California Injury Blog
A man suffered major injuries in an Orange County car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while walking in a marked crosswalk. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury car accident occurred the evening of November 10, 2010 when the man was walking in a crosswalk near Santa Ana Boulevard and Ross Street. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. Police have not arrested or cited the driver pending an official investigation.
My heart goes out to this injured victim and his family for what they are going through at this time. I wish this man the very best for a quick and complete recovery from his injuries. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 123 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Crosswalk Law
Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrian was legally using the crosswalk at the time. What is not clear at the moment is why the driver failed to see the pedestrian in time and avoid hitting him. Police do not believe the driver was under the influence at the time. I trust they are still looking into whether the driver was distracted, inattentive, speeding or otherwise negligent in this accident.
California law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians 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
If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the critical injuries caused to the pedestrian. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication and other related damages. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer should better advise car accident victims and their families about their legal rights and options.
Seriously injured in an Orange County car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Santa Ana pedestrian accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Orange County personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.
What are some of the most dangerous crosswalks in your neighborhood? How do you think they can be made safer for pedestrians?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.