Torrance Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Torrance is a very walkable town that has great food and shopping and is minutes from the beach. As people make their way to and from these areas on foot, unfortunately, they are sometimes at risk. Negligent drivers do not always watch for pedestrians, and at times, they can even become aggressive toward them. While untrue, some motorists even believe pedestrians do not have any rights. Regardless of whether a crash is due to aggression or negligence, pedestrians who are struck by vehicles suffer some of the most serious injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt, it is critical that you obtain sound legal advice. Below, our Torrance pedestrian accident lawyer explains your rights, as well as your duties, when walking around the town.

Contrary to what many drivers believe, pedestrians have many rights as they walk about town. According to the California Vehicle Code, motorists must provide the following rights to pedestrians:

• Yield the right-of-way when someone is crossing the road at an intersection and using a crosswalk, regardless of whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked,
• Not overtake, or pass, any stopped vehicles at a crosswalk, as a walker may be crossing at the time,
• Refrain from driving on sidewalks unless they are entering or exiting a driveway, alleyway, or garage,
• Give pedestrians the right-of-way when driving on sidewalks, and
• Never stop in a crosswalk.

Motorists can be held accountable in a number of different ways when they violate the rights of pedestrians. If a failure to yield results in injury, the motorist can be fined. Injured pedestrians can also file a personal injury claim against any negligent or reckless driver to claim compensation that can offset their losses with the help of a Torrance pedestrian accident attorney.

Just as motorists often think pedestrians do not have any rights while they are on the road, people out walking sometimes think they do not have duties on the road. This is also untrue.

Pedestrians do not always have the right-of-way when they are out walking. Jaywalking, which occurs when a pedestrian does not use a crosswalk to cross the road, is illegal in California if it is done in an unsafe manner. However, people who jaywalk will not be fined if they make sure it is safe to do so. Even when a pedestrian is jaywalking, drivers still have a duty to try and keep them safe.

Pedestrians can be found partly liable for a crash if they jaywalk unsafely and become hurt. Under California’s comparative fault law, even when an individual is 99% to blame for an accident, they can still claim 1% of damages. As such, pedestrians who are found partly to blame for an accident can still typically file a claim for most of their losses.

Accidents involving cars and pedestrians can become very complicated, particularly when trying to determine who was liable for the crash. At Brod Law Firm, our pedestrian accident attorney in Torrance can determine how the crash occurred and who is liable so you can file a claim for the maximum damages you deserve. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or reach out to us online to schedule a free review of your case.