Pedestrian accidents are all-too-common in the San Fernando Valley. In California, pedestrian deaths occur in approximately 22% of all traffic fatalities. No matter how often pedestrian accidents may occur, if you are the innocent victim minding your own business and obeying pedestrian traffic laws who is hit by a motor vehicle, nothing feels common about it. Chances are you’re wondering how – and why – your accident happened and how you will recover, both financially and physically.
Drivers responsible for pedestrian accidents often claim they “failed to see” you, didn’t have time to stop, or even that it was your fault and you darted in front of their car! What’s more, their insurance company might even try to blame you for the accident. If you were hit by a drunk, distracted or reckless driver, you deserve to be compensated. Contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney to learn more.
Driver runs a stop sign/traffic light
One common reason for pedestrian accidents in the San Fernando Valley is a driver running a stop light or making a “California stop” at a stop sign. Indeed, some of the areas most serious accidents involve pedestrians who have been hit by drivers who run stop signs and traffic lights.
Why do drivers run stop signs, red lights and other important traffic signals? The law does not allow for one valid excuse a driver can use to justify breaking the law when he or she caused a serious accident with a pedestrian. But this does not keep drivers from disobeying or ignoring traffic laws on a daily basis.
In fact, the California DMV clearly states that:
- “At a stop light or sign, do not stop your vehicle more than 5 feet from the crosswalk, unless there is an advance stop bar (line). Blind pedestrians rely on the sound of your vehicle to become aware of your vehicle’s presence; so, it is important that you stop your vehicle within 5 feet of the crosswalk.”
- “Stop at all crosswalks where pedestrians are waiting. Wait for the pedestrian to cross the street.”
- “Do not stop in the middle of a crosswalk.”
- At intersections without “STOP” or “YIELD” signs, slow down and be ready to stop. Yield to traffic and pedestrians already in the intersection or just entering the intersection.
- Also, yield to the vehicle or bicycle that arrives first, or to the vehicle or bicycle on your right if it reaches the intersection at the same time as you.
- At “T” intersections without “STOP” or “YIELD” signs, yield to traffic and pedestrians on the through road. They have the right-of-way.
This is a non-exhaustive list of requirements California drivers must observe. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact experienced San Fernando Valley personal injury attorney Barry P. Goldberg today to discuss your legal rights and potential for financial recovery.
