Right Turn Pedestrian Accident Lawyer California

Right turn pedestrian accidents occur for numerous reasons, but most stem from driver negligence and failure to properly observe their surroundings. One of the most common causes is drivers failing to check for pedestrians before completing a right turn. Many drivers focus exclusively on vehicle traffic approaching from the left, completely overlooking pedestrians who have the right-of-way in the crosswalk. This tunnel vision can be deadly, especially at busy intersections where multiple pedestrians may be crossing simultaneously.

Another frequent cause is drivers making illegal right turns on red lights without coming to a complete stop first. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 requires drivers to stop completely before turning right on red and to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. However, many drivers roll through these turns or fail to stop at all, striking pedestrians who are lawfully crossing. Distracted driving also plays a significant role—drivers texting, adjusting GPS devices, or talking on phones often don't see pedestrians until it's too late.

Speed is another critical factor in right turn accidents. Drivers who take corners too quickly have less time to react to pedestrians and cause more severe injuries upon impact. Additionally, large vehicles like trucks and buses have significant blind spots on the right side, making it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians even when they're looking. Poor intersection design, inadequate signage, and obstructed views from parked cars or vegetation can also contribute to these dangerous collisions.

California has comprehensive laws designed to protect pedestrians, particularly at intersections where right turns occur. Vehicle Code Section 21950 establishes that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. This means that even if there are no painted lines, pedestrians have the legal right to cross at intersections, and drivers making right turns must stop and wait for them to cross safely.

Vehicle Code Section 21453(b) specifically addresses right turns on red lights, requiring drivers to stop completely at the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection before turning. Drivers must then yield to any pedestrian or vehicle lawfully in the intersection. Failure to comply with this law can result in traffic citations and establishes negligence in personal injury cases. California also follows a 'complete stop' rule—rolling stops are illegal and provide strong evidence of driver fault in pedestrian accident cases.

Additionally, California Vehicle Code Section 22107 requires drivers to signal their intention to turn at least 100 feet before the turn. This gives pedestrians advance warning and time to react. When drivers violate these traffic laws and injure pedestrians, they can be held liable for all resulting damages. Our attorneys at Hurt Advice use these statutes to build powerful cases that demonstrate clear driver negligence and maximize compensation for our clients.

Right turn pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the vulnerable nature of pedestrians compared to vehicles. Even at relatively low speeds, the impact of a multi-ton vehicle can cause devastating harm. One of the most common injuries is broken bones and fractures, particularly in the legs, hips, pelvis, and arms as pedestrians instinctively try to protect themselves or are thrown to the ground. Hip fractures are especially serious for elderly victims and often require extensive surgery and rehabilitation.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another frequent consequence of right turn accidents. When pedestrians are struck, they often hit their heads on the vehicle's hood, windshield, or the pavement. Even seemingly minor head impacts can result in concussions, while more severe collisions can cause skull fractures, brain bleeding, and permanent cognitive impairment. Our brain injury attorneys have extensive experience handling these complex cases and ensuring victims receive compensation for long-term care needs.

Spinal cord injuries can also occur when the force of impact damages the vertebrae or spinal cord itself, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Soft tissue injuries including severe road rash, lacerations, and internal organ damage are common as well. Many victims also suffer from back and neck injuries including herniated discs and whiplash. The medical costs for treating these injuries can easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it essential to pursue full compensation from all liable parties.

Establishing liability in right turn pedestrian accidents requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the collision. In most cases, the driver making the right turn bears primary responsibility, especially if they violated traffic laws such as failing to yield, running a red light, or not coming to a complete stop before turning. California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that even if the pedestrian shares some fault, they can still recover damages proportional to the driver's percentage of fault.

However, liability isn't always straightforward. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the specific circumstances. For example, if poor intersection design or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, the city or municipality responsible for road maintenance could be held liable. If a commercial vehicle was involved, the driver's employer may be liable under respondeat superior doctrine. In cases involving rideshare vehicles, both the driver and the rideshare company may bear responsibility.

Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys conduct comprehensive investigations to identify all liable parties. We review police reports, interview witnesses, analyze traffic camera footage, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a complete picture of what happened. We also examine the driver's history for prior violations or accidents that demonstrate a pattern of negligence. By identifying all responsible parties, we maximize the compensation available to our clients and ensure they receive full justice for their injuries.

