When a driver makes a turn without fully checking for pedestrians, the results can be devastating. This is exactly what happened on a Friday morning in Riverside County, when a pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle making a turn. If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while walking, contacting a California personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Happened?
On July 10, 2026, a pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle in Bermuda Dunes, according to KESQ News Channel 3. The collision occurred at approximately 10:57 a.m. near the intersection of Washington Street and Harris Lane.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the vehicle was turning from Harris Lane onto northbound Washington Street when it struck a pedestrian who was standing in the roadway. Emergency crews transported the pedestrian to a local hospital in critical condition. The roadway was temporarily closed while CHP and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigated the scene. The driver remained on scene and cooperated with authorities. The circumstances leading up to the crash remain under investigation.
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Why Do Turning Vehicles Hit Pedestrians?
Intersections are one of the most dangerous places for people on foot, largely because drivers are often focused on gaps in traffic rather than scanning for pedestrians in the crosswalk or roadway. Common reasons turning-vehicle crashes happen include:
Failure to Yield
California law requires drivers making a turn to yield to pedestrians who are already in the roadway or crosswalk. When a driver turns without checking, a collision can happen in seconds.
Distracted Driving
A driver glancing at a phone, radio, or GPS while turning may not see a pedestrian until it’s too late.
Blind Spots and Obstructed Views
Vehicles, signage, and parked cars near an intersection can block a driver’s view of pedestrians, especially during a turn.
Speeding Through Turns
Drivers who take turns too quickly have less time to react if a pedestrian is in their path.
Poor Visibility
Sun glare, dusk, or nighttime conditions can make it harder for a driver to spot someone on foot, even when that person is following the rules of the road.
When Do These Crashes Happen?
Pedestrian collisions at intersections can happen at any time, but data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that a significant share of pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries occur during turning maneuvers and at or near intersections, particularly during daylight and early evening hours when both vehicle and foot traffic are heaviest.
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Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
After a pedestrian accident, dealing with insurance adjusters while recovering from serious injuries can be overwhelming. A personal injury attorney can help in several ways.
Collecting Evidence
Witness statements, CHP reports, traffic camera footage, and photos from the scene can all help establish how the crash happened and who was at fault. An attorney can also work with investigators and accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case.
Determining Damages
An attorney can help calculate both economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic Damages have a fixed, calculable value and include medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-Economic Damages are harder to quantify but can include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Determining Fault
California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning fault can be shared among multiple parties. An attorney can gather evidence to show the other driver’s failure to yield and minimize any argument that the pedestrian was partially at fault.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than they’re worth. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.
Preparing for Trial
While most pedestrian accident claims settle before trial, having an attorney who is prepared to litigate gives you leverage in negotiations and ensures you’re protected if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
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FAQ
What percentage are contingency fees?
In California, personal injury attorneys typically charge a contingency fee, often in the range of 33% to 40% of the total recovery, depending on when the case resolves. You pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.
What can I recover in a pedestrian accident case?
You may be able to recover medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering, among other damages, depending on the facts of your case.
Is there a cap on what I can recover?
California does not cap economic damages in most personal injury cases. Non-economic damages are generally uncapped as well, except in specific categories of cases such as medical malpractice.
How long do pedestrian accident cases take?
Timelines vary widely. Some claims resolve within months through negotiation, while others that go to litigation can take a year or more.
Do I need a police report to file a claim?
A police report isn’t strictly required, but it can serve as valuable evidence. If one wasn’t filed at the scene, an attorney can help gather other documentation to support your claim.
Injured as a Pedestrian? We’re Here to Help
Getting hit by a car while walking can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a long recovery ahead. Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call or text (310) 424-7858 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
