Moreno Valley Pedestrian Accident Injury Attorney: Protecting Those Who Walk Our Streets

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in Moreno Valley. When a person on foot is struck by a vehicle, the results are almost always catastrophic—broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and too often, death. If you or a loved one has been injured while walking in Moreno Valley, our free nonprofit referral service connects you with experienced pedestrian accident attorneys who fight for the full compensation you deserve.

The Pedestrian Safety Crisis in Moreno Valley

Moreno Valley's rapid growth has created significant challenges for pedestrian safety. As the city has expanded, traffic volumes have increased while pedestrian infrastructure has struggled to keep pace.

High-Risk Areas for Pedestrians

Sunnymead Boulevard Corridor: This major commercial thoroughfare sees heavy vehicle traffic and significant pedestrian activity around shopping centers, restaurants, and bus stops. The combination creates frequent conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians. Alessandro Boulevard: Wide lanes and high speeds make crossing dangerous, particularly near schools and the commercial areas near the 215 freeway. Towngate Area: The shopping center vicinity draws pedestrians walking to retail stores, but the parking lots and adjacent streets present hazards. Highway 60 Interchanges: Pedestrians attempting to cross on-ramps and off-ramps near Day Street, Moreno Beach Drive, and Perris Boulevard face fast-moving traffic. Perris Boulevard: This north-south arterial sees both heavy traffic and pedestrian activity, particularly around Valley View High School and the commercial zones. School Zones: Moreno Valley's numerous schools generate significant pedestrian traffic, with children particularly vulnerable to distracted or speeding drivers.

Contributing Factors to Pedestrian Accidents

Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in our community:

Distracted Driving: Drivers focused on phones, passengers, or other distractions fail to notice pedestrians until it's too late. Failure to Yield: Many drivers ignore crosswalks and fail to yield right-of-way to pedestrians as required by law. Speeding: Higher speeds increase both the likelihood of a collision and the severity of resulting injuries. Poor Visibility: Inadequate lighting in some areas makes pedestrians difficult to see, especially during evening hours. Inadequate Infrastructure: Some areas lack proper sidewalks, crosswalks, or pedestrian signals, forcing people to walk in dangerous conditions. Impaired Driving: Drunk and drugged drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment.

Understanding Pedestrian Rights in California

California law provides significant protections for pedestrians. Understanding these rights helps establish liability when accidents occur.

Right-of-Way Laws

Crosswalks (Marked and Unmarked): Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in any crosswalk, whether marked with painted lines or unmarked at intersections. Pedestrians have the right-of-way once they enter the crosswalk. Unmarked Crosswalks: Many Moreno Valley residents don't realize that crosswalks exist at every intersection, even without painted markings. The law treats these unmarked crosswalks the same as marked ones. Duty of Due Care: Vehicle Code Section 21954 requires drivers to exercise due care for pedestrian safety, even when the pedestrian is not in a crosswalk. This doesn't mean pedestrians always have right-of-way, but drivers cannot simply ignore pedestrians. Sidewalk Rights: Vehicles cannot drive on sidewalks except when crossing to enter or exit driveways, and must yield to pedestrians when doing so.

Pedestrian Responsibilities

While California law protects pedestrians, it also imposes certain responsibilities:

Sudden Movement Prohibition: Pedestrians cannot suddenly leave a curb or other safe place and walk into the path of a vehicle that's close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. Obeying Signals: When traffic signals are present, pedestrians must obey walk/don't walk signals. Crosswalk Usage: When crossing between adjacent intersections with traffic signals, pedestrians should use crosswalks.

However, even when a pedestrian shares some fault, California's comparative negligence system allows them to recover damages reduced by their percentage of responsibility.

Severe Injuries Common in Pedestrian Accidents

The human body offers no protection against a multi-ton vehicle traveling at speed. Pedestrian accidents typically result in severe, often permanent injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

When pedestrians are struck, they often fall and hit their heads on the pavement or are thrown into the vehicle. Resulting brain injuries include:

• Concussions requiring extended recovery
• Skull fractures
• Subdural and epidural hematomas requiring emergency surgery
• Diffuse axonal injuries causing permanent cognitive impairment
• Post-traumatic seizure disorders
• Personality and behavioral changes

Spinal Cord Injuries

The violent forces involved can damage the spinal cord, resulting in:

• Complete paralysis below the injury site
• Partial paralysis with limited mobility
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Chronic pain syndromes
• Need for lifelong assistive care