Collecting strong evidence immediately after a right turn pedestrian accident is crucial for building a successful claim. If you're physically able, or if someone can help you, take photographs of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture the intersection layout, traffic signals, crosswalk markings, skid marks, vehicle damage, and your visible injuries. These photos provide invaluable documentation that can't be recreated later and help establish exactly how the accident occurred.

Obtain contact information from all witnesses who saw the accident. Witness testimony is often critical in pedestrian accident cases, especially when the driver disputes fault or claims they didn't see the pedestrian. Get names, phone numbers, and email addresses, and ask witnesses to provide written statements if possible. Also, make sure to get the driver's information including their name, driver's license number, insurance information, and vehicle details. If the driver was working at the time, obtain their employer's information as well.

Request a copy of the police report, which documents the officer's observations, statements from involved parties, and any citations issued. Medical records are equally important—seek immediate medical attention even if you don't think you're seriously injured, as some injuries don't manifest symptoms right away. Keep all medical bills, prescriptions, and documentation of treatments. Our legal team at Hurt Advice can help you gather additional evidence including traffic camera footage, cell phone records to prove distracted driving, and expert analysis to strengthen your case.

California law imposes strict time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits, known as statutes of limitations. For pedestrian accident cases, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This deadline is established by California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 and applies to most personal injury claims. If you fail to file within this two-year window, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts, regardless of how strong your case may be.

However, there are important exceptions to this rule. If the accident involved a government entity—such as a city bus, county vehicle, or occurred due to dangerous road conditions maintained by a government agency—you must file a government claim within six months of the accident. This is a much shorter deadline and requires specific procedures. If the injured party is a minor (under 18), the two-year statute of limitations doesn't begin until they turn 18, giving them until their 20th birthday to file a claim.

Given these complex deadlines and the time needed to properly investigate and build a strong case, it's essential to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. At Hurt Advice, we begin working on cases immediately to preserve evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and ensure all deadlines are met. Don't wait until the last minute—the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Victims of right turn pedestrian accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation for their injuries and losses. Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses including all past and future medical expenses such as emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover lost wages for time missed from work, as well as lost earning capacity if your injuries result in permanent disability that affects your ability to earn income in the future.

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that don't have a specific dollar value but significantly impact your quality of life. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or disability. California law doesn't cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, meaning you can recover full compensation for these losses. The severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the permanence of your condition all factor into calculating these damages.

In cases involving particularly egregious conduct—such as drunk driving, extreme recklessness, or intentional misconduct—California law allows for punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. Our attorneys at Hurt Advice have recovered millions of dollars for pedestrian accident victims, including a recent $2.3 million settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury when struck by a driver making an illegal right turn on red. We fight aggressively to ensure our clients receive every dollar they deserve.

Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts, and they often employ tactics designed to reduce or deny legitimate pedestrian accident claims. After a right turn accident, the driver's insurance company may contact you quickly, seeming friendly and concerned while offering a fast settlement. However, these initial offers are almost always far below the true value of your claim. Insurance adjusters know that injured pedestrians face mounting medical bills and financial pressure, and they exploit this vulnerability to secure cheap settlements before victims understand the full extent of their injuries.

Common insurance company tactics include claiming the pedestrian was at fault for the accident, arguing that the pedestrian wasn't in a marked crosswalk, or suggesting the pedestrian was distracted or jaywalking. They may also downplay the severity of injuries, argue that pre-existing conditions caused your symptoms, or use gaps in medical treatment to claim you weren't really injured. Some adjusters will request recorded statements and use your words against you, taking comments out of context to undermine your claim.

This is why it's critical to have an experienced pedestrian accident attorney handling communications with insurance companies. At Hurt Advice, we deal with insurance adjusters daily and know all their tactics. We handle all communications on your behalf, preventing you from making statements that could harm your case. We also thoroughly document your injuries, gather expert testimony, and build compelling evidence that makes it difficult for insurance companies to deny or undervalue your claim. Our track record of successful settlements and trial verdicts motivates insurance companies to make fair offers rather than face us in court.

