Teen killed in bicycle crash
A Moreno Valley teen was killed Monday afternoon when he crashed his bicycle into a minivan.
Steven Espinoza, 16, was riding his bike near Graham Street and Zoe Drive when he was hit by a minivan heading north on Graham Street.
Espinoza suffered major head injuries and died at the scene. The driver of the minivan was uninjured.
Authorities closed the intersection for six hours to reconstruct the accident investigation.
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.
Woman injured in deputy-involved shooting
SPRING VALLEY (CNS) – An investigation was underway Monday into a deputy-involved shooting in which a Spring Valley woman was shot in the arm by a deputy who was checking her backyard for a masked man.
Deputies were called to 8900 block of Leigh Avenue, shortly before 10:30 p.m. Sunday to investigate a suspicious man seen in the area wearing a ski mask, according to San Diego County sheriff’s homicide Lt. Larry Nesbit.
Deputies arrived and determined the man had left the area, walking away in an eastbound direction, Nesbit said in a statement.
While checking for the man one to two blocks away from Leigh Ave., deputies entered the backyard of a residence in the 200 block of Via Tapia, Nesbit said.
“At some point, while in the backyard of the residence, there was contact between the deputies, who had their weapons drawn, and a female resident of the home,” Nesbit said. “During that contact, one of the deputies fired from his service weapon. The female was struck in the arm by the round.”
Paramedics took the wounded woman to an area hospital, where she was listed in good condition and expected to be released today, Nesbit said.
Information about the deputy who shot the woman was not immediately released.
Police Shootings Attorney
Have you been the victim of a police shooting? Have you lost a loved one from a police shooting you believe was unjustified? If so, you need the help of the Law Offices of Gary A. Kessler. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding the specifics of your case. We have extensive practice in this area, and have a track record of recovering millions for victims of unjustified police shootings and their families. Unless a person shoots at officers or hurts others in the presence of the police, it is usually unnecessary for police to be shooting. Unlawful shootings by police are considered excessive force, and are a violation of rights.
Tensions are High
Whenever police are involved in a situation, tensions are automatically raised. In turn, individuals may panic and behave irrationally. The police are sworn to protect citizens, and trained in ways to calm intense circumstances and the people involved. If inadequately trained, there is the problem of excessive force being used by the police, often by the way of shootings, when not necessary. The police firearm should be used in only extreme situations, and every other method to calm the conflict should be used in exhaustion before firing, even when using non-lethal methods such as bean bag guns or tasers. Although non-lethal, these methods of control can still cause significant injury to the victim, and should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Recent victims of police shootings from bean bag shot guns have needed emergency surgery, and even died as a result of the wound. In many cases, this is due to a lack of training for the police officer.
The Next Step
If you have lost a loved one due to a police shooting you believe to be unjustified, or are yourself a victim of an unjustified police shooting, it is important for you to take action immediately. Although an investigation of all police shootings is done by the police department, that can hardly be considered an objective investigation, when it is obvious they will lean toward the shooting being justified if there is any question on how evidence can be construed. Our attorneys will be able to uncover any evidence necessary to find out what actually occurred to result in the shooting. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A. Kessler today to find out how we can help you.
Crash kills man in motorized wheelchair
A traffic accident killed an Eastvale pedestrian in a wheelchair, Riverside County sheriff’s officials said.
The crash was reported at 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at Hamner and Limonite Avenues, a busy intersection bordered by three shopping centers and an open field about a half-mile west of Interstate 15. The intersection was still closed at 1:30 p.m. as deputies continued to investigate.
The man suffered head injuries and died at a hospital, deputies said. His red, battery-powered wheelchair was demolished in the collision with a Hyundai Azera that sustained major damage to its front bumper, grill and hood.
The car was traveling east on Limonite, and the victim was crossing south across Hamner, said Sgt. James Woodland. The motorist stopped after the accident and was not ticketed or arrested, Woodward said several hours after the incident.
Riverside County coroner’s officials have released no information about the victim or the incident. But employees at the nearby Eastvale Gateway shopping center described him as a middle-aged man with a cheery disposition.
“He was a regular here,” said security guard David Lee. “A very positive individual. Always smiling.”
Though deputies say the victim was alone, shopping center employees say he occasionally was accompanied by a younger man they thought was a son or friend.
