Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
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Our Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help Pedestrian Accident Victims Understand Their Rights
Car accidents involving pedestrians can cause serious injuries. If you or someone you know was injured in such an incident, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Sacramento can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians have no protection from seatbelts, airbags, or the steel frame of a vehicle. As a result, they are fully exposed during a collision, which can lead to severe or even fatal injuries. In many cases, these incidents occur due to driver negligence. Pedestrians who have been hit by a negligent driver may be eligible to pursue compensation for their injuries and accident-related losses.
Pedestrian accidents can have long-term consequences, and understanding your legal rights is an important part of the recovery process. Our Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyers work to help protect your rights throughout the claims process.
Below, we explain how often pedestrian accidents happen in California, who may be legally responsible, what types of injuries are common, and address frequently asked questions related to pedestrian accident claims.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Pedestrian Accident Statistics In The U.S. And Sacramento
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that there were 7,314 pedestrian deaths across the U.S. in 2023. The financial crisis of 2008 caused a dramatic decrease in traveling and road use. Accident rates then dropped dramatically but began to return to normal levels as Americans began traveling again once they were more financially secure. Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 17% of all reported road deaths across the country in 2019.
Pedestrian fatalities are a problem across the Golden State, as well. In fact, the pedestrian fatality rate in California was recently found to be 25% higher than the national average. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that 893 pedestrians were killed across the state in 2018. More than 14,000 pedestrians were also injured that year. California had the highest number of pedestrian fatalities out of any state that year.
The numbers are just as bad here in Sacramento. Pedestrian fatalities increased from 13 in 2019 to 15 in 2020. Now, in 2021, there were already 16 fatalities as of September. A traffic officer with the Sacramento Police Department told ABC 10 that speed is the biggest factor in pedestrian accidents.
Both drivers and pedestrians have a role to play in improving safety. Drivers are legally obligated to exercise caution and remain aware of pedestrians, while pedestrians must also follow traffic rules and stay vigilant. Reports suggest that pedestrians were found at fault in a significant portion of local collisions.
Addressing this issue requires shared responsibility. When a driver’s negligence causes an accident, the injured party may have the right to seek compensation for their losses under California law. Holding at-fault drivers accountable can help promote safer driving behavior and reduce the risk of future incidents.
Who Is Typically At Fault For A Pedestrian Accident?
Determining fault in a pedestrian accident depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. In many cases, a driver may be at fault for failing to notice or yield to a pedestrian in time. However, liability can extend beyond just the motorist, especially when other contributing factors are involved.
Several driver behaviors may be considered negligent in pedestrian accident cases, including:
- Drunk driving.
- Driving under the influence of recreational drugs or prescription medication.
- Drowsy driving.
- Speeding.
- Texting and driving.
- Calling while driving (even if a hands-free device is used).
- Eating or drinking.
- Attending to children or pets in the car.
- Running a red light.
- Failing to watch for pedestrians while backing up.
- Not slowing down for road work, school zones, and other danger spots.
- Not slowing down in inclement weather
- Ignoring traffic signs
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
In some cases, additional parties beyond the driver may share responsibility. For instance:
- A vehicle manufacturer may be liable if a mechanical failure, like faulty brakes, contributed to the collision.
- An employer or commercial operator may be responsible if a company vehicle was involved and the driver was unqualified or improperly supervised.
Pedestrian accidents can involve multiple contributing factors and liable parties. A thorough investigation is often needed to determine the full scope of responsibility and legal options available.
Our attorneys have experience identifying all responsible parties and can help you pursue claims against those who may be liable for your injuries and damages.
Why Children Are Especially Likely To Be Hit By Cars
Children are at a higher risk of being involved in pedestrian accidents due to several factors. Young children may act unpredictably, such as running into the street without warning or misjudging the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles. Their smaller size can also make them harder for drivers to see, especially in busy areas or near parked cars.
In legal terms, very young children are generally not held responsible for their actions in these scenarios. However, when older children or teenagers are involved, questions of shared fault may arise. For example, a claim might involve a discussion about whether the child crossed outside of a crosswalk or was distracted while walking.
In cases involving injuries to children, the potential for long-term medical needs is often a factor in determining appropriate compensation. Understanding how liability is assessed in these situations is important for protecting a child’s legal rights after an accident.
In pedestrian accident cases involving children, parents or legal guardians can act on the child’s behalf. However, a lawyer can take on the legal responsibilities and complexities that may be difficult for families to manage alone.
Our pedestrian attorneys in Sacramento can investigate complex cases, navigate liability disputes, and comply with legal procedures required for cases involving minors. They can help protect the child’s interests throughout the process, especially when negotiating settlements or going to court.
