School Zone Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in California

California Vehicle Code Section 22352 establishes specific speed limits in school zones, typically 25 mph when children are present or 15 mph in some areas. These reduced speed limits are in effect during school hours, typically from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM on school days, and when children are using the crosswalk. Drivers must also stop for crossing guards and obey all school zone signage. The law recognizes that children are less predictable than adult pedestrians and may dart into traffic unexpectedly, which is why enhanced protections exist.

Violations of school zone speed limits carry enhanced penalties in California, including higher fines and potential license points. More importantly, when a driver violates school zone laws and causes a [pedestrian accident](/pedestrian-accidents), this violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate whether drivers complied with all applicable school zone regulations, as these violations significantly strengthen your case for compensation.

School zones must be properly marked with signs, painted crosswalks, and sometimes flashing beacons to alert drivers. When municipalities fail to maintain adequate school zone safety measures, they may share liability for accidents. We examine whether proper signage was in place, whether crosswalks were clearly marked, and whether traffic signals were functioning correctly at the time of your accident.

• ✓Speed limits reduced to 25 mph or 15 mph when children present
• ✓Enhanced penalties for violations in school zones
• ✓Requirement to stop for crossing guards and school buses
• ✓Municipalities must maintain proper signage and crosswalks
• ✓Violations serve as evidence of negligence in injury claims

Distracted driving remains the leading cause of school zone pedestrian accidents in California. Despite knowing they're in a school zone, many drivers continue texting, talking on phones, adjusting GPS devices, or engaging in other distractions. Even a momentary glance away from the road can result in striking a child crossing the street. [Distracted driving accidents](/distracted-driving) are entirely preventable, and drivers who cause them must be held accountable for their negligence.

Speeding through school zones is another major factor in pedestrian accidents. Some drivers ignore reduced speed limit signs, while others simply aren't paying attention to their speedometer. Higher speeds dramatically reduce a driver's ability to stop quickly and increase the severity of injuries when collisions occur. Studies show that a pedestrian struck at 25 mph has an 85% chance of survival, while that drops to just 45% at 35 mph.

Failure to yield at crosswalks causes numerous school zone accidents. California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, yet many drivers roll through crosswalks or fail to stop completely. Morning and afternoon dismissal times create particularly hazardous conditions with heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic converging simultaneously. Parents dropping off or picking up children may also create dangerous situations by double-parking, making illegal U-turns, or blocking crosswalks.

• ✓Texting and cell phone use while driving
• ✓Exceeding school zone speed limits
• ✓Failing to stop at crosswalks
• ✓Rolling through stop signs
• ✓Illegal parking and drop-off maneuvers
• ✓Backing up without checking for pedestrians

Children struck by vehicles in school zones frequently suffer [traumatic brain injuries](/brain-injury) due to their smaller size and developing bodies. A child's head is proportionally larger and heavier than an adult's, making them more susceptible to head trauma. Even seemingly minor impacts can cause concussions, skull fractures, or more severe brain damage that affects cognitive development, memory, and learning abilities. These injuries may require years of medical treatment, therapy, and special educational services.

[Broken bones and fractures](/broken-bones-fractures) are extremely common in school zone pedestrian accidents. Children may suffer fractured legs, arms, ribs, pelvis, or facial bones. Some fractures require surgery with pins, plates, or rods, followed by months of physical therapy. Growth plate injuries are particularly concerning in children, as damage to these areas can affect bone development and lead to limb length discrepancies or deformities.

[Spinal cord injuries](/spinal-cord-injury) represent the most catastrophic outcomes of school zone accidents. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime medical care, mobility devices, home modifications, and ongoing therapy. The emotional and financial impact on families is immense. Internal injuries, including damage to organs, internal bleeding, and abdominal trauma, may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. Soft tissue injuries, road rash, and psychological trauma including PTSD are also common consequences that deserve compensation.

