Understanding California Pedestrian Law: How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

by Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. | May 5, 2024 | Accidents, Bus Accident, fatal, Fatal Accident, Fatal Crash, fatality, Litigation, los angeles car accident, Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer, Los Angeles Lawyer, Negligence / Other Injuries, pain and suffering, pedestrian, pedestrian-accident, Personal Injury, personal injury attorney, Personal Injury Cases, personal injury lawyer, Traffic Fatalities, Vehicle Accident

What is California Pedestrian Law?

California Pedestrian Law is a set of rules and regulations that govern how pedestrians should behave on the state’s roads and sidewalks. In essence, these laws aim to ensure the safety of pedestrians and prevent accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. Some key points to know about California Pedestrian Law include:

Pedestrians have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks
Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and signs
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in designated crossing areas
Pedestrians are not allowed to jaywalk or walk on highways
Both pedestrians and drivers have a shared responsibility to exercise caution and follow the rules to avoid accidents.

View of an Archway on the Campus of UCLA in Los Angeles, California

Importance of Pedestrian Rights

In California, pedestrian rights are crucial for ensuring safety on the roads. Understanding these rights can help protect pedestrians from accidents and injuries. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks and at intersections, meaning that vehicles must yield to them. By knowing and asserting your pedestrian rights, you can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your safety while walking. Additionally, being aware of pedestrian laws can help you navigate the streets confidently and advocate for your rights in case of an accident.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents happen due to various reasons. Here are some common causes:

Distracted driving: When drivers are not paying attention to the road.
Speeding: Driving too fast can make it harder to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Failure to yield: Drivers not giving the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections.
Impaired driving: Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs affects a driver’s ability to react quickly.
Ignoring traffic signals: Running red lights or stop signs can lead to accidents with pedestrians.

Role of a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accident lawyers such as The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez specialize in assisting individuals who have been involved in pedestrian accidents. They provide legal guidance and support to help victims navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries. The role of a pedestrian accident lawyer includes investigating the accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing the victim in court if a settlement cannot be reached. Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer can significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome in a pedestrian accident case.

Legal Responsibilities of Drivers and Pedestrians

Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks, regardless of whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked. Pedestrians always have the right of way. When turning at an intersection, drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. It is also important to note that pedestrians have the responsibility to obey traffic signals and signs. Both drivers and pedestrians play a significant role in ensuring safety on the road.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in California, here are the steps you should take immediately. Remember, your safety comes first:

Seek medical attention: Ensure you are okay and get medical help for any injuries.
Report the accident: Call the police and report the incident.
Document the scene: Take photos of the accident, including any damages and injuries.
Exchange information: Get the contact and insurance details of all parties involved.
Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information.
Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer: Consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and options. We are here for you, call 800-816-1529, ext. 1.

Gathering Evidence for a Legal Case

You need strong evidence if you want to win a legal case. In a pedestrian accident, evidence can include police reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene, medical records, video footage, and documentation of the injuries. All this information can help your pedestrian accident lawyer build a solid case for you.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

When negotiating with insurance companies after a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to be well-prepared. You should never try to negotiate without an attorney. Anything you say will be used against you in your case. Make sure to gather all relevant information, such as the details of the accident, medical records, and any expenses incurred. Your lawyer will provide clear and concise communication with the insurance adjuster to explain the situation and advocate for fair compensation. The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez recommends that you Do not accept any settlement offer without carefully reviewing it with a pedestrian accident lawyer. Their expertise can help navigate the complexities of California pedestrian law and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Court Procedures and Litigation

When a pedestrian accident case files a lawsuit court, it enters the litigation process. This involves presenting the case in front of a judge and possibly a jury. Here’s what you can expect during court procedures and litigation:

Evidence Presentation: Both sides will present their evidence to support their arguments.
Witness Testimonies: Witnesses may be called to testify about the accident.
Legal Arguments: Lawyers on both sides will make legal arguments to support their positions.
Judgment: The judge or jury will ultimately decide the outcome of the case based on the presented evidence and arguments.

