Crosswalk Pedestrian Accidents

Crosswalks are plentiful on Newport Beach streets, making pedestrians feel confident that they’ll be able to safely cross without a traffic incident. But unfortunately, not all drivers respect crosswalks and crosswalk accidents are a serious problem. On the positive side, the law is in favor of pedestrians in these situations, but each year many crosswalk accidents result in serious injuries, costly hospital stays, missed time from work, and other losses. If you have been injured while crossing at a crosswalk, working with an experienced Newport Beach crosswalk pedestrian accident lawyer like Jamal Injury Law P.C. is the best way to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your bills and other losses. If you were a victim of this type of accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for the help you need.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,432 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2011. In addition, nearly 70,000 pedestrians were injured. In 2006, the NHTSA reported that more than 500 pedestrians were killed while crossing at crosswalks.

The problem isn’t only a national one. With so many people out and about in the thriving city of Newport Beach, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately quite common. Data collected by the Newport Beach Police Department between 2006 and 2016 revealed that no fewer than 444 pedestrian accidents occurred each year during this decade-long period, with a high in 2012 of more than 600 pedestrian accidents. In 2016, a study in the Los Angeles Times reported that California pedestrian accident deaths had gone up by seven percent.

Statistics like these remind us that even when a pedestrian believes they are safely crossing at a crosswalk, the worst can happen. If struck by a vehicle, a vulnerable victim may experience lacerations, broken bones, spinal cord and brain injuries, and worse. When an accident is especially serious, hospital stays and recovery expenses can quickly become overwhelming.

In addition to the pain and suffering victims experience after a pedestrian accident, the unfortunate reality is that many insurance companies want to pay victims as little as possible. This is why it is essential to work with an experienced crosswalk pedestrian accident lawyer serving Newport Beach. At Jamal Injury Law P.C., we have the knowledge to help you recover maximum compensation for your losses. We are committed to fighting for local victims’ rights and prosecuting responsible drivers to the full extent of the law.

To stay safe while out and about in Newport Beach it is important that you follow local and state traffic laws, especially those outlined for pedestrians. According to the California Vehicle Code, pedestrians are responsible for using due care to ensure their own safety. This includes looking for oncoming cars when crossing and obeying all traffic laws and signals.

Although pedestrians have the right of way at intersections, it is still their responsibility to avoid cars as much as possible. If a pedestrian is not in a marked crosswalk or crossing at an intersection, they must yield to vehicles. California State law also prohibits pedestrians from crossing in the middle of a block. In Newport Beach, it is illegal for a pedestrian to stand in the roadway unless they are in a safety zone or crosswalk, or to walk in the road if it interferes with traffic.

Sometimes it is unclear whether or not a pedestrian had the right of way, or who is responsible for an accident. Although the law is typically on the side of the pedestrian, if you are unsure whether or not you have a case, getting a consultation from a Newport Beach crosswalk pedestrian accident lawyer is a good idea. The team at Jamal Injury Law P.C. offers free consultations and can help you understand your legal rights and the types of compensation you may be entitled to.

If you have been injured in a crosswalk accident, your first priority should be your health. Visit the emergency room or your primary care physician immediately after the accident, even if you are unsure of the severity of your injuries. This will ensure that you are able to identify any serious injuries that are not visible. You should also request a copy of the police report with the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Once your doctor has cleared you to return home, it’s a good idea to contact a local lawyer as soon as possible. All personal injury cases have statutes of limitations within which you must file a case, so seeking legal help sooner rather than later is in your best interest. If you were injured in the area, it is a good idea to work with a nearby crosswalk pedestrian accident attorney serving Newport Beach. Working with a local lawyer will make it easier to meet with your legal team in person if necessary and to drop off or pick up important documents.

If you have been injured in a crosswalk accident, our lawyers have the local expertise you need to fight for your rights and help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.

Contact us today for a free consultation at 714-907-1021.