• ✓Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• ✓Broken bones requiring surgery and rehabilitation
• ✓Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis
• ✓Internal organ damage and bleeding
• ✓Facial injuries and scarring
• ✓Psychological trauma and PTSD

Determining liability in school zone pedestrian accidents requires thorough investigation of all potentially responsible parties. The driver who struck the pedestrian typically bears primary liability, especially if they violated school zone laws, were distracted, or failed to exercise reasonable care. Our attorneys obtain police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert accident reconstruction analysis to establish exactly how the accident occurred and who was at fault.

In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. If a school bus driver, delivery truck driver, or other commercial vehicle operator caused the accident, their employer may be liable under respondeat superior doctrine. Municipalities can be held responsible if inadequate signage, poorly designed crosswalks, malfunctioning traffic signals, or other infrastructure defects contributed to the accident. Property owners adjacent to schools may have liability if overgrown vegetation or other hazards obscured drivers' views of pedestrians.

California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning even if the injured pedestrian shares some fault, they can still recover damages reduced by their percentage of responsibility. However, children under a certain age are generally not held to the same standard of care as adults. Our [personal injury attorneys](/personal-injury-attorney-near-me) work to minimize any allegations of comparative fault and maximize your compensation recovery.

• ✓Driver negligence (primary liability)
• ✓Employer liability for commercial vehicle accidents
• ✓Municipal liability for infrastructure defects
• ✓Property owner liability for visibility obstructions
• ✓Comparative negligence considerations
• ✓Special protections for child pedestrians

Victims of school zone pedestrian accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation for economic damages. Medical expenses often represent the largest component, including emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, and future medical care. For severe injuries, lifetime medical costs can reach millions of dollars. We work with medical experts to accurately project all future care needs to ensure you receive full compensation.

Lost wages and loss of earning capacity are recoverable when injuries prevent a parent from working while caring for an injured child, or when the child's future earning potential is diminished by permanent disabilities. Educational costs for special tutoring, modified schooling, or vocational training may also be compensable. Property damage to personal belongings, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices destroyed in the accident can be recovered.

Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or disability. For children, these damages account for the long-term impact on their childhood, development, and future quality of life. In cases involving egregious conduct such as drunk driving or extreme recklessness, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Our [catastrophic injury lawyers](/catastrophic-injury) have secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for school zone accident victims.

• ✓Past and future medical expenses
• ✓Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• ✓Pain and suffering
• ✓Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• ✓Permanent disability and disfigurement
• ✓Loss of enjoyment of life
• ✓Punitive damages in extreme cases

Immediate medical attention is the top priority after any pedestrian accident. Even if injuries seem minor, children should be evaluated by medical professionals, as some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent. Call 911 to ensure police and paramedics respond to the scene. Emergency responders will document the accident and provide critical medical care. Follow all medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments, as gaps in treatment can be used against you by insurance companies.

Document everything related to the accident. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, and crosswalk markings. Obtain contact information from witnesses, as their statements can be crucial evidence. Get the driver's insurance information and license plate number. Request a copy of the police report, which will contain important details about the accident and any citations issued.

Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about giving recorded statements or accepting quick settlement offers. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or get victims to accept blame. Before speaking with insurance companies or signing any documents, [contact our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers](/contact) for a free consultation. We handle all communications with insurance companies and protect your rights throughout the claims process.

• ✓Seek immediate medical evaluation
• ✓Call 911 for police and paramedic response
• ✓Photograph the accident scene and injuries
• ✓Collect witness contact information
• ✓Obtain police report and driver's insurance details
• ✓Avoid giving recorded statements without legal counsel
• ✓Contact an attorney before accepting settlements

Our law firm has extensive experience representing families affected by school zone pedestrian accidents throughout California. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and the devastating impact they have on children and families. From the moment you contact us, we begin investigating your case, preserving evidence, and building a strong claim for maximum compensation. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your child's recovery.

We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, life care planners, and economists to fully document the extent of injuries and calculate all damages. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and are fully prepared to take cases to trial when necessary. We have a proven track record of securing substantial [settlements and verdicts](/results) for pedestrian accident victims, including multi-million dollar recoveries for catastrophic injuries.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of financial circumstances. We advance all case costs, including expert witness fees and investigation expenses. Our [team of dedicated lawyers](/lawyers) is available to answer your questions and provide updates throughout your case. We treat every client with compassion and respect during this difficult time.

