Man killed by drunk driver in Roland Heights
A 28-year-old man was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver as he crossed a road in Rowland heights early Saturday morning.
The man has been identified by coroner’s officials as Earl T. Bourne II of Los Angeles.
According to witnesses, Bourne was crossing the street near John A. Rowland High School when he was struck by a blue Dodge Durango sports utility vehicle.
Students were arriving back at the school just after midnight on Saturday from a field trip to Disneyland when the crash happened.
No students were injured.
The suspected female driver was pulled over near the scene and arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated.
Cause of the Rowland Heights Crash
While this devastating Los Angeles County accident remains under investigation, the family members of those accident victims who were seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Los Angeles County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.
Alcohol impaired driving accidents and wrongful death liability
California Pedestrian Law
“Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a) 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, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(c) 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 the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.
(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Source: California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report
Pedestrians need to be especially cautious on our roadways because they are more vulnerable to injury or death. There were two pedestrians killed and two injured in car accidents in Twenty-nine Palms in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report. In San Bernardino County 39 pedestrians died and 440 were injured in 2009.
In California, there were 598 pedestrians killed and 12,418 injured in 2009, according to the CHP traffic report.
National data compiled by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Authority shows that pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the United States were up 4.9% in 2010 to 4,280 deaths and injuries were up 19% in 2010 to 70,000 people injured.
Homeland pedestrian killed walking along Highway 74
A 62-year-old Homeland man was killed early Thursday morning, Dec. 13 when he was struck by an SUV while walking along Highway 74 in the rural community east of Hemet. Jose Gonzalez was pronounced dead at 5:49 a.m., nine minutes after the accident west of Ritter Avenue was reported, according to the Riverside County coroner’s office.
Cause of the Homeland Crash
This remains an ongoing investigation by the California Highway Patrol. While this devastating Riverside County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the accident victim who was fatally injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled wrongful death accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Right of Way
- Pedestrians always have the right of way. So, no matter where you encounter a pedestrian on the road, they always have the right of way. This includes crosswalks, round-a-bouts, at intersections not marked with signals and at street corners. Crosswalks are sometimes defined by white lines or flashing lights. Crosswalks are outlined in yellow near schools.
California Pedestrian Law
“Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a) 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, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(c) 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 the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.
(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Source: California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report
Pedestrians need to be especially cautious on our roadways because they are more vulnerable to injury or death. There were two pedestrians killed and two injured in car accidents in Twentynine Palms in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report. In San Bernardino County 39 pedestrians died and 440 were injured in 2009.
In California, there were 598 pedestrians killed and 12,418 injured in 2009, according to the CHP traffic report.
National data compiled by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Authority shows that pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the United States were up 4.9% in 2010 to 4,280 deaths and injuries were up 19% in 2010 to 70,000 people injured.
Fatal crash in Menifee
Phyllis Fleming, an 86-year-old woman living in the Sun City area of Menifee, died at 12:35 p.m. in the intersection of McCall Boulevard and Encanto Drive when the Saturn sedan she was riding in was sideswiped by a Chevrolet Tahoe.
She died on the scene, and the person driving the sedan was rushed to a hospital with severe head lacerations, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Sergio Rodriguez.
Melissa Dean-Baumann, 37, of Fallbrook, the driver of the Tahoe, was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk, manslaughter and felony child endangerment. Her 3-year-old child, who was also in the Tahoe, escaped injury.
She is being held at Robert Presley Detention Center in lieu of $75,000 bail, according to jail records.
The crash happened when the driver of the Saturn was driving east on McCall Boulevard and turned left onto Encanto Drive on a protected green light. Dean-Baumann allegedly ran the red light and smashed into the passenger side of the sedan.
Cause of the Riverside County Crash
If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the 37 year old driver is likely responsible for the incident. While this devastating Riverside County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the accident victim who was fataly injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Riverside County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.action also contributed to the crash.
Alcohol impaired driving accidents and wrongful death liability
The Los Angeles wrongful death attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme grief and sorrow associated with the loss of a loved one. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your wrongful death case.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and expert witnesses to prepare for trial of your case. As in all wrongful death and serious personal injury cases, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive for our services only a percentage of what we recover for our attorney fees on their behalf. Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery. If there is no recovery, no attorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm.
