Riverside County sees an average of about 395 pedestrian collisions involving injuries or death per year. Due to the high number of people and vehicles crossing paths throughout the urban Riverside area, pedestrian-involved accidents are unfortunately common. Many of these accidents are hit and runs, in which a negligent or reckless driver strikes a pedestrian and flees the scene of the crime. Pedestrian accidents typically involve severe or life-threatening injuries. Avoiding or being extra cautious at the most dangerous pedestrian intersections in Riverside County can reduce your chances of becoming a statistic.
Pedestrian Crash Data for Riverside County
Based on a study by Estey & Bomberger, LLP, the most dangerous intersection in Riverside County is Bridge Street and Gilman Springs Road in Moreno Valley. In 2015, there were 24 crashes at this intersection, involving 21 injuries and three deaths. The second-most dangerous intersection in the county is in the city of Riverside, at Magnolia Avenue and Tyler Street. There were 24 crashes, 26 injuries, and one death at this intersection in 2015.
Another dangerous pedestrian intersection in the county is Winchester Road and Ynez Road in Temecula. This intersection saw 23 crashes and 25 injuries. The majority of the most dangerous intersections in California are in Los Angeles County.
On September 27, 2016, a pedestrian died crossing Hewitt Street in San Jacinto. On October 2, 2016, a pedestrian died in a fatal hit-and-run accident in Riverside, on Columbia Avenue. The pedestrian was on a sidewalk while crossing Columbia going south to north, just west of Mulberry Street. A sedan struck the pedestrian and kept driving, last seen headed west on Columbia. On November 14, 2016, a white truck struck a juvenile boy after he ran across Florida Avenue. These are just three of the dozens of pedestrian accidents that occur throughout Riverside County every year. Most are due to driver or pedestrian negligence.
Riverside Pedestrian Laws
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents stem from driver distraction and impairment, as well as negligent pedestrian behaviors. Drivers may become aggressive during times of heavy traffic and drive recklessly through pedestrian zones, such as speeding and failing to yield to the right of way.
California has numerous pedestrian. Motorists and pedestrians must abide by these laws to decrease the odds of a collision. Drivers must exercise due care at all times to avoid colliding with a pedestrian, yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks, and wait for all people to completely clear the road before crossing. Failure to abide by these laws, resulting in a pedestrian accident, makes consequent injuries the negligent driver’s legal responsibility.
Pedestrians also have laws they must follow while navigating the streets of Riverside County. Pedestrians must cross streets using crosswalks or pedestrian bridges/tunnels whenever possible. They must obey traffic control devices, only crossing when given the walk signal. If there is no sidewalk available for pedestrians, they must walk on the left side of the street (facing traffic). Pedestrians cannot cross intersections diagonally unless there is a crosswalk specifically designed for this movement.
When determining fault in pedestrian accidents, the court will review the evidence concerning the crash and look at both the driver and the pedestrian’s actions leading up to the accident. Missouri abides by comparative negligence car accident laws, meaning that the court will assign compensation based on each party’s percentage of fault. Therefore, you may be eligible for recovery after a pedestrian accident even if you were partially responsible, such as if you crossed the road without waiting for the appropriate signal.
Seek Council from a Seasoned Riverside Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Speak with an attorney about your pedestrian accident in Riverside County to determine your claim eligibility. Contact us at our Riverside office today for a free consultation. 951-543-9020