Alameda Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Alameda, California

There are thousands of pedestrians throughout California each day. Drivers, bicyclists, and others who share roadways, sidewalks, and outdoor settings are responsible for exercising caution and yielding to the right of way. Unfortunately, in 2018, over 800 pedestrian fatalities and more than 14,000 injuries resulted from pedestrian accidents on California roadways. Though laws and regulations enforce traffic safety, many accidents still occur. 

Injuries sustained from an accident or collision are often life-changing, especially when a pedestrian endures the impact of a moving vehicle. At Setareh Law Firm, our dedicated personal injury attorney may be able to help your case and gather the evidence necessary to prove the liable party’s negligence.

Significant Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in California 

Car collisions and pedestrian accidents often occur in similar ways, especially if a driver’s negligence causes injury to another. California’s road safety and driving conditions vary throughout the state. Almost 40 million people live in California as of 2020, which may contribute to the heavy traffic and probability of collisions on roads or highways. 

Common reasons for pedestrian accidents within California include:

• Distracted driving 
• Speeding 
• Failure to yield 
• Severe weather conditions 
• Driving while impaired or under the influence
• Disregarding traffic signs or signals 
• Low visibility

Vehicles maintain the right of way on roads and highways, except where pedestrians are present. Understanding pedestrian safety throughout roads, parking lots, and other areas may help avoid preventable accidents. If a driver breaches their duty of care for pedestrians, their actions may prove negligence in an injury case. A skilled attorney that defends your rights and understands the law may help you file a claim and reach a settlement.  

When Do California Pedestrians Have the Right of Way?

Collisions can occur when cars approach a crosswalk and fail to slow their speed in preparation for a pedestrian crossing. If a vehicle is stopped and preparing to make a turn, it must yield to any pedestrian’s right of way. Proceeding before an individual has crossed the intersection can lead to a fatal collision or severe injury for the person on foot. Twenty percent of fatal and injury collisions result from drivers failing to yield to other cars or pedestrians with the right of way in California. 

California vehicle code 21950 states: 

“(a)The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection…(c) The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary…”

Many traffic rules protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. However, people traveling on foot must also obey traffic signals and avoid any actions that impede traffic or risk their safety against vehicles on the road. Additionally, pedestrians are not relieved of their liability to exercise caution when crossing streets. They are only permitted to leave a curb or walk when traffic signals give them the right.

In addition, car and pedestrian accidents may result from DWI, distracted driving, or reckless driving situations. When a pedestrian is injured from negligent acts, they may be able to pursue legal action by consulting with an experienced legal team that may help them file an injury claim. 

How an Alameda Pedestrian Accident Lawyer May Help Your Injury Case 

Hiring a personal injury attorney offers many benefits to any personal injury case. A lawyer experienced in injury law can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and may help you feel at ease throughout your recovery by handling all aspects of your case. In California, the success of an injury claim is based on proving negligence and fault. 

An attorney may provide resources, expert testimony, and gather solid evidence to combat any efforts that the liable parties attempt to use to dismiss a claim. Street surveillance footage, nearby witnesses, police reports, and other essential components of evidence may be easier to track down with an expert legal team. You don’t have to face a lawsuit against the liable party on your own. 

You May Be Eligible for Different Types of Compensation Recovery 

Car collisions are known to leave their victims injured. However, when a car hits a pedestrian, the impact and severity of this accident may lead to catastrophic results. The injuries can vary from minor to severe depending on the vehicle’s speed, how a pedestrian was struck, and the force they endured in the accident. Your lawyer may help you file a claim and retrieve compensation for any non-economic and economic losses resulting from the accident. Entrusting a lawyer with your case may help you recover the maximum settlement for the damages. 

Call Setareh Law to Consult With a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident 

Being struck by a car or other vehicle on the road is a traumatizing and uneasy experience. Our injury attorney strives to protect the rights of injured victims. Attorney Daniel Setareh’s dedication and expertise provide the legal resources and strong defense that pedestrian accident victims need in California. With a Spanish-speaking lawyer at Setareh Law, our legal team has the advantage of providing legal assistance to various clients in the Alameda community. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact us by completing a contact form or calling (310) 659-1826 to schedule your free consultation.