• ✓Thorough investigation and evidence preservation
• ✓Collaboration with medical and accident reconstruction experts
• ✓Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
• ✓Trial-ready litigation when settlements are inadequate
• ✓Contingency fee representation (no fees unless we win)
• ✓Compassionate, personalized client service

California law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, if a government entity is potentially liable (such as a city or school district for dangerous road conditions), you must file a government claim within six months of the accident. Failure to meet these deadlines can result in losing your right to compensation entirely.

For minors, California law provides some extensions to the statute of limitations. A child's statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they reach age 18, after which they have two years to file. However, parents seeking compensation for their own damages (such as medical expenses they paid) must still file within the standard two-year period. These rules are complex, and exceptions exist, so it's critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

Even if the statute of limitations hasn't expired, waiting too long to pursue a claim can harm your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies may question the severity of injuries if you delay seeking legal help. The sooner you [contact our firm](/contact), the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options with no obligation.

• ✓Two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims
• ✓Six-month deadline for claims against government entities
• ✓Special rules for minors (tolling until age 18)
• ✓Early action preserves evidence and strengthens claims
• ✓Free consultation to evaluate your case
• ✓No obligation to hire after initial consultation

While legal remedies exist after accidents occur, prevention is always preferable. Parents can help protect their children by teaching pedestrian safety rules: always use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, make eye contact with drivers, and never assume a driver sees you. Walking to school with younger children and practicing safe crossing techniques reinforces these lessons. Bright or reflective clothing increases visibility, especially during early morning or late afternoon hours when lighting is poor.

Schools and municipalities have responsibilities to maintain safe school zones. This includes proper signage, well-marked crosswalks, functioning traffic signals, adequate lighting, and crossing guard programs. Some schools have implemented traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, or curb extensions to slow traffic and increase pedestrian visibility. Community advocacy for these safety improvements can save lives.

Drivers must take their responsibilities seriously when traveling through school zones. Eliminate all distractions, strictly obey speed limits, come to complete stops at crosswalks and stop signs, and remain vigilant for children who may enter the roadway unexpectedly. Remember that school zone laws are in effect during specified hours, and the presence of children requires extra caution. By working together—parents, schools, municipalities, and drivers—we can make school zones safer for all children.

• ✓Teach children pedestrian safety rules
• ✓Use crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers
• ✓Wear bright or reflective clothing
• ✓Schools should maintain proper signage and crosswalks
• ✓Implement traffic calming measures in school zones
• ✓Drivers must eliminate distractions and obey speed limits
• ✓Community advocacy for safety improvements

When your child has been injured in a school zone pedestrian accident, choosing the right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our firm has decades of combined experience handling [pedestrian accident cases](/pedestrian-accidents) throughout California, with a specific focus on accidents involving children. We understand the unique medical, emotional, and legal issues these cases present, and we have the resources and expertise to handle even the most complex claims.

Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured pedestrians and their families. We have successfully litigated cases against individual drivers, commercial trucking companies, rideshare services, and government entities. Our [testimonials](/testimonials) reflect our commitment to client service and our track record of results. We take a personalized approach to every case, recognizing that each family's situation is unique and deserves individualized attention.

We understand that this is one of the most difficult times in your family's life. Our team provides compassionate support while aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve. We keep you informed throughout the process, explain complex legal concepts in plain language, and make ourselves available to answer your questions. If your child was injured in a school zone accident, don't wait—[contact us today](/contact) for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.

• ✓Decades of experience with pedestrian accident cases
• ✓Proven track record of multi-million dollar recoveries
• ✓Expertise in cases involving child injuries
• ✓Resources to handle complex litigation
• ✓Personalized, compassionate client service
• ✓Free consultation with no obligation
• ✓Available to answer questions throughout your case