Covina, CA, uses police enforcement operations, along with local advocacy groups and the county transportation department, to identify and address pedestrian safety issues. If you or someone that you love has been severely injured in a pedestrian accident, speak with a Covina pedestrian accident lawyer from the Omega Law Group to explore your legal options.
When safety efforts, citations, and monitoring are not enough to prevent pedestrian accidents, our Covina personal injury lawyers work side by side with victims like you to pursue justice. We pride ourselves in being a modern law firm with a familial feel.
Before scheduling your free consultation session with us, discover if your case qualifies for a personal injury claim.
Laws That Protect Pedestrians in Car Accident Injury Cases
Pedestrians who are struck by motor vehicles often suffer severe, life-altering injuries. In California, there are specific laws in place to protect the rights of pedestrians, and our Covina catastrophic injury lawyer can ensure that you receive fair compensation after a car accident.
The following laws establish the duties and responsibilities of drivers when it comes to yielding the right-of-way and exercising due care around pedestrians:
- Vehicle Code Section 21950: Requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Vehicle Code Section 21951: Prohibits drivers from passing a vehicle that has stopped at a marked crosswalk or at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway.
- Vehicle Code Section 21954: Requires pedestrians to yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing the roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Covina Municipal Code Section 10.32.010: Establishes pedestrian right-of-way in crosswalks and requires drivers to exercise due care for the safety of pedestrians.
- Covina Municipal Code Section 10.32.020: Prohibits parking or standing of vehicles within 20 feet of a marked crosswalk to maintain visibility for pedestrians.
- Covina Municipal Code Section 10.32.030: Requires the installation of pedestrian crossing signals and markings at certain intersections to enhance pedestrian safety.
Understanding the legal framework that governs pedestrian safety can be crucial for victims seeking to recover damages after being hit by a negligent or reckless driver.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Covina can explain more in-depth and find more relevant laws that will support your case.
Qualifying Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Covina
Common factors that can contribute to car-pedestrian collisions in Covina include:
- Distracted driving: Using cell phones, adjusting the radio, or other activities that take the driver’s eyes off the road and attention away from their surroundings. This reduces a driver’s ability to detect and respond to pedestrians in a timely manner.
- Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit, which makes it more difficult for drivers to stop in time to yield to pedestrians. Higher speeds also increase the severity of any collisions that do occur.
- Poor visibility: Obstructed views at intersections or crosswalks due to parked cars, vegetation, or other obstacles. Inclement weather conditions like rain, fog, or darkness also reduce visibility.
- Failure to anticipate pedestrians: Drivers not actively scanning for and expecting the presence of pedestrians, especially in areas with high foot traffic. Lack of familiarity with the local area and pedestrian patterns.
- Aggressive/impatient driving: Drivers who are in a hurry and fail to slow down or stop to allow pedestrians to cross. Frustration or anger leads to risky maneuvers around pedestrians.
If you were in a pedestrian accident where any of these factors took place, you may qualify to win a personal injury settlement for your economic and non-economic losses. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Covina, CA, will assess the details of your case and help you file the appropriate paperwork.
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(310) 526-8383 How Much is a Pedestrian Accident Worth in Covina, California?
When determining the value of a pedestrian accident claim, various factors are taken into consideration, including:
- Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of your injuries play a significant role in determining the potential worth of the claim. This includes both physical injuries and emotional trauma resulting from the accident.
- Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing therapy, is a crucial factor in assessing the value of a pedestrian accident claim.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If you are unable to work due to the accident, the claim may include compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, the claim may consider the impact on future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident may also be included in the claim. This can be subjective and may vary based on the individual circumstances of the case.
Additional Factors That Impact Personal Injury Settlements in California
In addition to the factors listed above, California also uses the following components to determine the amount of your settlement:
- Comparative Negligence: California follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if the pedestrian is found partially at fault for the accident, the compensation amount may be reduced proportionately. It is important to establish liability and determine the degree of fault in the accident.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and are meant to punish the at-fault party for their reckless or intentional behavior.
Omega Law Group will do everything in our power to maximize the value of your personal injury settlement. This includes collaborating with accident reconstructionists or vocational rehabilitation specialists to recover additional funds that their subject matter professionals uncover.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in California
California’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including a pedestrian accident claim, is two years from the date of the accident. Most of the time, if you fail to file your claim within this time, you cannot pursue compensation for your injuries.
It’s important to contact a Covina pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have enough time to gather evidence and build a strong compensation case
Are you a pedestrian that was injured
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(310) 526-8383 Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Covina Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, let the Omega Law Group help you understand your legal rights and options. The laws in California are designed to hold negligent drivers accountable, and our Covina pedestrian accident lawyers will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let your injuries and expenses go unaddressed. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can fight to protect your rights and get you the justice you’re entitled to. Contact us today.
