California Injury Blog
A 24-year-old man was injured in a Brea pedestrian accident the night of February 18, 2016. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of North Brea Boulevard and East Lambert Road. The man was crossing Lambert against the light when the vehicle struck him. It is not clear in which direction the vehicle was traveling. The driver remained at the scene. Alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured pedestrian. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Pedestrian Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but seven injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in the city of Brea. In Orange County as a whole, 52 people died and 784 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Laws Involving Pedestrians
Based on this news report, officials say the pedestrian may have been crossing against the light when the vehicle struck him. Under California law, pedestrians are required to cross with the light and in crosswalks. However, the law also requires motorists to use due care and yield to pedestrians.
California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: “Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.” The same section also states: “The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway.”
Liability Issues
If the driver is in this case is determined to have been in fault, he or she could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.