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Riverside Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek damages. Learn more by scheduling a free consultation.
Riverside Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accident victims can fall into major financial debt due to a multitude of reasons. First, there’s the insurmountable cost of medical care. Then, there’s the loss of wages due to missing work while healing from injuries.
It is unjust for pedestrian accident victims to cover any costs associated with someone else’s negligence. At Sycamore Accident Lawyers, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers specialize in personal injury cases, and we possess the skills to get our clients maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident that resulted from someone else’s reckless behavior, you deserve to be compensated. For questions regarding a pedestrian accident claim, please schedule a free consultation with our Riverside law firm.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries That Qualify for Compensation
A person traveling on foot, by means of walking, running, skating (skateboard or roller skates), or using a wheelchair is considered a pedestrian. Any physical harm that is sustained to a pedestrian after being struck by a motor vehicle is typically considered a pedestrian accident.
Because pedestrians are not protected by shielding like the structure of a motor vehicle, the risk of injury is high. In fact, in a recent study of most pedestrian accidents in the US, the average risk of severe injury is 10% at an impact speed of 17mph with the risk of injury more than doubling when the impact speed increases to 25 mph.
Pedestrian accidents are devastating, capable of causing physical ailments including speech, sight, and hearing impairments. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue damage (contusions, lacerations, strains, and sprains)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Wrongful death
Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries even at low speeds, and in some instances, can result in death. These serious injuries can lead to long-term health complications, altering someone’s life forever.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while crossing the street, our California pedestrian accident lawyers can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Pedestrian Accidents in Riverside, CA?
Curb extensions reduce the amount of time pedestrians are actually on the roads and sharing the roads with vehicles. Under the city's Complete Streets Ordinance, there are plans to make ongoing efforts that will reduce pedestrian accidents by installing more curb extensions.
Ultimately, this will improve pedestrian safety by increasing visibility, reducing the crossing distance, and decreasing the speed of turning vehicles.
Still, until major changes have been implemented, pedestrian accidents in Riverside County remain a serious problem. Most accidents are a result of a negligent driver who has done the following:
- Not yielding the right of way in crosswalks
- Speeding through traffic lights
- Texting while driving or other cell phone distractions
- Drunk driving or other impaired driving
- Talking to passengers
Jaywalking is another common cause of pedestrian accidents, and in recent years has been considered illegal. While drivers owe a legal duty of care to follow traffic laws, pedestrians also have a responsibility to avoid causing a pedestrian accident by proceeding cautiously when crossing the road.
Comparative Negligence
Even if partially responsible for a pedestrian accident, the injured pedestrian may still be able to recover compensation under California’s comparative negligence laws. The courts will determine how much responsibility the plaintiff (pedestrian) shared for the accident and subtract that percentage of fault from the final verdict.
A pedestrian accident lawyer can represent clients and fight to keep the percentage of fault low, so that clients can still recover an adequate amount of financial compensation.
What Traffic Laws Do Cars Have to Follow Regarding Crosswalks?
In California, drivers must yield to a pedestrian entering or crossing a marked crosswalk or intersection. This helps keep all involved parties safe and will prevent a traffic accident.
Even at intersections where there are no designated crosswalks, once pedestrians step into an intersection, cars must stop and allow them to pass before driving through. Other specific laws regarding how pedestrians and car drivers should proceed include the following.
Pedestrians
- Have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks
- Are permitted to safely jaywalk if a crosswalk is not present
- Must remain aware of surroundings and avoid distractions
Drivers
- Must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Cannot stop in the middle of a crosswalk
- Cannot pass another driver who is stopped at a crosswalk
- May only cross a sidewalk when entering or exiting a driveway or garage
- May only use cell phones as a hands-free device
Violating pedestrian and driver safety laws can result in fines, a negative driving record, and even suspension of a driver’s license. In some cases, violating these laws can also lead to criminal charges.
Do Pedestrians Have The Right-of-Way?
