Costa Mesa, CA – Pedestrian Critically Injured in Accident at Irvine Ave & 18th St
Costa Mesa, CA (January 11, 2022) – On Monday evening, January 9, an accident was reported in Costa Mesa involving a pedestrian who was hit by a car and critically injured.
According to officials, the accident occurred around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Irvine Avenue and 18th Street. The accident occurred when a pedestrian was crossing the street when for reasons that are unknown at the time, the driver of a vehicle did not yield for the pedestrian and crashed into the person.
Paramedics and other emergency crews were immediately called to the scene, arriving within minutes. Emergency personnel found the pedestrian lying in the intersection with severe injuries. Paramedics tended to the injured pedestrian at the scene and then rushed the person to a local hospital by ambulance for emergency care. Officials have not disclosed the individual’s name at this point. The person remains in critical condition at this time.
Police are still investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash and are looking for the driver of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with the police during their investigation.
Our thoughts are with the person injured in this accident. We hope for their full recovery.
Pedestrian Accidents in California
Being a pedestrian in the state of California can be very dangerous. No one ever thinks they will be the victim of a pedestrian accident, but in California, it is becoming an increasingly common reality for many. California has a growing problem with pedestrians being seriously injured or killed on California’s roadways. In 2018, nearly 900 pedestrians died after being hit by vehicles, and many more were left with serious, debilitating injuries. The number of pedestrian deaths has increased by 25% since 2014.
California consistently has more pedestrian accidents than any other state in the country. Drivers need to keep a watchful eye on the road to avoid hitting pedestrians. California law states that pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections and crosswalks. Therefore, drivers must yield to them, or they will be found to be at fault for causing an accident and liable for any damages and injuries caused by the accident.
California has a very pleasant year-round climate, and people are often outside. However, due to the growing problem, pedestrians need to be especially vigilant when near vehicles. There is nothing a pedestrian can do to protect themselves from a sudden hit by a car, which makes them vulnerable to suffering very serious injuries or fatalities. However, there are a few safety tips pedestrians can follow to try to keep themselves safe:
- Wear brightly colored clothes with reflectors and a flashlight if walking at night
- Always walk on the sidewalk
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road, and don’t assume they see you or will stop for you
- Pay attention to your surroundings
- Stay off your phone, especially texting, as this can distract you
- Obey traffic signals
- Look both ways before crossing a street and watch for turning vehicles
If you or a family member were hurt in a pedestrian accident, speak to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer right away. They will explain the legal process, help you understand your rights, and what compensation you may be entitled to. Do not hesitate to contact a Costa Mesa pedestrian accident attorney by calling (888) 539-3154 to see how we can help you.
Note: This post was created through the use of secondary sources such as state and local news sources, police accident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious injury accidents that take place in Orange County. The facts surrounding this accident have not been independently verified, therefore, if any information is incorrect, please contact Russell & Lazarus APC, Personal Injury Lawyer, so we can update the post with the most accurate information available. We will remove this post upon request.
Disclaimer: This is not a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post is intended to be medical or legal advice. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.