What Rights Do I Have as a Pedestrian in Los Angeles?
No matter which LA neighborhood you live in, you have certain rights as a pedestrian, including the right of way in unmarked or marked crosswalks, as well as the right to use a sidewalk without being obstructed by a vehicle. This is because, should an accident occur between a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian is at a much higher risk of being injured than anyone in the involved passenger car.
Please note that pedestrians are still legally required to practice caution and conduct themselves in a safe manner when on the street. For example, a pedestrian may be considered liable for an accident if they attempt to cross the street unlawfully and unsafely, such as without giving a driver enough time to stop their vehicle.
Common Types of Driver Negligence
There are myriad injuries that could result from a pedestrian accident, from broken bones to brain injuries, to lost limbs, and more. There are just as many types of driver negligence that could have led to the accident; for example, our lawyers have prosecuted drivers for the following acts:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Speeding or other types of reckless driving
- Violating traffic laws
- Failing to check mirrors while switching lanes
- Attempting an unsafe right- or left-hand turn
- Failing to check for pedestrians in parking lots
Pedestrian Accidents Due to Unsafe Premises
If the accident did not involve a motor vehicle and instead resulted from the presence of property hazards, you could file a premises liability claim against the property owner. Per law, property owners are required to keep their premises in a condition that is safe for all lawful guests, occupants, and visitors.
Several examples of property hazards that could cause injury to a pedestrian include:
- Unsafe overhangs
- Uneven sidewalks and entryways
- Lack of a wheelchair-accessible ramp
- Poorly maintained steps leading up to the entrance
Trust a Wisner Baum Lawyer
When choosing an attorney team to work with, it is important to consider the reputation of the entire firm in addition to the primary attorney you plan to work with. In fact, no matter what attorney you work with, it can be expected that they will often consult their colleagues on a case to ensure that all bases are covered. Thus, you should only hire an attorney if you are pleased with their firm’s work.
Wisner Baum has a notable reputation of success as evidenced by our past case results, client reviews, and acclaim from the National Trial Lawyers, U.S. News — Best Lawyers®, and Super Lawyers®, among others. We are wholly dedicated to fighting on behalf of injured plaintiffs and have done so for more than 40 years. Whether the party we are representing you against is another individual, an insurance company, or a large corporation, you can trust that our lawyers will not back down when your rights are on the line.
Contact our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers online or at (855) 948-5098 to arrange a free consultation.