A woman sustained injuries in an Orange County car accident after she was struck by a suspected drunk driver in Irvine. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred when the woman was crossing the street near the intersection of Barranca Parkway and Creek Road. The woman was taken to a local hospital, but the extent of her injuries is not known. An investigation is ongoing.
I hope the pedestrian's injuries were not severe. I pray that she recovers quickly and completely from her injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 64 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Irvine in 2008. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). It is also not clear whether the pedestrian in this case was walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. The law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks.
California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."
It would be in the best interest of victims in such cases to seek the counsel of a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the victims' rights are protected.
What are some of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?
None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
