“Frightening” Pedestrian-Car Accident at LAX Sends 2 to the Hospital
A car suddenly swerved out of a lane at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Thursday, June 21, hitting a person sitting on one of the benches in the terminal.
LAX police noted that neither the driver, who was alone in the car, or the person hit was seriously hurt. Both were listed in stable condition, and the pedestrian was being examined for cuts or bruises.
While the investigation is currently ongoing, police believe that the driver may have swerved due to a medical condition.
Observers said that the car made a frightening bump when it hit the bench and the pedestrian. The vehicle, a Toyota Prius, had a crumpled passenger side.
Negligence in Accidents Between Cars and Pedestrians
It’s not possible to know the causes of this particular accident since the investigation is still ongoing. It is, however, possible to make some general observations about the law that surrounds vehicles and pedestrians in the state of California. The person sitting on the bench would be classified as a pedestrian because that person was on the side of a roadway.
Drivers have a duty of reasonable care when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle, to everyone. That includes fellow drivers, their passengers, other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Reasonable care includes following the rules of the road, paying attention to traffic conditions, climate conditions, and any other factors which could affect driving conditions and safety.
Pedestrians are expected to follow the rules pertaining to them. They should not dart into areas reserved for moving cars, for example. If there are crosswalks or pedestrian stop signs, pedestrians need to follow them. If there are designated areas for pedestrians, such as terminal benches, they should use them.
In legal cases, one party can bring suit against another if injuries or death has been caused in an accident. One party may be found responsible for damages if they are deemed negligent by the court. “Negligent” means they didn’t exercise reasonable care. A driver going at 50 mph in a 25-mph zone, for example, could be found negligent because exceeding the speed limit failed to exercise reasonable care.
Call an Experienced Car and Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
There are far too many accidents involving cars and pedestrians in Los Angeles. If you or a loved one ever need a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney in southern California, call the attorneys at the Ellis Injury Law Firm. We have successfully litigated cases like these for 2 decades, winning maximum compensation for our clients. Trust in our track record — we have won 99% of the cases we take on! Please call today at 310-641-3335 for a free initial consultation.
Additional Resources:
- ABC 7 Eyewitness News. Car swerves off road, injures pedestrian at LAX. June 21, 2018. http://abc7.com/disasters-accidents/car-swerves-off-road-injures-pedestrian-at-lax/3633360/
- Car swerves off road, injures pedestrian at LAX. Inglewood Today. June 21, 2018. http://www.inglewoodtoday.com/car-swerves-off-road-injures-pedestrian-at-lax/