While right turn pedestrian accidents may seem straightforward, they often involve complex legal and factual issues that require experienced legal representation. One complicating factor is California's comparative negligence system. Even if the driver was primarily at fault, insurance companies will aggressively argue that the pedestrian shares blame—perhaps by crossing against a signal, wearing dark clothing at night, or being distracted. Any percentage of fault assigned to the pedestrian reduces their compensation proportionally, so fighting these allegations is critical.

Another complexity involves determining the full extent of damages, particularly for injuries with long-term consequences. Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage may require lifetime medical care, and calculating these future costs requires expert medical and economic testimony. Settling too quickly, before the full impact of injuries is known, can leave victims without adequate compensation for future needs. Our attorneys work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to accurately project lifetime costs and ensure settlements account for all future expenses.

Multiple liable parties can also complicate these cases. If the driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may be liable. If the vehicle had mechanical defects that contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could share responsibility. If poor road design or maintenance played a role, government entities may be liable. Identifying and pursuing claims against all responsible parties requires thorough investigation and legal expertise. At Hurt Advice, our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling complex pedestrian accident cases and know how to navigate these challenges to maximize compensation for our clients.

The actions you take immediately after a right turn pedestrian accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. First and foremost, seek medical attention right away, even if you don't think you're seriously injured. Some injuries like internal bleeding, brain injuries, and spinal damage may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Additionally, prompt medical treatment creates documentation linking your injuries directly to the accident, which is crucial for your claim.

If you're physically able, call 911 to report the accident and request police and medical response. The police report will document the accident scene, statements from involved parties, and any traffic violations, providing important evidence for your case. While waiting for help, gather evidence if possible—take photos of the scene, your injuries, the vehicle, and any traffic signals or signs. Get contact information from the driver and any witnesses. Do not apologize or make statements about fault, as these can be used against you later.

Contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. At Hurt Advice, we offer free consultations and can begin investigating your case immediately. We'll handle all communications with insurance companies, preventing you from making statements that could harm your claim. We'll also ensure all evidence is preserved, including traffic camera footage that may be deleted after a short period. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be. Call us today at the number on our contact page or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation.

California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but were found 20% at fault, you would recover $80,000. This system is more favorable to injured parties than contributory negligence states where any fault bars recovery entirely. However, it also means that insurance companies will aggressively try to assign as much fault as possible to pedestrians to reduce their payouts.

Common arguments insurance companies make to establish pedestrian fault include claims that the pedestrian was jaywalking, crossing against a signal, wearing dark clothing at night, or distracted by a phone. While these factors may contribute to an accident, they don't automatically bar recovery. California law recognizes that drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care and watch for pedestrians, even when pedestrians aren't in crosswalks or are violating traffic laws. Vehicle Code Section 21954 requires drivers to exercise due care for pedestrian safety at all times.

Our attorneys at Hurt Advice are skilled at countering these fault-shifting tactics. We gather evidence showing the driver's negligence was the primary cause of the accident, such as proof of speeding, distracted driving, or traffic violations. We also work with accident reconstruction experts who can demonstrate that even if the pedestrian made a mistake, the driver had ample opportunity to avoid the collision by exercising reasonable care. By minimizing your percentage of fault, we maximize your compensation and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

Pedestrian accident cases require specialized knowledge and experience that general practice attorneys may not possess. These cases involve unique legal issues including complex traffic laws, pedestrian right-of-way rules, and the interplay between vehicle codes and personal injury law. An attorney who regularly handles pedestrian accident cases understands these nuances and knows how to build compelling arguments that maximize compensation. They also have relationships with expert witnesses including accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and economists who can provide crucial testimony.

At Hurt Advice, our attorneys focus exclusively on personal injury cases, with extensive experience in pedestrian accidents specifically. We've handled hundreds of cases involving right turn collisions and understand the common defenses insurance companies raise. We know how to investigate these accidents thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and build cases that demonstrate clear negligence. Our track record includes numerous six and seven-figure settlements and verdicts for pedestrian accident victims throughout California.

We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This allows injured pedestrians to access top-quality legal representation without upfront costs or financial risk. We advance all case expenses including expert witness fees, investigation costs, and court filing fees, and only recover these costs if we win your case. Our client testimonials and case results demonstrate our commitment to achieving outstanding outcomes for injured pedestrians. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you recover maximum compensation.