Pedestrian Injuries In Crosswalk Accidents
Crosswalks are supposed to be safe. It’s the designated area on the road where pedestrians may cross a street. Unfortunately, that feeling of safety is betrayed by the huge number of pedestrians injured or killed by a vehicle while walking within a crosswalk.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, disabled, or killed in a California crosswalk accident, you may be seeking answers to the many questions you now have. The Law Office of Joseph Dang, a San Diego personal injury firm, is here to guide you and answer all of your questions.
California Crosswalk Law
California Vehicle Code 21950 is the basic crosswalk law. It requires the driver of a vehicle to yield the right of way to any pedestrian crossing a street within a marked, or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. The law also requires the driver to to exercise all due care and to reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of their vehicle to ensure your safety.
The Vehicle Code also forbids any car, from passing up another car that is waiting for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Causes of Crosswalk Accidents
Many pedestrian accidents occur when pedestrians are in clearly marked crosswalks. Common causes of crosswalk accidents include:
- Distracted drivers using a cell phone, texting, eating, putting on make up etc.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- One car passing another car that happens to be waiting for a pedestrian (and blocking the view of the pedestrian)
- Reckless drivers
- Drivers blinded by the sun
- Small children
- Semi-truck drivers who allow their back wheels to cross the walkway or sidewalk
- Drivers not looking when turning
- Drivers running a red light
Injuries suffered in crosswalk accidents
Crosswalk injuries are usually severe and traumatic. It is literally man vs. machine. These accidents may even produce permanent disabilities. Injuries may include:
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
and many other injuries. If you or a loved one is suffering from injuries caused by a driver while crossing a crosswalk, give us a call. The consultation is free, with no obligation. Protect your rights, and secure justice for you and your family.