Encino Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Encino Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims We Handle

Pedestrian accidents can take many forms, especially in areas such as Southern California, where the year-round mild weather attracts pedestrians of all kinds, from schoolchildren to office workers, dog walkers, joggers, individuals exiting their cars, buses, or trains, and anyone walking to local destinations. 

We handle all types of pedestrian accident claims, such as the following. 

• Crosswalk accidents. Drivers failing to stop at designated crosswalks can hit pedestrians legally crossing the street. Knockdown injuries can include broken bones, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Parking lot accidents. Distracted or negligent drivers in parking lots may not see pedestrians, especially children or the elderly, resulting in a range of injuries from fractures to internal trauma.
• Sidewalk and curb collisions. Vehicles mounting curbs or leaving their designated lanes can strike pedestrians in what should be safe walking areas, leading to devastating consequences.
• Hit-and-run accidents. When drivers flee the scene of an accident, victims are left vulnerable, often without immediate medical aid or information to identify the driver.

California Pedestrian Laws

In California, pedestrian laws are designed to enhance safety and define the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians and drivers.

• Right-of-way at crosswalks – Under California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. However, pedestrians must also exercise caution and not suddenly step into traffic.
• Jaywalking laws and the Freedom to Walk Act – Historically, jaywalking (crossing the street outside a crosswalk) was illegal in California. However, the Freedom to Walk Act (AB 2147) took effect on January 1, 2023. This law decriminalized jaywalking unless there was an "immediate danger of a collision," meaning pedestrians could now cross streets outside designated crosswalks without being ticketed, as long as it was safe.
• Pedestrian signals & right-of-way – Under CVC § 21456, pedestrians must follow pedestrian traffic signals, such as "Walk" and "Don't Walk" signs. Crossing against a red light or "Don't Walk" signal is illegal.
• Walking along roadways – CVC § 21956 states that if sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
• Vehicles stopping for pedestrians – CVC § 21951 requires that when one vehicle stops for a pedestrian at a crosswalk, other vehicles must also stop and not attempt to pass.