Riverside becomes more pedestrian-friendly every year as more locals head outside to walk pets, run, and stretch their legs. While the area is getting more pedestrian-friendly, it also supports a constant flow of motor traffic. A distracted driver, a traffic stop mistake, or a drunk driving incident can easily turn into a deadly pedestrian accident.
At Estey & Bomberger, LLP, our Riverside pedestrian accident attorneys represent those injured in preventable pedestrian-related accidents. We understand the factors that give rise to these incidents and the responsibilities of motorists. When motorists strike law-abiding pedestrians, we use every resource at our disposal to help the injured individual recover. Our attorneys can’t turn back the clock, but we can make sure the person or persons responsible pay. Allow us to help you achieve financial stability and attain a sense of closure after a devastating pedestrian accident.
The Real Risks of Pedestrian Accidents
Some people mistakenly believe pedestrian accidents only happen when pedestrians step outside of a sidewalk or make judgment errors when crossing the street. While these types of accidents do occur, they most commonly occur when drivers fail to pay attention to their surroundings. Pedestrian incidents frequently happen around:
- Parking lots. When drivers fail to look around and drive slowly in parking lots, they can easily miss the profile of a person walking around the vehicle. Cars can hit pedestrians as they back out of parking spaces and if they fail to stop at parking lot crossings.
- Intersections and sidewalk crossings. Intersections with significant foot traffic often feature crosswalks. With or without a crosswalk, some drivers fail to see or slow down for pedestrians. They may ignore crosswalks at yield signs and fail to look closely where sidewalks cross side-streets. In any of these areas, just a few seconds of inattention can result in a dangerous pedestrian accident.
- Poorly lit areas. Some drivers fail to use caution when driving at night and in inclement weather. When they don’t expect to see pedestrians, many drivers let their guards down and do not properly react to walkers and runners.
The statistics speak for themselves. In Riverside County during 2014, the most recent data available from the California Office of Traffic Safety, 436 pedestrians were either injured or killed in traffic collisions. Sixty-nine were under the age of 15, and 41 were over the age of 65. Around 347 people died in pedestrian accidents across the state in 2015. Also in 2015, 26 states across the country reported fatality increases over the previous year.
Pedestrian Laws in California
In California, both drivers and pedestrians have a duty of care when they enter public spaces. Motorists, however, hold a higher duty of care in most cases. According to state laws, motorists must:
- Provide the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and unmarked intersection crossings.
- Provide right-of-way to pedestrians crossing a street, alleyway, or driveway along a sidewalk. Take reasonable care to avoid an accident with a pedestrian, even if the pedestrian violates the rules of the road.
- Take reasonable care to avoid an accident with a pedestrian, even if the pedestrian violates the rules of the road.
Pedestrians in California may not legally jaywalk, linger in a crosswalk, or step unexpectedly into a crosswalk in such a way that prevents a vehicle from reasonably avoiding an accident. In addition to these traffic laws, drivers and pedestrians must consider what constitutes an act of negligence. Criminal and civil wrongdoings often overlap but are not always the same. A driver or pedestrian may face civil liability even if he or she did not commit a traffic offense.
Seeking Legal Support
After a pedestrian accident, injured individuals often need professional legal representation. Attorneys do more than initiate lawsuits. At Estey & Bomberger, LLC, we will act as your legal advocate at every step. We can help you find appropriate medical care, represent you in front of bill collectors, negotiate with insurance adjustors, and help you develop a strategy for recovery.
Our dedicated attorneys have access to state-of-the-art resources we can use to reconstruct the accident, determine liability, and create a fair request for compensation on your behalf. Pedestrian accidents often lead to serious life-long injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis. Allow us to act as your legal representatives, and we will relentlessly fight for your future. You won’t owe us any fees unless and until we reach a successful outcome.
Estey & Bomberger, LLC will not accept a settlement lower than you deserve. If necessary, we will pursue your case to trial to obtain a satisfactory verdict. Our competent attorneys can help you recover damages for current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Frequently Asked Pedestrian Accident Questions
Consult a Riverside Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t wait to schedule your free initial consultation. If you accept an early settlement or fail to realize the full extent of your injuries, you could lose your right to a fair recovery. Come to our attorneys at Estey & Bomberger, LLP as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin the recovery process. To make an informed decision about your pedestrian accident case, reach out to our Riverside office at 951-543-9020.