Motorcyclist killed in Ontario crash
On Tuesday morning, December 11, 2012, at 9:08 AM, Robert Dan Tangredi a 52 year old resident of Ontario, was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by an automobile in the intersection of Parco Ave. and Francis St.. Mr. Tangredi sustained major injuries and was transported by ambulance to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he died at 11:56 PM. The accident is under investigation by Ontario Police Department.
Cause of the Ontario Crash
While this devastating San Bernardino County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the accident victim who was fatally injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Ontario personal injury lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Motorcycle accidents and wrongful death liability
If you have been involved in a California motorcycle accident you may be entitled to compensation by the negligent party’s insurance company and/or your own if the negligent driver was uninsured or under-insured. Never proceed with a negligence claim without first obtaining legal advice from an experienced California lawyer who knows how to deal with the insurance companies and will make sure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
California motorcycle accident lawyer Gary A. Kessler will promptly investigate the crash, determine fault, and seek to recover all legal damages.
Regardless of who was at fault in the accident, victims should immediately seek the counsel of an experienced motorcycle attorney to protect your legal rights. Within the first week, important physical evidence can be lost or destroyed and witnesses may become hard to find.
The laws regarding motorcycle accidents are complex and include many facets of the law.It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer such as Gary A. Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A. Kessler to protect your rights and those of your loved ones.
The California motorcycle accident attorney Gary A. Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A. Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme serious injuries associated with a motorcycle accident. Such accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death. The Law Offices of Gary A. Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death and motorcycle accident cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your case.
Bicyclist killed in hit-and-run crash
A 57-year-old man who was riding a bicycle on Golden State Boulevard in Fresno died after he was hit by a Freight-liner truck on Saturday morning and left for hours by the side of the road, acc0rding to a California Highway Patrol press release. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the bicyclist as Jesus Luera, 57, of Fresno.
Luera was riding a bicycle south on Golden State when the truck hit him from behind. Luera was thrown from his bike and landed on the right shoulder. Tall grass along the road made it difficult to see the bicyclist, who was found hours after the accident, the CHP said.
The truck driver, Gurpreet Singh Bisla, 36, of Fresno, fled the scene but was later identified and booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of a hit and run.
Bicycles have as much right to be on the road as other vehicles. When automobile drivers violate the rights of a bicyclist, serious injuries and death can occur.
When you suffer serious/traumatic injuries or a loved one’s death, you are entitled to compensation (medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, future wages and pain and suffering). The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler will aggressively represent you and fight for your rights against the insurance companies for the monetary damages you deserve.
The laws regarding pedestrian and bicycle accident cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your rights and those of your loved ones.
The California pedestrian and bicycle accident attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme serious injuries associated with a pedestrian/bicycle accident. Such accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death and pedestrian/bicycle accident cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your case.
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Wrong way driver causes fatality
Kellie Hughes, 50, of Pinon Hills was killed and two others injured Friday morning in a wrong-way crash on the Interstate 15 freeway near the Bear Valley Road off ramp, according to a report by the San Bernardino County Sheriff Coroner Department.
On December 7, at 7:28 AM, The California Highway Patrol received a call of a “wrong way driver” traveling northbound on the southbound I-15 at a high rate of speed. At approximately 0735 hours, California Highway Patrol dispatch received another call advising that the wrong way driver collided with another vehicle southbound I-15 near the Bear Valley Road off ramp. Several officers responded to the scene to find a white 1994 Cherokee Jeep had collided head-on with a 2007 Mazda RX3. The front passenger of the Cherokee, Kelly Hughes, a front seat passenger of Pinon Hills, was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the injuries sustained in the collision. The drivers of the Cherokee and Mazda sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals.
Cause of the San Bernardino County Crash
As a passenger, the deceased likely could have done nothing to prevent this fatal collision that ultimately took his life. The California Highway Patrol will surely look at the speed of the vehicle, witness reports, and other factors to determine what occurred and who was responsible. Collisions such as this one can have countless causes, including unsafe passing maneuvers, swerving to avoid an object in the road, falling asleep at the wheel, driving under the influence, or driver distraction.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident on December 9 remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is a prominent and highly respected law firm in California and the United States. Gary A Kessler has been serving the people as an experienced wrongful death attorney for over twenty years dedicated and committed to obtaining the best results for his clients in each and every case. Through experience and education, our firm is able to expertly evaluate complex medical injuries and pursue wrongful death claims.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has a sustaining record of outstanding results for their client’s wrongful death cases throughout California. Our firm specializes in difficult automobile vs. tractor-trailer rig(s), collision cases, uninsured motorists cases, rollover accident cases, bus and train collision litigation, defective product liabilty litigation, boating collision death cases, boating capsizing and drowning cases, backyard pool drownings, jacuzzi spa drownings, association and community pool drownings, accidental shootings, tractor-trailer and commercial vehicle fatality, fuel tank fire cases and wrongful death cases.
