Pedestrian accidents involving careless drivers can be catastrophic. Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users because they have little protection in collisions. If you were hit by a driver while walking and suffered severe injuries, you could be entitled to compensation — even if you were jaywalking.
Whether you can file an accident claim while jaywalking depends on the circumstances of the crash. To learn more about jaywalking laws in Oklahoma and when you have a right to sue, contact the legal team at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons.
What Is Jaywalking?
Jaywalking is when a person illegally or unsafely crosses a street. Generally, pedestrians are required by law to cross the road at designated crosswalks and use walk signals. Pedestrians who fail to obey these rules may be cited for jaywalking. Laws are in place to prevent jaywalking because it can endanger pedestrians and other road users and lead to traffic accidents.
Jaywalking Laws in Oklahoma
Under Oklahoma law, pedestrians must cross roads within marked crosswalks when available, with few exceptions. Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way crossing the street unless they use a crosswalk at an intersection. When crossing roadways without crosswalks, pedestrians are expected to yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the road and only cross the street at a right angle to the curb.
Can I Sue If I Was Hit by a Car While Jaywalking in Oklahoma?
If you get hit by a car while jaywalking in Oklahoma, it might be possible to sue the driver, but it depends on the circumstances of the accident. Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule when determining liability in car accidents. Under this model, a pedestrian who is partly at fault for a car accident may still be able to pursue compensation from the driver. That means even if you were jaywalking when the accident occurred, you might be able to sue the driver. However, your share of the fault must be 50 percent or less.
Because the right to compensation relies on proving who is more responsible for an accident, it is crucial to hire an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to build a strong case for you.
Talk to an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City, OK
If a driver hit you in Oklahoma City, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries — even if you were jaywalking at the time of the accident. The personal injury lawyers with Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons have a long track record of helping injury victims in Oklahoma seek the accountability and financial relief they deserve. Contact our office today for a free consultation with a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
