School zones are meant to be safe havens for children, parents, and teachers — but all too often, they become the site of serious and preventable accidents. In Pasadena, where traffic congestion meets a high concentration of schools, the risk of school zone accidents is a very real concern. Whether it’s a speeding driver ignoring posted limits, a distracted commuter on their phone, or a motorist failing to yield to children in crosswalks, the consequences can be life-changing.
Each year in California, hundreds of children and pedestrians are injured or killed in or around school zones. Pasadena is no exception. The morning and afternoon rush hours are especially dangerous times, with increased traffic, hurried drivers, and young pedestrians crossing busy intersections. Even a moment of negligence can lead to devastating injuries, particularly when young children are involved.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a school zone accident, navigating the aftermath alone can be overwhelming. Medical bills, insurance claims, emotional trauma — all while trying to protect your child’s well-being or recover from your own injuries. These cases can also become legally complex, especially if the accident involves a public school district, city-owned property, or a government-operated school bus. That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced attorney who understands both the legal system and the local landscape in Pasadena.
An experienced school zone accident lawyer will investigate the details of your case, gather critical evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight to hold negligent drivers accountable — while you focus on healing. Most importantly, they can help you pursue the full compensation your family deserves for medical care, emotional suffering, lost income, and long-term impact.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we’ve built our reputation on standing up for injured individuals and families across Southern California. With decades of experience in personal injury law and a deep understanding of how local traffic laws impact school zone cases, Attorney Tim D. Wright offers the compassionate, hands-on support families need during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
We are proud to serve the Pasadena community and surrounding areas with integrity, professionalism, and a relentless commitment to justice. Whether your child was struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk, or you were injured due to reckless driving near a school zone, we are here to help — and we don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.
One of the most important laws protecting students and pedestrians is California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 22352, which establishes special speed limits in school zones. Under this code:
Speeding in a school zone is not just a traffic violation — it’s a dangerous, reckless act that can cause severe injuries or death.
California imposes enhanced penalties for traffic violations that occur in school zones. These include:
These penalties are in place to encourage drivers to slow down and stay alert in areas where children are most vulnerable.
Under CVC § 21950, pedestrians in crosswalks — especially near schools — have the legal right-of-way. Drivers are required to:
Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a school zone is a clear act of negligence under California law.
California courts recognize that children require a higher standard of care from drivers. This means:
Violating these rules can not only lead to civil liability but also criminal consequences in serious cases.
Fault in a school zone accident depends on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. Multiple parties can be held legally accountable, including:
The most common at-fault party in school zone accidents is a negligent driver. Examples of driver negligence include:
Drivers who violate traffic laws or fail to exercise caution around schools are typically found liable for any resulting injuries.
School buses are subject to strict safety regulations. If a school bus driver:
…the driver, and potentially their employer (such as a school district or private contractor), may be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
In some cases, accidents are caused or made worse by unsafe road conditions or lack of proper signage in school zones. Liability may fall on a government entity, such as the City of Pasadena or the Pasadena Unified School District, for:
Proving government negligence requires a different legal process, but victims still have rights — especially when the safety of children is involved.
California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that more than one party — including the injured person — can share fault for an accident. If, for example, a pedestrian stepped into the street unexpectedly but the driver was speeding, both could be assigned a percentage of fault.
In these cases, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault — but you can still recover damages. That’s why it’s important to work with a skilled attorney who can minimize unfair blame and maximize your recovery.
If your school zone accident involves a city department, school district, or other government agency, you must follow the rules of the California Tort Claims Act (CTCA). This process includes:
These deadlines are strict and non-negotiable, which is why it’s critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we have extensive experience handling government claims and navigating the CTCA process to protect our clients' rights.
School zone accidents are entirely preventable — but when drivers ignore posted speed limits, fail to yield, or act recklessly near schools, the consequences can be devastating. Children, parents, and pedestrians deserve protection, and when that protection fails, families deserve justice.
If you or your child has been injured in a school zone accident in Pasadena, don't let insurance companies or government agencies delay, deny, or devalue your claim. These cases often involve complex liability issues, strict deadlines, and emotional trauma — but you don’t have to face it alone.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we’re committed to standing up for injured families and holding negligent parties accountable. We’ll fight to recover the compensation you need to move forward — and we don’t charge a fee unless we win.
Contact Tim D. Wright Law Today:
📞 Personal Injury Office: (323) 379-9995
📍 Address: 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302, Burbank, CA 91506
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
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