Los Angeles, CA personal injury attorney Narbeh Shirvanian talks about pedestrians having the right of way in California. In pedestrian accidents, the question of right-of-way typically arises as individuals traverse town on foot. The initial inquiry revolves around the pedestrian’s location at the time of the accident. When engaging with a potential client who is a pedestrian, crucial details include whether they were walking in a crosswalk, the status of the crosswalk signal (green or red), and their adherence to traffic signals.

Additional inquiries explore whether the pedestrian was jaywalking, crossing outside of a designated crosswalk, and understanding the parameters of the location, such as designated pathways and control by traffic lights or stop signs. The general advice encourages pedestrians to use crosswalks during a green light or when deemed safe.

With changes in jaywalking laws in California, pedestrians crossing outside of crosswalks may be considered within reasonable safety bounds. Determining fault in pedestrian accidents relies on evidence like video footage, witness statements, and, if necessary, the engagement of experts for accident reconstruction.