Common Questions About Sacramento Pedestrian Accidents
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Sacramento pedestrian accidents. If you have questions that aren’t addressed below, feel free to call us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case.
What Should I Do After Being Hit While Walking In Sacramento?
First, prioritize your medical needs. If you are injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is important to see a doctor, as some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.
Once your medical needs have been addressed, consider consulting an attorney to help you understand your legal rights. An attorney can handle communications on your behalf, protect your interests, and help you navigate common challenges, such as disputes over fault or pressure to accept a quick, low settlement.
What If I Were Struck In A Hit-And-Run Accident?
You may still be able to seek compensation even if the driver fled the scene. It is important to report the incident to the police and provide any details you remember. Law enforcement may be able to identify the driver and their insurance.
If the driver cannot be found, a Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer can help explore other options for compensation. Your own auto insurance policy may include uninsured motorist coverage, which can apply in hit-and-run cases, as well as coverage for medical expenses and other losses.
In some situations, workers’ compensation benefits might apply if you were working at the time of the accident. Other applicable insurance policies or third-party sources may also be evaluated, depending on the circumstances. Our pedestrian accident attorney can assist in identifying and pursuing all available sources of compensation.
Do I Have To Talk To The Insurance Company?
You are not required to speak directly with the other driver’s insurance company. After hiring a personal injury lawyer, they can manage all communications with the insurer on your behalf. You do not need to provide a recorded statement or discuss the accident unless advised by your lawyer. If contacted, you can inform the insurance company to direct all inquiries to your attorney.
What If I Cannot Afford A Lawyer?
Many personal injury firms, including Arash Law, handle cases on a contingency basis. This means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees upfront unless compensation is obtained. Our fee is a set percentage of the settlement or award.
Our payment arrangement allows injured victims to access legal representation without immediate financial costs. Our lawyers will explain our fee structure during the initial consultation and answer any questions you may have.
What If I Cannot Afford My Medical Bills?
If you have health insurance, including Medicare or Medi‑Cal, you may still be eligible to receive medical care even if the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. Your usual policy terms, such as copays and deductibles, may apply.
Other sources of coverage may also be available, such as workers’ compensation or Med‑Pay (medical payments coverage) under an auto policy. In cases where insurance coverage is unavailable or insufficient, some medical providers may agree to treatment under a medical lien or deferred payment arrangement.
A Sacramento personal injury attorney can identify all available sources of payment for your medical care, help negotiate billing or lien arrangements with providers, and advise you on how your care relates to your legal claim.
How Will I Get Paid For My Future Medical Bills?
If your injuries are serious or permanent, you may require medical care well beyond the date your case is resolved. Under California law, you may seek compensation not only for medical bills you have already incurred but also for those you are reasonably certain to need in the future.
To support a claim for future medical expenses, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer may collaborate with medical, life‑care, or financial advisors to estimate the likely cost of future treatments, therapies, and equipment. These projections can be used during negotiations with insurance companies or presented as evidence if the case proceeds to trial.
What If I Cannot Go Back To Work?
If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or any comparable employment, you may have a claim for loss of future earnings. This type of compensation reflects income, benefits, and related employment opportunities that you are likely to miss as a result of your injury. A Sacramento personal injury lawyer can help assess your situation by working with medical professionals, vocational consultants, and economists to evaluate your earning capacity and present a well‑supported claim for these future losses.
How Do I Know What My Pain And Suffering Is Really Worth?
The value of pain and suffering varies widely and depends on many factors. While there are general methods for estimation, professional legal guidance is often helpful for a realistic assessment.
In California, non‑economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life, are not capped in most personal injury claims. A Sacramento injury lawyer can assist by helping document how the injury has affected your life and by preparing the evidence needed to support a claim for these intangible losses.
Will I Have To Go To Court?
The vast majority of personal injury claims in the United States are settled out of court. Whether your case goes to court depends on various factors, including the strength of liability, the complexity of the issues, and how settlement negotiations progress.
If your Sacramento personal injury lawyer recommends filing a lawsuit, they will guide you through the litigation process. This may include preparing for depositions and working with you on any required testimony. In many hearings, the lawyer presents the case with minimal input needed from you, unless your testimony is required in court.
Contact Our Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyer For Your Injury Case
If you’re searching online for “pedestrian accident lawyers near Sacramento,” our attorneys are here to provide guidance and support throughout the claims process. At Arash Law, our Sacramento pedestrian accident attorneys have years of experience representing accident victims across the Golden State.
Our legal team also serves clients in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, San Jose, San Diego, Fresno, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California.
Call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule your free initial consultation.
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