motorists who were stranded on the roadway. Some others might be suicidal or drunk.
Can pedestrians hit on highways seek compensation?
Pedestrians who are injured in a car accident can seek compensation if the driver who struck them was acting in a negligent manner. This might be the case if the driver is distracted.
Pedestrians who are involved in an interstate accident might also have the right to seek compensation from the agency responsible for the upkeep of the roadway if a defect in the roadway contributed to the accident. It might also be possible if the agency designed or constructed the highway in a way that contributed to the accident.
The first step for pedestrians injured in an interstate accident is to get medical care. After that, the pedestrian can work with someone familiar with these types of pedestrian accidents to determine the cause of the accident so they can decide if seeking compensation is viable.
Source: FindLaw, “Pedestrian Accidents on Interstate Highways” Sep. 19, 2014