“I just saw him last Friday evening,” recalled supermarket worker Dana Blackburn. “He was getting a tall can of beer.
“He was always upbeat. He always had a smile on his face, except in the hot weather. To me, he was a cool person. It’s sad.”
Blackburn, a bicyclist, said that intersection can be dangerous because some motorists don’t drive slowly enough or with enough caution.
“What’s the world coming to,” Blackburn wondered aloud, “when you can’t (safely) cross the street.
Cause of the Riverside County Crash
While this devastating Riverside 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 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 personal injury 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.
Motorcyclist in fatal crash north of Clovis is identified
The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the motorcyclist who died when he crashed into a car north of Clovis on Saturday afternoon.
The 20-year-old man was Andrew Leeds of Clovis, the coroner’s office said.
Leeds was driving south on Fowler Avenue about 3:20 p.m. when a woman driving north on Fowler turned left onto westbound Behymer Avenue and into the motorcycle’s path, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Craig Hinch said on Saturday.
Leeds died at the scene. The woman and her two children, a 12-year-old and 15-year-old, were not injured.
Cause of the Clovis Crash
While this devastating Fresno 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 Fresno County 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.
Highway 154 Closed For Several Hours After Fatal Accident
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif- A portion of Highway 154 was shut down after a fatal accident early Wednesday morning. According to California Highway Patrol, the driver of a Ford F-250 was speeding down Highway 152 when he flipped his truck.
The driver and front seat passenger were not wearing their seat belts and were ejected from the vehicle, said CHP. The front seat passenger died at the scene. The driver, who sustained major injuries, was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The backseat passenger, who was wearing a seat belt, walked away with minor cuts and scratches, CHP reports.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s department, Santa Barbara County Fire and American Medical Response responded to assist with the collision. 154 was closed for several hours and traffic was diverted at Old San Marcos Road and at Cathedral Oaks Road.
The names of the victims of the collision will not be released until proper notification to their families has been made.
Cause of the Santa Barbara County Crash
As a passenger, the deceased likely could have done nothing to prevent this fatal roll over collision that ultimately took their 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. roll over 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. No other vehicles were involved and alcohol is suspected to be a factor.
According to the California Highway Patrol the crash was “due to the driver’s state of intoxication, the driver failed to maintain effective control of the vehicle, which ran off the left side of the roadway”.
Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability
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, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Oregon and Washington. 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 liability 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.
Motorcyclist dies in crash in Lake Forest
A 29-year-old motorcyclist died Wednesday after a crash involving another vehicle in Lake Forest, authorities said.
The accident on Peachwood at Palmwood Drive occurred shortly after noon, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Roland Chacon said.
The motorcyclist was riding eastbound on Peachwood when the driver of a 2010 Acura made a left turn in front of him.
The motorcyclist struck the driver’s door of the Acura and was thrown from the bike. He was taken to Mission Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Orange County Coroner’s Office officials late Wednesday identified the man as Steven David Muller of Lake Forest.
Cause of the Orange County Motorcycle Accident
The Sheriff’s Department’s major accident reconstruction team is investigating the crash. The driver of the Acura stayed at the scene to talk to investigators, and no arrests or citations have been reported.
Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident on August 15 remains under investigation, the victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from a wrongful death 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. Also, in unique and complex situations such as this one, an attorney can hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident to determine who is at fault.
The California 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.
Fremont woman hit by a car in crosswalk in critical condition
A Fremont woman hit by a car Tuesday while walking in a crosswalk on Civic Center Drive remains in critical condition.
Manchi Wong, 59, suffered a major head injury after being struck around 5 p.m. in the 38900 block of Civic Center Drive, said Sgt. Mark Dang.
Wongwas unresponsive at the scene, police said, and taken to Eden Hospital. She remained hospitalized and unconscious on Wednesday morning, Dang said.
An early investigation indicated 19-year-old Nathaniel Fedalizo, of San Jose, was driving a sedan north on Civic Center Drive and that Wong was struck while walking west across the road in the crosswalk, police said.
Fedalizo was uninjured, and police said drugs or alcohol do no appear to be a factor.
As of Wednesday no charges had been filed against him, Dang said.
Cause of the Fremont Crash
While this devastating Fremont 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 Fremont 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 personal injury 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.
