As the weather warms and the school year winds down, more people are out walking Southern California’s streets, plazas, and sidewalks. Unfortunately, this seasonal increase in foot traffic often comes with a disturbing trend: a spike in pedestrian accidents in May and June.
If you or someone you love was injured while walking near a shopping center, residential street, or busy intersection in Calabasas, Ventura County, or surrounding communities, it’s important to know your legal rights—and what steps to take next.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Increase in Late Spring
There are several reasons pedestrian injuries tend to rise in late spring and early summer:
- Longer daylight hours = more evening walkers and joggers
- End-of-school-year activities = more children and teens on foot
- Warmer weather = more people walking dogs, visiting parks, or strolling shopping centers
- Distracted drivers (especially texting) and rising traffic volumes
In areas like Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Pacific View Mall in Ventura, and The Commons at Calabasas, foot traffic often mixes dangerously with fast-moving or distracted drivers.
Local Hot Spots for Pedestrian Injuries
Injury data from the California Office of Traffic Safety shows a consistent pattern: pedestrian crashes are most common near busy shopping districts, arterial roads, and school zones.
Here are some high-risk zones:
🚶♀️ The Commons at Calabasa
With outdoor dining, weekend foot traffic, and limited pedestrian buffers, this retail plaza has seen numerous near-misses and vehicle-pedestrian contact incidents—especially during summer nights and events.
🚸 Thousand Oaks Blvd & Moorpark Road
This intersection is notorious for crosswalk violations, turning cars failing to yield, and poor visibility during peak evening hours.
🛍️ Pacific View Mall in Ventura
From parking lot accidents to crosswalk injuries on adjacent streets like Mills Road and Valentine Road, this zone is a pedestrian accident magnet—particularly on weekends.
🏫 Ventura College Area – Telegraph Road
High student foot traffic combined with fast-moving cars and limited signal timing near campus leads to frequent pedestrian safety issues.
🛑 Agoura Road near Kanan Road (Agoura Hills)
As commuters cut through to reach the 101, many fail to yield to pedestrians crossing this mixed-use corridor.
🏙️ Westlake Blvd near Promenade at Westlake
Busy parking lots, awkward driveway angles, and people walking between shops and restaurants often result in injuries—especially during evening dining hours.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Crashes
Even a low-speed collision can lead to serious injuries. Common consequences of being struck while walking include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries and concussions
- Back, neck, and spinal trauma
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Long-term emotional trauma (especially in children)
You may not realize how badly you’re injured until days later, which is why it’s crucial to get medical attention immediately and then contact a personal injury lawyer familiar with California pedestrian laws.
California Law: Drivers Must Yield to Pedestrians
Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within any marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Failing to do so can result in civil liability—even if the pedestrian didn’t “look both ways.”
If you were hit while crossing legally or walking in a parking lot, you likely have a case.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’re hit while walking, here’s what to do immediately:
- Call 911 and request both police and medical assistance
- Document the scene with photos of the crosswalk, traffic lights, and vehicle
- Get witness info (names, phone numbers, if possible)
- Avoid giving statements to the driver’s insurance company until you speak with an attorney
- Save medical records and receipts from treatment, physical therapy, etc.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
While the driver is most commonly at fault, other parties may also be liable:
- Property owners or businesses, if the crosswalk or parking lot was poorly marked or maintained
- City or municipal entities, if street design or signal malfunctions contributed to the incident
- Rideshare companies, if the vehicle was an Uber or Lyft on duty at the time of the crash
We investigate all angles to help you recover full compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care.
We Help Pedestrian Injury Victims Across SoCal
At Borhani Law Group, we represent victims of pedestrian crashes throughout:
- Calabasas
- Ventura County (including Oxnard, Ventura, and Camarillo)
- Thousand Oaks
- Westlake Village
- Agoura Hills
- Moorpark and surrounding areas
We speak both English, Farsi, Spanish and Armenian and are dedicated to helping our community understand their rights after a serious injury.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with So Cal Personal Injury Attorney
If you or your child was injured while walking near a mall, crosswalk, or shopping center in Southern California, don’t wait. You may be entitled to significant compensation, and we can help you pursue it.