Generally, there is a common misconception on what “the right-of-way” actually means. Under California Vehicle Code 21800, drivers must always stop and allow pedestrians to cross the roadway.
This was previously specific to any marked crosswalk and unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Although pedestrians are no longer required to utilize crosswalks, they are still responsible for making good judgments and are required to yield to a passing motor vehicle to avoid putting themselves at immediate risk.
Exceptions to California’s Crosswalk Rule
Some exceptions to California’s new crosswalk rules allow pedestrians to cross outside of a designated crosswalk. The latest legislation permits pedestrians to legally jaywalk without being cited or fined.
However, the pedestrian must do so in a “safe” manner. Therefore, dangerous behavior such as running between moving vehicles or impeding traffic is not allowed and is subject to fines.
Even if found partially at fault for a pedestrian accident, experienced personal injury attorneys can help clients seek compensation for their cases.
Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Riverside, CA
Based on compiled data, most pedestrian accidents occur on the following roadways in Riverside County:
- Tyler St. and Magnolia Ave.
- Winchester Rd. and Ynez Rd.
- Gilman Springs Rd. and Bridge St.
- Indiana Ave. and Van Buren Blvd.
- Trautwein Rd. and Van Buren Blvd.
- Jurupa Ave. and Van Buren Blvd.
- Arlington Ave. and Van Buren Blvd.
Regular traffic, reckless driving, and lack of traffic signals may all contribute to accidents resulting in pedestrian injury and pedestrian fatalities throughout the county.
What to Do Immediately After A Pedestrian Accident
Taking the right steps after being involved in a pedestrian accident is confusing and overwhelming, especially if the victim has never been involved in a personal injury accident before. Here’s an overview of how to best proceed so that health and the pedestrian accident case are not jeopardized.
- Move to a safe place out of the street, and call 911 for help. Provide an account of what happened and ask about filing a police report.
- Safety is a priority, so seek medical attention, even if pain or injury is not apparent. Hidden injuries like a traumatic brain injury can only be detected by a doctor and can become fatal if untreated.
- Get contact information from any eyewitnesses and take photos of the accident scene, including the involved vehicle and anything else notable (traffic signs, skid marks, weather conditions).
- Avoid interacting with the driver unless it’s to obtain insurance and contact information. Also, do not apologize or give statements to the driver or their insurance company.
A Riverside pedestrian accident lawyer can provide insight into how the claims process works and advise on how to best proceed following an accident. Sycamore Accident Lawyers provides a free consultation to all potential clients to discuss these details and more.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
In California, as in any state, there exists a statute of limitations. This law limits the amount of time someone has to file a personal injury claim. For pedestrian accidents, the time limit is typically two years from the date the pedestrian injury was discovered, not the date of the event.
If the deadline is missed, people lose their right to take legal action. There are a few exceptions to the statute of limitations where the time limit is reduced or increased, but this will vary.
To avoid missing the deadline, an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can review the case and confirm important dates, as well as when the claim must be filed.
Do I Need a Riverside Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer simplifies the claims process. Additionally, legal help protects against the insurance company which will try to pressure victims into accepting low settlements.
Our Riverside pedestrian accident lawyers are skilled in maximizing damages by getting our clients compensated for economic damages, as well as non-economic damages such as:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
At Sycamore Accident Lawyers, we provide each case with individualized care, as every accident is unique and requires its own level of attention.
Through our independent investigation, our pedestrian accident lawyers can determine the cause and consequences of the accident, which increases the amount of compensation.
Contact the Top Riverside Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Sycamore Accident Lawyers understands the devastating circumstances that arise following a pedestrian accident. We are here to provide support during this difficult time, working tirelessly to deliver optimal results.
Our Riverside pedestrian accident lawyers will gather the evidence needed to prove the other party’s negligence, as well as aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to get our clients maximum compensation.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, we will fight to get you the justice you deserve. Please schedule a free case evaluation with our personal injury law firm, so we can begin building your winning case.