A female pedestrian suffered leg injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while walking in a marked crosswalk. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the injury pedestrian accident occurred the night of October 11, 2011 at the intersection of Garvey and Jackson avenues in Rosemead. Police say the woman was walking in a crosswalk when she was struck. The driver remained at the scene. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with an injured leg. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to this injured pedestrian and I truly hope she did not suffer major injuries. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this victim in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 23 were injured in pedestrian accidents in Rosemead. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 179 fatalities and 4,918 injuries were reported involving pedestrian accidents, during the same year.
Pedestrian’s Right-of-Way
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver failed to yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian who was walking in a crosswalk. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”
Liability Issues
I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver was under the influence, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly at the time. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. Car accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.