Maison Law represents pedestrian accident victims in California. According to Vehicle Code 21950, all drivers in California are required to yield to pedestrians crossing a roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. With the number of major cities across California, busy intersections are an especially dangerous place for pedestrians. Specific sections of the California Vehicle Code cover pedestrians’ rights on the road, as well as their duty to the traffic around them.
What are the Right-of-Way Rules for a Crosswalk in California
The term “pedestrian” applies not only to people walking across the street but to people on skates and skateboards. Generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all crosswalks. Crosswalks in California are typically marked with white lines and reflectors. Some cities even require flashing lights to illuminate the crosswalk. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must adhere to the following rules when approaching a crosswalk:
- All drivers must reduce their speeds or stop, if necessary, to yield to pedestrians within the crosswalk.
- A driver must stop before the line, not in the middle of the crosswalk.
- A driver must stop if a pedestrian is in his or her half of the lane or approaching quickly enough to be in the direct path of the vehicle.
- Drivers are not permitted to pass stopped vehicles while they’re allowing pedestrians to cross at a crosswalk.
However, a pedestrian should not step off the curb if it is unsafe. Just as drivers owe a “duty of care” to pedestrians, pedestrians are also required to avoid putting drivers in unsafe situations.
Legal Duty of Pedestrians at a Crosswalk in California
According to California Vehicle Code 21950 (b), pedestrians owe a legal duty to motorists to exercise due care for themselves and other pedestrians around them. CVC 21950 (b) states:
“This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.”
So, while there are laws to protect pedestrians in crosswalks, pedestrians must exercise caution and avoid stepping out into a crosswalk when it is unsafe. Being aware of traffic also includes traffic control devices. Pedestrians must yield to motorists who have a green light. They must also not step into a crosswalk when the “Don’t Walk” signal is displayed. Not only is it against the law for a pedestrian to cross an intersection with a “Don’t Walk” signal, but this action can also make them liable for any collisions that may occur as a direct result.
Can a Pedestrian Cross the Street Outside a Crosswalk in California?
If you attempt to cross the street without a crosswalk, or outside of an intersection, you can still cross the street according to California Vehicle Code 21954 (a). This statute states:
“Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.”
Other notable pedestrian laws include:
- Pedestrians lose right-of-way at crosswalks whenever traffic lights or law enforcement officers indicate for them to remain on the curb.
- Pedestrians are not permitted in bike lanes when a walking path is available.
- Jaywalking is not illegal in California if it is done safely and with no oncoming traffic.
- Pedestrians with impaired vision that require a can or a guide dog have the right-of-way at all intersections
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in California, the accident attorneys at Maison Law are standing by to help you get the compensation you need. We understand the enormous medical costs associated with vehicle accidents and will aggressively pursue a settlement to match the full extent of your damages. If a settlement cannot be reach, then our firm will represent you in court and advocate on your behalf.
Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our firm does not require any upfront fees and you do not have to pay a cent until your case is won.
