El Segundo Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

What To Do If You Are Hit By A Careless Driver In California

Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries like paralysis, internal bleeding, and broken bones. According to the United States Department of Transportation, these accidents are frequent, especially in major areas like Los Angeles County. One study revealed that a pedestrian is killed in a traffic accident in the United States every 88 minutes. The involvement of a careless driver can make these accidents even more devastating.

Non-fatal injuries are more common than fatal ones. Motor vehicle drivers must be cautious and give priority to pedestrians in specific situations, such as when a pedestrian crosses the street at a marked crosswalk. If a negligent driver hits a pedestrian in these situations, they are considered liable for the harm caused. If you have suffered severe injuries from being hit by a car, get in touch with our skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in El Segundo, CA without delay.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents In Los Angeles County

Pedestrian accidents can happen in various ways, but often it’s because of a motorist’s reckless, careless, or negligent behavior. As a result, the motorist is usually found responsible for any harm caused to the pedestrian. Some common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles County are listed below:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving or drugged driving
• Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
• Speeding or losing control
• Improper turns at an intersection
• Failing to yield
• Rushing or road rage
• Fast and hard turns
• Jumping the curb
• Driving too fast for the weather conditions
• Driver inexperience
• Mechanical defects

If you or someone you love has been hit by a car and has suffered serious injuries, contact our El Segundo pedestrian accident attorney to find out how we can assist you in receiving compensation for your injuries.

Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Collisions between pedestrians and vehicles can result in severe injuries for the pedestrian. Factors such as the speed of the vehicle, the angle of the crash, the area of impact on the pedestrian’s body, the vehicle’s design, and the location of the accident can all contribute to the severity of the injuries. In Los Angeles County, common injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Leg and knee injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Torn ligaments
• Nerve damage
• Severe cuts and lacerations

Proving Liability After Being Hit By A Car In California

Cases involving pedestrians being hit by cars often depend on the actions of the defendant and whether the victim was crossing at a designated crosswalk. The defendant’s actions usually refer to common causes of car accidents involving pedestrians. The victim’s position, whether they were inside or outside the crosswalk or on the sidewalk, is also considered when determining who is at fault.

Hit In A Crosswalk

If you were walking at the traffic light and got hit by a car in the crosswalk, you may have a strong case against the defendant. This is because California Vehicle Code section 21950 provides that “[t]he driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk.” If you were hit by a defendant while you were crossing a crosswalk, it is probable that the defendant broke the law mentioned in the statute. As a result, they may be held responsible for any injuries they sustained.

Hit Outside Of A Crosswalk

If you were hit by a car while crossing the street outside of a crosswalk, determining who is at fault may be more complex. However, you still have the right to seek compensation. To ensure your rights are protected, it is recommended to hire an experienced El Segundo pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.

If you were hit by a vehicle while standing on the curb or any other safe point, it is likely because the driver drove over the sidewalk or jumped the curb. This can make for a strong case against the driver and can help you receive compensation. If you were outside of a crosswalk and got hit by a car while on the street, liability may depend on reasonableness. This is because of certain factors. The overarching premise is that California law tries to offer “safe and convenient pedestrian travel and access” across roadways, as expressly noted in Vehicle Code section 21949.

Additionally, the statute cited above, California Vehicle Code section 21950, also extends protections to individuals crossing outside a crosswalk because it expressly states “[t]he driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” If a section of roadway appears to be a crosswalk, even if there are no painted markings, it is called an “unmarked crosswalk.” This means that a pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle while walking in an unmarked crosswalk may still be eligible to receive compensation for their injuries. Contact our El Segundo pedestrian accident lawyer for assistance in getting the compensation you deserve.

California Crosswalk Laws

In California, there are laws regarding crosswalks that specify when and where pedestrians can walk. These laws prioritize pedestrian safety while also considering vehicle traffic. Below are some of the most significant pedestrian laws to keep in mind.

• VC 467, which defines what it means to be a pedestrian
• VC 275, which defines a crosswalk
• VC 21966, which tells pedestrians where they can walk
• VC 21950, which covers pedestrians crossing the road at a crosswalk
• VC 21955, which requires pedestrians to use crosswalks at intersections
• VC 21954, which tells pedestrians crossing the street outside of a crosswalk to yield the right-of-way to vehicles
• VC 21970, which forbids drivers from stopping in a crosswalk and blocking it
• VC 21456, which tells when pedestrians can cross the street using a crossing light