Orthopedic Trauma

Bones break when bodies collide with vehicles:

• Multiple leg fractures from the initial impact
• Pelvic fractures requiring extensive surgery
• Arm and wrist breaks from trying to break falls
• Hip fractures, especially in elderly pedestrians
• Crush injuries sometimes requiring amputation

Soft Tissue and Internal Injuries

Beyond broken bones, pedestrians suffer:

• Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
• Internal bleeding requiring emergency intervention
• Torn ligaments and tendons
• Muscle damage
• Road rash and severe skin abrasions

Psychological Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, pedestrian accident survivors often experience:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety about walking near traffic
• Depression from disability and loss of independence
• Sleep disorders and nightmares

Special Considerations for School Zone Accidents

Children walking to and from school face particular vulnerability. Moreno Valley's numerous schools create zones where child pedestrian safety is paramount.

Heightened Duty of Care

Drivers have an elevated duty of care in school zones:

Speed Limits: School zones have reduced speed limits during arrival and dismissal times. Drivers who speed through these zones face enhanced liability. Crossing Guards: Where crossing guards are present, drivers must stop when directed. Failure to do so is both a traffic violation and strong evidence of negligence. School Bus Stops: Drivers must stop for school buses loading or unloading children. Injuries from passing stopped buses carry severe consequences for drivers. General Awareness: The law expects drivers to anticipate unpredictable child behavior in school zones and drive accordingly.

Protecting Child Victims

When children are injured as pedestrians, special considerations apply:

Extended Statute of Limitations: Minors have until two years after their 18th birthday to file personal injury claims, though earlier action is advisable. Guardianship Requirements: Parents or guardians must bring claims on behalf of minor children. Court Approval of Settlements: Any settlement involving a minor requires court approval to ensure it's in the child's best interest. Structured Settlements: Large settlements for children are often structured to provide payments over time rather than a lump sum.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

Too many pedestrians in Moreno Valley are struck by drivers who flee the scene. These cases present unique challenges but remain actionable.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Call 911 immediately if you're able. Try to Note Details: If possible, remember any details about the vehicle—make, model, color, license plate, direction of travel. Look for Witnesses: Bystanders may have seen more than you did. Get their contact information. File a Police Report: Report the incident to Moreno Valley Police Department immediately. Preserve Evidence: If possible, photograph your injuries, the scene, and any physical evidence.

Recovering Compensation After Hit-and-Run

Even when the driver isn't identified, you may have options:

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Your own auto insurance policy's uninsured motorist coverage may cover pedestrian injuries from hit-and-run accidents. Investigation and Identification: Attorneys work with investigators to identify hit-and-run drivers through surveillance footage, witness interviews, and vehicle forensics. Third-Party Liability: If the accident occurred due to property conditions (poor lighting, obscured sightlines), the property owner might share liability.

The Claims Process for Pedestrian Accidents

Understanding what to expect helps you prepare for the legal journey ahead.

Investigation Phase

Your attorney will:

• Gather police reports and accident reconstruction evidence
• Collect witness statements
• Obtain traffic camera and surveillance footage
• Document the accident scene and any hazards
• Review your medical records and treatment
• Consult with medical and economic experts

Insurance Claims

Pedestrian accidents typically involve:

Driver's Liability Insurance: The at-fault driver's insurance should cover your damages up to policy limits. Your Auto Insurance: Even though you were a pedestrian, your own auto insurance (medical payments and uninsured/underinsured coverage) may provide additional recovery. Property Owner's Insurance: If premises conditions contributed to the accident, property insurance may apply.

Negotiation and Settlement

Most pedestrian accident cases settle before trial:

• Your attorney prepares a demand package documenting all damages
• Negotiations with insurance companies follow
• Mediation may help resolve disputed cases
• Settlement provides faster compensation without trial risks

Litigation If Necessary

When fair settlement isn't offered:

• Your attorney files a lawsuit in Riverside County Superior Court
• Discovery allows both sides to gather evidence
• Depositions capture witness testimony
• Expert witnesses may testify about injuries and liability
• A jury ultimately decides liability and damages

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrian injuries warrant substantial compensation given their severity. Experienced attorneys fight for full recovery.

Medical Expenses

Past Medical Bills: Emergency room treatment, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation already incurred. Future Medical Costs: Ongoing treatment, anticipated surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment you'll need. Life Care Planning: For catastrophic injuries, life care planners project lifetime medical and care needs.

