Pedestrian accidents can happen in an instant, leaving victims with serious injuries and overwhelming medical bills. Whether you were struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in downtown Sacramento, walking through a parking lot, or using a marked crosswalk near a busy corridor like Watt Avenue or Florin Road, you may be entitled to compensation if the driver was negligent. At Setareh Law, our Sacramento personal injury lawyer team helps pedestrians throughout the area pursue claims against negligent drivers and their insurance companies.
Our personal injury team brings over 60 years of combined experience to every case we handle, and we have recovered over $400 million on behalf of our clients throughout California. We take pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win, and our team can meet you at the hospital or at home if you are unable to travel to our office during your recovery.
Time Sensitive Notice for California Pedestrian Accident Claims
California Law Generally Gives You Two Years to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Setareh Law has recovered over $400 million for injured clients, brings 60 years of combined experience to every case, and never charges a fee unless we win.
Statute of Limitations for Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Cases
If you were injured as a pedestrian in Sacramento, California law generally requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. If a pedestrian accident results in a family member’s death, surviving relatives generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Waiting too long to pursue your claim can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, even if your case is otherwise strong. Contact our team as soon as possible after your accident so we can help protect your right to file within these deadlines.
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in Sacramento?
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. Sacramento’s mix of downtown foot traffic, busy corridors like Watt Avenue and Stockton Boulevard, and neighborhoods near Cal Expo and the American River Parkway create additional opportunities for driver error. Common causes include the following.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention 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 marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment, making it more likely they will strike a pedestrian.
Poor Visibility or Road Design
Low lighting, bad weather, and obstructed views can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially at night.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Sacramento
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Sacramento recorded 297 pedestrian victims killed or injured in 2023, the fourth highest total among the state’s fifteen largest comparably sized cities, including 40 victims age 65 and older and 20 victims under age 15. These figures highlight why pedestrian safety remains a serious concern throughout the city, particularly near high traffic corridors and school zones.
How Liability Works in a Pedestrian Accident Case in Sacramento
Liability in a pedestrian accident case depends on negligence. 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 from local law enforcement. Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto the pedestrian to minimize their payout, which is why strong evidence and skilled legal representation matter.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle in Sacramento
Pedestrian accidents in Sacramento happen in a variety of ways, and the party responsible for your injuries is not always the obvious one. We handle pedestrian accident claims involving the following.
- Pedestrians struck by passenger vehicles or commercial trucks at intersections or in parking lots
- Collisions involving bicyclists or scooter riders who fail to yield to pedestrians
- Pedestrians injured near active construction zones with inadequate signage or detours
- Rideshare and delivery vehicles picking up or dropping off passengers in traffic
- Government entities responsible for poor road design, faulty traffic signals, or unsafe crosswalks
Identifying every liable party in your case can increase the total compensation available to you, which is why a thorough investigation matters from the start.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in Sacramento, you may be able to recover compensation for various losses depending on the severity of your injuries.
| Category | What It May Include |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, and physical therapy |
| Lost Income | Wages missed during recovery and reduced future earning capacity |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life |
| Property Damage | Damaged personal items such as a bicycle, phone, or clothing |
Insurance companies often try to settle pedestrian accident claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Before accepting an offer, it is important to understand the full extent of your damages and whether the settlement covers your current and future needs.
How Setareh Law Approaches Your Pedestrian Accident Case in Sacramento
At Setareh Law, our personal injury team handles 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.
This result reflects our approach to pedestrian accident cases throughout Sacramento, and our team, led by founding attorney Daniel Setareh, brings the same preparation to every claim we handle. Our firm has a strong track record of success in pedestrian accident cases, and if you or a family member has been injured, we are here to help.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Sacramento
Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident can protect both your health and your legal claim.
1
Seek Medical Care
Get evaluated right away, even if your injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take time to appear.
2
Report the Accident
Call law enforcement so an official accident report is created for your claim.
3
Gather Evidence
Photograph the scene, note witness contact details, and identify nearby surveillance cameras if you are able.
4
Avoid Speaking With Adjusters Alone
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your injuries or shift blame onto you before you understand your rights.
5
Contact a Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Attorney
An attorney can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, and handle communication with insurers on your behalf.
Contact a Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Setareh Law has recovered over $400 million for injured clients, brings 60 years of combined experience to personal injury cases throughout California, and has earned over 900 five-star reviews from the clients we have represented. We handle every pedestrian accident case on a contingency fee basis, meet clients at the hospital or at home when needed, and serve clients from seven office locations across the state.
If you or a family member was injured in a pedestrian accident in Sacramento, contact Setareh Law today for a free case review. Our team can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