The term “wrongful death” is defined as the death of an individual as a result of the negligence, carelessness, intentional act of another individual, corporation, company or entity. Filing a proper wrongful death claim is extremely difficult and complex for families because they are not only dealing with their grief over the death of a beloved family member, but also complex issues of compensation as well. Wrongful death claims are usually sought after by relatives, siblings, or members of the decedent’s estate who have lost a considerable amount of money as well as loss of support and grief due to the wrongful death of the decedent.
In most states, if the death of a relative or spouse was caused by the wrongful act of another, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party or parties. In order to file a wrongful death claim, you must be able to prove that you will experience severe future emotional and financial hardship because of the loss of the death of a relative, family member or spouse.
Riverside woman killed while pushing wheelchair
Herminia De Rivera, 58, died at Riverside Community Hospital, about 45 minutes after she was hit by a pickup while crossing Magnolia Avenue at McCray Street about 5:26 p.m. on December 6.
Emergency personnel were called out to the intersection at 5:26 p.m. and found De Rivera suffering from serious injuries. Officers learned De Rivera was pushing her adult son in a wheelchair across Magnolia Avenue,
As the pair crossed the southbound lanes, a 76-year-old Corona man driving a 2007 Chevy pick-up truck attempted to avoid them. He missed the wheelchair but hit the Riverside woman, police said The disabled son was not injured.
The 76-year-old driver of the pickup from Corona was uninjured. Police said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash.
Cause of the Riverside Crash
While this devastating Riverside County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the accident victim who was fatally injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Riverside County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled personal injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.
California Pedestrian Law
“Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a) 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, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(c) 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 the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.
(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Source: California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report
Pedestrians need to be especially cautious on our roadways because they are more vulnerable to injury or death. There were two pedestrians killed and two injured in car accidents in Twenty-nine Palms in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report. In San Bernardino County 39 pedestrians died and 440 were injured in 2009.
In California, there were 598 pedestrians killed and 12,418 injured in 2009, according to the CHP traffic report.
National data compiled by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Authority shows that pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the United States were up 4.9% in 2010 to 4,280 deaths and injuries were up 19% in 2010 to 70,000 people injured.
Inland Empire man injured in transformer explosion
A man was critically injured when an electrical transformer blew up and severed a power line in Mira Loma on Thursday afternoon, fire officials reported
A helicopter flew the burn victim to an area hospital after the explosion, which was reported near Ridge-view Avenue and 58th Street at 4:27 p.m., a Cal Fire/Riverside County fire news release stated.
Riverside County sheriff’s deputies closed roads for a two block radius around the blast site while Southern California Edison workers make repairs.
Beyond Workers’ Comp
Many injured workers assume they are only able to receive workers’ compensation benefits for injuries on the job site. A careful analysis of the accident by an attorney experienced in job site injury claims may reveal other sources of financial compensation. If an employee of another subcontractor was responsible for the faulty equipment that injured you, we may pursue an injury claim against his or her employer, for example. A general contractor who failed to maintain a safe workplace may also be liable.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have a long history of winning impressive results for construction injury victims and the family members of those who died a wrongful death due to construction accidents.
Demand accountability from those responsible for the dangerous conditions of the construction site accidents. Many times the insurance companies will play “hardball” if you try to settle the case yourself or you have employed a lawyer who does not have the litigation experience to handle such a complex case. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have twenty years of litigation experience and know how to handle the insurance companies to your advantage. We are prepared to front all costs required for the necessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial.
The laws regarding construction accident cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced construction accident lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your rights and those of your loved ones.
Fires and explosions are sudden and devastating, destroying homes and buildings, and causing physical injuries and death. Burn injuries are painful and disfiguring, and require long recovery periods. Smoke inhalation, and inhalation of toxic fumes and gases from flammable fabrics and furniture stuffed with polyurethane foam, cause added injury and increase the likelihood of death.