Baby blinded by shaking; Madera caretaker arrested
A 34-year-old Madera woman was arrested Tuesday night on suspicion of shaking a 4-month-old boy, causing what doctors said are permanent blindness and a loss of hearing to the infant, police said.
Natividad Marcus Reyes, 34, the boy’s baby sitter, was taken into custody about 7:15 p.m. at her home in the 1400 block of Austin Street, Madera police detective Sgt. Dino Lawson said.
Reyes faces felony charges of inflicting injury on a child and willful cruelty to a child, Lawson said.
Detectives began their investigation when they were called to Children’s Hospital Central California on July 25 for a suspected child abuse case, Lawson said. Doctors said the infant suffered a preretinal hemorrhage, Lawson said.
Reyes took care of the boy while his mother — Rosalia Gonzalez, her next-door neighbor — worked. During the investigation, Reyes confessed to police that she had shaken the baby, Lawson said.
Reyes’ four children, all 10 years old and younger, who live with her have been placed in protective custody, Lawson said.
In 2009, Reyes was charged with child abuse involving a fifth child of hers, Lawson said. She completed a parenting program and the case was dropped. That child now lives in Mexico.
Personal Injury and Victims of Abuse
In California and other States, parents rely on day care centers, babysitters, and schools to supervise their children and keep them safe. Unfortunately, in some instances, these child care providers neglect children under their care and cause serious personal injuries to children and sometimes even death
Shaken Baby Syndrome is a serious condition that is caused essentially when a person shakes a baby and thereby causes brain injury to the child. When supervising, babysitting, monitoring, and / or disciplining a child, it a vital that the caregiver NEVER EVER shake the child. First, it is not an effective way to discipline a child. More importantly, it can and does cause permanent and serious personal injuries to the child.
For more than 20 years, trial lawyer Gary A Kessler has represented children and adolescents abused by trusted child care parents. Our law firm has the resources and the professional will to thoroughly investigate, prepare, and present abuse and foster care negligence cases. We take systematic depositions from the victim and his or her psychotherapist, from psychiatric child abuse experts, from any witnesses, and from the perpetrator’s supervisors and organizational leaders. We seek to reveal all relevant facts and evidence, to establish psychological harm, and to demonstrate fault within the organization where appropriate.
No monetary amount can compensate for the damage that child care abuse causes. However, damage awards can be powerful financial incentives for foster care parents, foster care agencies, schools, and other organizations to screen and monitor their employees who regularly interact with children and teenagers. Adequate financial compensation can also defray the cost of long term psychotherapy and psychiatric care.
Throughout our personal injury practice, we devote our full personal attention to every case that we accept. We believe that effective representation in child care abuse cases requires not only exceptional legal skill, but the ability to respond to psychologically damaged children and outraged parents. If you or a loved one has experienced care negligence or abuse by a person in authority, please contact our law firm today.
Tenderloin pedestrian killed by SF taxi
A pedestrian who was hit and killed by a taxi driver in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district was identified Monday as 38-year-old Edmund Capalla, authorities said.
Capalla was crossing the street at Eddy and Larkin streets just before 7 p.m. Saturday when a taxi ran a red light and was struck by a car entering the intersection, said police spokesman Officer Albie Esparza.
The collision caused the taxi to spin out and hit Capalla as he crossed the street, Esparza said.
Capalla, whose address was not available, was taken to San Francisco General Hospital where he died of his injuries. Police are continuing their investigation and will pass the results on to the District Attorney’s office which will decide what charges, if any, will be filed against the cab driver, Esparza said.
Cause of the Tenderloin Crash
While this devastating San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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.
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.
Officer kills woman in West Oakland accident
A California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer struck and killed a 43-year-old woman who ran across traffic lanes into his path in West Oakland late Friday night, the state agency said.
The woman, a Hayward resident who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at Highland Hospital in Oakland. The officer, 51-year-old Roberto Barrera, was treated for moderate injuries at the same hospital and later released, CHP officials said.
Investigators said the collision happened at 10:04 p.m., as the on-duty Barrera drove his 2004 BMW motorcycle west on five-lane West MacArthur Boulevard. Barrera was said to be in the left of the three westbound lanes.
The woman ran from the north sidewalk just west of Market Street – to the officer’s right – and into his path. Both were thrown to the pavement. The CHP and the Oakland Police Department are investigating the crash.
Cause of the Oakland Crash
While this devastating Alameda 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 Alameda 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.
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.
