A pedestrian sustained major injuries in an Orange County car accident after being hit by a vehicle, while walking in a crosswalk. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Katella Avenue and Meridian Drive in Cypress, the afternoon of August 19, 2011. Officials say the pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver remained at the scene. No arrests were made or citations issued, pending an official investigation.
My heart goes out to the pedestrian who has apparently suffered severe injuries in this crash. I wish the injured victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 14 were injured in pedestrian accidents in Cypress. In Orange County as a whole, 41 fatalities and 864 injuries were reported due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.
Crosswalk Law
Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrian was walking in a crosswalk. It is not clear why the driver struck the pedestrian. Under California law, motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
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.”
Fault and Liability
I trust officials in this case are looking into whether the driver of the vehicle was under the influence, speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and other damages. Car accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.