"Pedestrians have the right of way" has been a longstanding conviction of the masses for years. This idea often comes with the notion that a pedestrian can cross at any point in the road or be walking in the street without repercussions.
There is also the expectation that a motorist will always be at fault should a pedestrian accident occur. However, under California state law, this might not always be the case.
Jaywalking is Illegal in California
Per Vehicle Code 21955 VC, pedestrians are not permitted to cross anywhere on a California road except at a designated crosswalk, between two police officers, or intersections with traffic lights. If none of these are present on a given street, it is the pedestrian's responsibility to yield to any oncoming traffic.
This would mean that at any given time, a jaywalker is not considered to have the right of way and can be ticketed if approached by an officer.
What If a Jaywalker is Hit by a Car?
If a jaywalker happens to be involved in a pedestrian accident, it may not always be the motorist's fault. Since both pedestrians and drivers in California share the responsibility of avoiding accidents, a jaywalker who did not yield to oncoming traffic or a motorist driving unsafely could be considered negligent. This would mean that, for insurance and legal purposes, fault could be placed on either party.
Regardless of whether you are the pedestrian or driver, having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side could make all the difference in receiving a fair settlement.
Aggressive Newport Beach Representation
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident and suffered an injury, our Newport Beach personal injury attorneys are here to help. With over 100 years of combined experience and millions recovered for clients, we are confident that we can achieve the best possible outcome.
Call (800) 783-5006 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.