Lost Income

Past Lost Wages: Income missed during recovery, including salary, hourly wages, bonuses, and self-employment income. Future Earning Capacity: If injuries prevent returning to your previous occupation or limit work capacity, you're entitled to compensation for diminished earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Physical Pain: Compensation for the pain you've endured and will continue to experience. Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and psychological trauma resulting from the accident. Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed.

Permanent Disability and Disfigurement

Disability Compensation: Permanent impairments affecting your daily life warrant substantial compensation. Scarring and Disfigurement: Visible injuries affecting your appearance and self-image.

Why Choose a Pedestrian Accident Specialist

Not all personal injury attorneys have specific experience with pedestrian cases. Specialists understand:

Unique Liability Issues: Pedestrian right-of-way laws, comparative negligence applications, and proving driver fault require specialized knowledge. Injury Severity: Pedestrian injuries are typically more severe than car-on-car accidents, requiring understanding of catastrophic injury valuation. Insurance Complexities: Multiple insurance policies often apply to pedestrian accidents, and specialists know how to maximize recovery from all sources. Expert Networks: Experienced pedestrian accident attorneys have relationships with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and life care planners.

Our Free Referral Service

MorenoValleyInjury.org connects pedestrian accident victims with qualified attorneys at no cost.

How It Works

1. Contact Us: Submit your information online or call our referral line

2. Case Review: We evaluate your situation to match you appropriately

3. Attorney Referral: We connect you with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney

4. Free Consultation: The attorney meets with you at no charge

5. Your Decision: You decide whether to proceed with representation

The Contingency Fee Advantage

The attorneys we refer work on contingency:

• No upfront costs to hire an attorney
• No hourly fees during your case
• Attorney fees come from your settlement or verdict
• You pay nothing unless your case is successful

Frequently Asked Questions

I was crossing outside a crosswalk. Can I still recover compensation?

Yes. While California law requires pedestrians to use crosswalks in certain situations, drivers also have a duty to exercise due care for pedestrian safety. If the driver was negligent (speeding, distracted, impaired), you can still recover damages, though your recovery might be reduced by your percentage of comparative fault.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim?

California's statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of injury. However, claims against government entities (if a city vehicle or road defect was involved) require administrative claims within six months. Contact us promptly to protect your rights.

What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?

You may recover through your own auto insurance's uninsured motorist coverage, even though you were a pedestrian when injured. Additionally, if property conditions contributed to the accident, the property owner's insurance might apply.

Should I give a statement to the driver's insurance company?

Not before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims. Statements you make can be used against you. Let your attorney handle all insurance communications.

How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?

Case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, permanent impairment, and available insurance coverage. Pedestrian accidents involving severe injuries often result in substantial settlements or verdicts. A free consultation can provide a better estimate for your situation.

What if my child was hit while walking to school?

Children have the same rights to compensation as adults, and drivers in school zones have heightened duties of care. Parents can bring claims on behalf of minor children, and settlements require court approval to protect the child's interests.

Do I need an attorney for a pedestrian accident case?

While not legally required, attorney representation significantly increases the likelihood of fair compensation. Insurance companies know that unrepresented claimants typically accept lower settlements. An attorney levels the playing field.

What should I do immediately after being hit by a car?

Seek medical attention, call 911, document the scene if possible, get driver and witness information, and contact our referral service to speak with an attorney before giving statements to insurance companies.

Serving Pedestrian Accident Victims Throughout Moreno Valley

Our referral service helps injured pedestrians from all neighborhoods:

• Sunnymead: Pedestrians injured along commercial corridors
• Towngate: Shopping area accidents and parking lot incidents
• Edgemont: Residential street accidents
• Rancho Belago: Pedestrians struck near industrial areas
• Hidden Springs: Community members injured while walking
• Moreno Valley Ranch: Residents needing pedestrian accident representation

Take the First Step Today

If you've been injured while walking in Moreno Valley, don't face the insurance companies alone. Our free nonprofit referral service connects you with experienced pedestrian accident attorneys who work on contingency—you pay nothing unless your case is successful.

Ready to find a pedestrian accident attorney? Contact us today for a free referral. You can also explore our attorney network or review our pedestrian safety resources.

Your injuries are serious. Your rights matter. Let us help you find the legal representation you deserve.

--- MorenoValleyInjury.org is a nonprofit attorney referral service helping Moreno Valley residents find qualified legal representation. We do not provide legal advice. All attorney referrals are free, and referred attorneys work on contingency—you pay nothing unless your case is successful.