Pedestrians in Manhattan Beach can face many hazards throughout the area that can affect them for years to come. A pedestrian walking along Manhattan Beach Boulevard may suddenly be struck by a distracted driver who fails to stop at a crosswalk, leaving them with multiple fractures and weeks in a hospital bed.
Or perhaps someone jogging on Highland Avenue may suffer a traumatic brain injury when a speeding driver loses control, changing their life forever.
Your Manhattan Beach pedestrian accident lawyer with The Ryan Law Group has decades of trial experience helping injury victims seek justice.
If you have been injured, a Manhattan Beach personal injury lawyer from our firm is ready to assist you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and explore your opportunities for legal recourse.
California Pedestrian Laws
California has specific laws to protect pedestrians and establish their rights of way in traffic situations. These laws determine when drivers must yield and how pedestrians are expected to behave to avoid accidents.
Some of the most important pedestrian right-of-way laws and other legal considerations in California you should be aware of going into the claims process include:
- Pedestrian right of way at crosswalks – Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks. Drivers are required to reduce speed or stop to allow pedestrians to cross safely. However, pedestrians must still exercise caution and avoid suddenly entering a vehicle’s path.
- Crossing outside of crosswalks – Pedestrians are required to yield the right of way to vehicles when crossing outside of a designated crosswalk. According to California Vehicle Code § 21954, pedestrians must ensure it is safe to cross before stepping into the roadway. Failure to do so may impact liability in pedestrian accident claims.
- Walking on roadways – Pedestrians must use sidewalks when available; if there is no sidewalk, they should walk along the edge of the roadway facing traffic. Under California Vehicle Code § 21956, walking in traffic lanes is prohibited unless no safer route exists. This law reduces the risk of pedestrian-related accidents.
- Obeying traffic signals – Pedestrians must follow traffic control signals and cross only when permitted. Violating these signals can result in both legal penalties and an increased risk of injury. Drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians at controlled intersections may be held liable under California Vehicle Code § 21453.
- School zones and pedestrian safety – Drivers are required to reduce speeds and yield to pedestrians in designated school zones. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties and heightened liability in the event of an accident. These laws are designed to protect vulnerable children and families in high-traffic areas.
Understanding pedestrian laws is crucial in determining fault in an accident and pursuing a claim for compensation. Violating these codes could hurt your ability to seek compensation for your injuries.
If you have questions about pedestrian safety laws or your legal options, your Manhattan Beach pedestrian accident attorney with our firm can help explain how these laws apply to your case.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accident Lawyer serving Manhattan Beach, call 310-321-4800
Common Types of Injuries Seen in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe and life-changing injuries due to the force of impact. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and long-term care, creating physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Some of the most common types of injuries seen in California pedestrian accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries – Head trauma caused by falls or vehicle impacts can lead to memory loss, impaired cognitive function, and ongoing neurological issues. Learn more by visiting our frequently asked questions regarding California personal injury cases resource page.
- Spinal cord injuries – Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer spinal damage, which may result in paralysis or limited mobility, requiring lifelong care and rehabilitation.
- Fractures and broken bones – The force of a vehicle collision frequently causes broken wrists, legs, hips, or ribs, often necessitating surgeries, casts, and physical therapy. Your Manhattan Beach broken bone lawyer can help you get the most out of your claim.
- Soft tissue injuries – Sprains, torn ligaments, and muscle strains are common in pedestrian accidents and can cause long-term pain and reduced function.
- Internal injuries – Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but often requires emergency medical intervention and extensive recovery.
Determining whether you have grounds for a pedestrian accident claim often depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. A thorough investigation is critical in assigning blame in a pedestrian accident claim.
Learn more about The Ryan Law Group and how we can help you assess your options for seeking compensation when you contact our office to request a free consultation.
Manhattan Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me 310-321-4800
Pursue Maximum Compensation for Your Suffering
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the losses you experienced. Compensation can help address the financial, physical, and emotional toll of your injuries. Some of the most common types of damages you can recover in a pedestrian accident claim include:
- Compensation for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical needs related to your injuries.
- Lost wages and compensation for reduced future earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages which account for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and mental anguish caused by the accident.
- Repair or replacement costs for destroyed or damaged personal belongings, such as phones or clothing, were damaged during the accident.
- Diminished quality of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed.
In California, punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the at-fault party acted with malice, fraud, or extreme recklessness under California Civil Code § 3294.
These damages are not meant to compensate you directly but instead serve to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior. The only way we will be able to prove that punitive relief is appropriate in your case is by providing clear evidence of the defendant’s intentional or egregious conduct.
Click to contact our Manhattan Beach Personal Injury Lawyers today
Speak With a Highly Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Manhattan Beach for Help Today
Pedestrian accidents can leave you facing painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and an uncertain future. You may be stuck dealing with months of rehabilitation and time away from work or endure injuries so severe they disrupt your ability to care for your family.
In either case, your knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney in Manhattan Beach with The Ryan Law Group is here to help you demand justice, so fill out our quick contact form or call us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
Call or text 310-321-4800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
