Unprotected Road Users Face Deadly Risks

Pedestrians lack any protection when struck by vehicles, making even low-speed collisions potentially fatal or catastrophically injurious. Victorville’s growing population and traffic volumes increase pedestrian exposure to negligent drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks, speed through residential areas, or drive while distracted. A Victorville Personal Injury Lawyer helps pedestrian accident victims pursue compensation for injuries caused by drivers who violated their duty to watch for and yield to people lawfully using roadways and crosswalks.

Driver Duties Toward Pedestrians

California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Vehicles must stop when pedestrians are in their half of the roadway or approaching closely enough to present a hazard. Drivers cannot pass vehicles stopped for pedestrians at crosswalks. These protective laws recognize pedestrians’ vulnerability and impose heightened duties on motorists.

Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios

Left-turn collisions occur when drivers turn across crosswalks without noticing pedestrians already crossing. Right-turn accidents happen when drivers focus only on oncoming traffic while turning, missing pedestrians crossing the street they’re entering. Backing accidents in parking lots strike pedestrians behind reversing vehicles. Drunk or distracted drivers drift onto sidewalks or fail to see pedestrians entirely.

Severe Injury Patterns

Pedestrians struck by vehicles commonly suffer traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal damage, internal organ injuries, and severe road rash. Children and elderly pedestrians face particularly high fatality rates due to their physical vulnerability. Survivors often require multiple surgeries, extended rehabilitation, and face permanent disabilities affecting mobility and cognitive function.

Comparative Negligence Defenses

Insurance companies routinely argue pedestrians contributed to accidents by crossing against signals, wearing dark clothing, or walking outside crosswalks. While comparative negligence may reduce recovery percentages, it doesn’t eliminate driver liability for failing to exercise reasonable care. Even jaywalking pedestrians deserve compensation when inattentive drivers could have avoided striking them.

Maximum Recovery for Preventable Tragedies

Pedestrian accident victims face life-altering injuries from impacts their bodies cannot withstand. Drivers have absolute obligations to watch for pedestrians and avoid striking vulnerable road users. Professional legal representation ensures drivers and their insurance carriers pay full compensation for catastrophic injuries caused by their failure to exercise basic caution around people on foot.