Determining the cause of a fire or explosion requires extensive experience and thorough investigation involving engineering, electrical, and gas line experts as well as fire scene experts. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has the experience and the resources to effectively prepare and litigate cases on behalf of plaintiffs and family members injured or killed in fires and explosions.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler regularly represent plaintiffs in cases of catastrophic injury and wrongful death in fires and explosions caused or exacerbated by unsafe premises, unsafe construction sites, and unsafe products.
Faulty electrical wiring and furnaces, gas leaks, malfunctioning or absent smoke detectors, inaccessible or inadequate escape routes, the presence of flammable fabrics and furniture, and the presence of dried vegetation that can fuel wild and urban interface fires are all examples of sources of liability for property owners or product manufacturers.
Determining the cause of a fire or explosion requires extensive experience and thorough investigation involving engineering, electrical, and gas line experts as well as fire scene experts. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has the experience and the resources to effectively prepare and litigate cases on behalf of plaintiffs and family members injured or killed in fires and explosions.
With over 25 years of experience, Gary A Kessler has earned the respect of our colleagues and the courts in California and nationwide for our personal injury work. We have achieved a winning record on behalf of our clients, and we are proud of our successful cases that lead to safety improvements through strengthened laws and product recall.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in a fire, we encourage you to contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today for a free consultation.
29-year-old Buena Park woman dies after being struck by truck
A 29-year-old Buena Park woman who was struck by a pickup Tuesday night died from her injuries Wednesday morning.
According to Anaheim police Sgt. Bob Dunn,the woman was struck at about 9:35 p.m. when she was walking through the Dale Avenue and Broadway intersection.
She suffered extensive injuries and was pronounced dead at the University of California Irvine Medical Center in Orange at about 5 a.m. Wednesday. Orange County Coroner’s Office officials Wednesday evening identified the woman as Ju An of Buena Park.
The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and no arrests have been made.
Cause of the Buena Park Crash
While this devastating Orange County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the accident victim who was fatally injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Buena Park personal injury lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Right of Way
- Pedestrians always have the right of way. So, no matter where you encounter a pedestrian on the road, they always have the right of way. This includes crosswalks, round-a-bouts, at intersections not marked with signals and at street corners. Crosswalks are sometimes defined by white lines or flashing lights. Crosswalks are outlined in yellow near schools.
California Pedestrian Law
“Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a) 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, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(c) 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 the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.
(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Source: California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report
Pedestrians need to be especially cautious on our roadways because they are more vulnerable to injury or death. There were two pedestrians killed and two injured in car accidents in Twentynine Palms in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report. In San Bernardino County 39 pedestrians died and 440 were injured in 2009.
In California, there were 598 pedestrians killed and 12,418 injured in 2009, according to the CHP traffic report.
National data compiled by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Authority shows that pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the United States were up 4.9% in 2010 to 4,280 deaths and injuries were up 19% in 2010 to 70,000 people injured.
Pedestrian struck by car, dies
A 73-year-old Yucaipa man was killed Monday morning, Dec. 3 when he was struck by a car while walking along Calimesa Boulevard in Yucaipa.
Elpidio Estrada was walking east in the 33600 block of Calimesa Boulevard at 6:11 a.m. when he was struck by a westbound 2004 Honda Odyssey in the westbound lane, according to the San Bernardino County coroner’s office.
Estrada was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.
Cause of the Yucaipa Crash
This remains an ongoing investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. While this devastating San Bernardino County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the accident victim who was fatally injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Yucaipa personal injury lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Right of Way
- Pedestrians always have the right of way. So, no matter where you encounter a pedestrian on the road, they always have the right of way. This includes crosswalks, round-a-bouts, at intersections not marked with signals and at street corners. Crosswalks are sometimes defined by white lines or flashing lights. Crosswalks are outlined in yellow near schools.
California Pedestrian Law
“Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a) 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, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(c) 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 the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.
(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Source: California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report
Pedestrians need to be especially cautious on our roadways because they are more vulnerable to injury or death. There were two pedestrians killed and two injured in car accidents in Twentynine Palms in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report. In San Bernardino County 39 pedestrians died and 440 were injured in 2009.
In California, there were 598 pedestrians killed and 12,418 injured in 2009, according to the CHP traffic report.
National data compiled by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Authority shows that pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the United States were up 4.9% in 2010 to 4,280 deaths and injuries were up 19% in 2010 to 70,000 people injured.
