Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Sacramento, CA

Pedestrian accidents can happen in an instant, leaving victims with serious injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. Whether you were struck by a vehicle while crossing the street, walking on the sidewalk, or in a parking lot, you may be entitled to compensation if the driver was negligent. Pedestrians have legal rights, and when drivers fail to follow traffic laws or exercise caution, they can be held responsible for the harm they cause. Understanding how liability works in pedestrian accident cases and what steps to take next can be critical in securing the compensation you need.

At Setareh Law, we help pedestrians throughout California pursue claims against negligent drivers and their insurance companies. Our Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyers know how devastating these accidents can be and work diligently to hold responsible parties accountable. If you were hit by a vehicle, we may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our team takes cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win.

What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents often occur because drivers fail to see or yield to people walking in crosswalks, parking lots, and other areas where pedestrians have the right of way. In many cases, driver negligence plays a significant role in these incidents. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving: When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention, they may not notice pedestrians in time to stop.
• Speeding: A driver going too fast has less time to react and is more likely to cause serious injuries if they hit someone.
• Failure to yield: Many pedestrian accidents happen at intersections when drivers fail to yield to people in crosswalks.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment, making it more likely that they will strike a pedestrian.
• Poor visibility: Low lighting, bad weather, and obstructed views can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night.

While pedestrians must also follow traffic laws, drivers are typically held to a higher standard of care because of the potential for severe harm when a vehicle collides with a person. If a driver acted carelessly and caused an accident, they may be liable for the victim’s damages.

How Liability Works in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Liability in pedestrian accident cases depends on negligence. This means proving that the driver had a duty to exercise reasonable care, failed to do so, and caused harm as a result. The legal process for determining fault can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved.

In some cases, a pedestrian may share partial responsibility for an accident. For example, if a person jaywalks and is hit by a car, the driver may still be partially liable if they were speeding or distracted. California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still be able to recover compensation, though their damages could be reduced based on their level of responsibility.

Proving liability often requires gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and accident reports. In some cases, accident reconstruction specialists may be needed to analyze how the collision occurred. Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto the pedestrian to minimize their payout, which is why strong evidence and legal representation are important.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

If you were hit by a vehicle, you may be able to recover compensation for various losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and how they impact your life.

Medical expenses can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any long-term rehabilitation you may need. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may also be entitled to lost wages and loss of future earning capacity. In addition, you may be able to recover compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Insurance companies often try to settle pedestrian accident claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Before accepting an offer, it’s important to understand the full extent of your damages and whether the settlement covers your current and future needs. If an insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, taking legal action may be necessary.

How Can Setareh Law Help With Your Case?

Pursuing a pedestrian accident claim can be complicated, especially when insurance companies try to downplay your injuries or blame you for the accident. At Setareh Law, our personal injury lawyers handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery. We gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our firm has a strong track record of success in pedestrian accident cases. We understand how to challenge insurance company tactics and present compelling arguments on behalf of our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, we are here to help. Contact us today at (310) 659-1826 or fill out our contact form.