Benefits of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

When you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer, such as The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez you gain a knowledgeable ally who can navigate the complexities of California pedestrian law on your behalf. They can offer valuable legal guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. A pedestrian accident lawyer can handle communication with insurance companies, gather evidence to build a strong case, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary. By enlisting the expertise of a skilled lawyer, you increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your pedestrian accident case. For help give us a call now at 800-816-1529 ext. 1.

Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. Founder and Attorney at Law

Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., is a top rated, nationally recognized Senior Attorney at Law, and the founder of The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates, a California personal injury law firm. He is the proud father of two adult daughters, and four grandchildren. Mr. Fernandez is an aggressive trial lawyer who has almost 3 decades of experience handling Personal Injury, and other types of legal matters, throughout the State of California. Mr. Fernandez has been made a member of the Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers, by the National Trial Lawyers Association. He was also named one of the 10 Best by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys for the year 2016-2017. He handles cases which include but are no limited to: car, bus, and other motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall, trip and fall, traumatic brain injury, medical malpractice, and physical torts such as assault and battery, wrongful death, and many other types of personal injury and civil litigation cases. Being an avid motorcycle rider himself, Mr. Fernandez is intimately familiar with the special problems related to motorcycle accidents. Mr. Fernandez has successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases over the years. He has also handled many types of premises liability cases, (slip and fall, trip and fall, etc.) which are known as in the personal injury world as the most difficult types of personal injury cases to litigate. He earned a Juris Doctor Degree from The University of La Verne College of Law, and is licensed to practice law in the State of California by the California Supreme Court. Mr. Fernandez has also been admitted to practice law before The United States Federal Court, Central District, The United States Federal Court, Eastern District, and The United States Federal Court, Northern District. Mr. Fernandez is or has been a member of The California State Bar, The American Bar Association, The Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the Beverly Hills Bar Association. Norman Gregory Fernandez is a past member of the American Bar Association Advisory Panel. Norman Gregory Fernandez was asked to speak at the Sandra Day O’Conner School of Law, at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, by the American Bar Association’s “Legal Rebel’s” project, on April 6, 2011. Mr. Fernandez was asked by the American Bar Association to speak at their annual convention on August 5, 2010, in San Francisco, California. He has been in the media and in legal publications. Attorney Fernandez was featured in NBC News, CBS News, and Fox News in November, 2021. Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., appeared on CBS News on July 18, 2013 An article about Norman Gregory Fernandez appears in the American Bar Association Journal magazine, February 1, 2011. Mr. Fernandez appeared on NBC news on October 19, 2010. Norman Gregory Fernandez was interviewed and quoted in the Press Enterprise newspaper on August 24, 2010. Mr. Fernandez appears in the American Bar Association online Journal, August 5, 2010. Norman Gregory Fernandez was mentioned in a Los Angeles Times article on May 5, 2009. Norman Gregory Fernandez was featured in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, March 3-16, 2008 edition. Mr. Fernandez wrote a legal article that was published in The Reporter, a general circulation publication based in Long Beach, CA, December 12, 2008. An Interview of Norman Gregory Fernandez appears in the January 2001, edition of Managing Partner Magazine. An extensive interview of Mr. Fernandez was published in the January 2000 issue of California Lawyer Magazine. Mr. Fernandez was quoted in the December/ January 2000 issue of Law Office Computing. Mr. Fernandez wrote an article which was published in the April/ May 1999 issue of Law Office Computing Magazine. An article was written about Mr. Fernandez which was published in the May 1999 issue of Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine. Avvo, a premier attorney rating service has given Mr. Fernandez a perfect 10 out of 10 rating. Mr. Fernandez is an aggressive lawyer who enjoys getting results for his clients. He can be reached at 800-816-1529.

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