San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

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Top-Rated San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable and must protect themselves from the impact of the crash. If a pedestrian in San Francisco gets hit, the pedestrian always loses. Arash Law, founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has decades of experience assisting injured pedestrians across California. Call our San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyers today at (888) 488-1391 for a free no-obligation case evaluation.

San Francisco is an important economic and cultural center in California. The city is the 17th most populous city in the United States and the fourth largest in the state, with a population of 873,965 per the 2020 United States Census report. San Francisco is a cultural and commercial hub in California.

San Francisco is also a city with great financial significance to the state and country. San Francisco alone is the 12th largest metropolitan area in the country, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $592 billion.

The geographic area of the city is sprawling and makes up dozens of miles of the northern San Francisco Peninsula. With the large area of land that the city covers and the number of people who call the city home, it makes sense that traffic accidents are common across the city.

Pedestrians who are involved in a crash, if they do not lose their lives, may suffer serious injuries like internal organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, dislocations, and fractures. These injuries are serious and expensive to recover from. You need a good pedestrian attorney working on your side and helping you get your life back on track.

Car Accident
$2,100,000.00

Our client was stopped at a two-way stop sign before proceeding into an intersection where he was struck by a police cruiser traveling 70 mph, resulting in serious injuries.

–  ARASH KHORSANDI

Pedestrian Laws in California

California, like other states, has laws that apply to traffic accidents, including accidents involving pedestrians. Following the applicable laws will keep everyone, both pedestrians and motorists, safe.

California is a comparative negligence state. Comparative negligence means that the amount of the plaintiff’s monetary award, if any, is reduced based on the percentage of negligence assigned to you. That means that a jury may find that the driver was negligent and caused the accident, but you did something to contribute to your injuries. For example, the driver may have run a red light, but if you jaywalked, you may be found to have contributed to the accident. If your final judgment is $100,000 and you are 10 percent at fault, your final award will be $90,000.

There are more laws that traffic accident victims should be aware of as they begin pursuing damages. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding California pedestrian traffic laws.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding San Francisco Pedestrian Accidents

Learn your rights and responsibilities to learn more about the laws regarding San Francisco pedestrian accidents.
What is the crosswalk law in California?

In 2023, California decriminalized jaywalking. Regardless, pedestrians must cross the street at designated crosswalks. Crossing anywhere else is extremely dangerous, especially on busy roads and streets. No pedestrian should leave the sidewalk and head into the path of a vehicle that does not have the chance to stop. A marked crosswalk has lights and signals to let pedestrians and motorists see where they should cross or watch for pedestrians.

Is it jaywalking if there is no crosswalk?

If there is no crosswalk, then the pedestrian must take responsibility and avoid traffic accidents. Pedestrians must use due care while traveling. Jaywalking happens when a pedestrian crosses the road with no regard for the vehicles approaching them. If a pedestrian is jaywalking, then they may be considered to be partly negligent. Hence, they might receive a reduced compensation if they were jaywalking at the time of the accident.

Do pedestrians have the right of way?
Yes, pedestrians do have the right of way. According to the California Vehicle Code, motorists must yield to pedestrian travelers. Pedestrians have the right of way for marked and unmarked crosswalk intersections. Pedestrians also have the responsibility to avoid going into the street in front of cars. If the pedestrian does walk in front of a moving car that does not have the capability to stop, then the driver has the right of way.
What is an unmarked crosswalk in California?
There are two types of crosswalks- marked and unmarked crosswalks. An unmarked crosswalk is any intersection of two roads with no crosswalk markings. Pedestrians and drivers both must use due care to avoid traffic accidents. Drivers must yield the right of way when appropriate and vice versa. Crossing an unmarked crosswalk is not illegal jaywalking.
Sometimes, it is challenging to know who has the right of way and, therefore, who is responsible for the accident. The skill of experienced San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyers can prove your case and get the compensation you need after an accident.
The defense team and insurance company will always try to blame the victim after a pedestrian accident. Insurance companies particularly will claim that the pedestrian was doing one of the following activities:
  • Walking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Jaywalking
  • Crossing against the light
  • Texting while driving or being otherwise distracted
  • At fault for another reason
However, despite how hard the insurance will fight to claim that you caused the accident, the driver must prove that they were diligent in trying to avoid the accident. Drivers must prove that they yielded the right of way to the pedestrian. Drivers should always watch for pedestrians in the following areas:
  • In residential neighborhoods
  • Parking lots
  • Bus stops
  • Crossing against the light
  • Near school zones
  • Downtown
  • Any other area where people travel on foot

After a pedestrian accident, you or your loved ones need an experienced attorney who understands your rights to compensation. For traffic accidents in general, you need to contact an attorney with experience in traffic accidents. However, the best next step after a pedestrian accident is to call experienced San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyers.

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Emperatriz Ayala
Emperatriz Ayala
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My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.
Chris Zavala
Chris Zavala
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Had a great experience with all the people at Arash law. Long story short was in a bad car accident. It was overwhelming and the whole process was a lot, but they kept me in the loop. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice. Couldn't be any happier. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. They'll guide you through the whole process!
Jill Smith
Jill Smith
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Having Arash Law handle my auto accident was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional and detail oriented. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would recommend them highly.
Joseph R. Porter
Joseph R. Porter
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From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.
Monica Parra
Monica Parra
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I had an excellent experience with Arash Law. I will definitely recommend to my family and friends. I interviewed a few firms before deciding to work with Arash Law. What made my experience excellent was (i.e. head attorney being accessible to talk to and he answered all my questions and concerns, sensitive and thorough personel who completed in home intake & follow up process, being connected immediately to quality Physicians who addressed my injuries and recovery process, clear contract-read throughly to ensure its something you can commit to). Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience and I had a sense of peace knowing Arash Firm was walking with me throughout the whole process. Thank you Arash Firm for all your hard work and help. I am so grateful and appreciative for you all! 🙏 With Gratitude, Monica Parra
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Pedestrian Accidents in San Francisco and The Bay Area

Pedestrian accidents are far too common in San Francisco and the Bay Area. People often travel by foot to school, on their daily commute to work, to catch public transit, and for exercise and fresh air. The growing population has made pedestrian travel more dangerous. More accidents are happening daily.
Congested roads have become common across the city and area, making these roads more filled with reckless and distracted drivers. Here are some statistics about California pedestrian accidents:
  • In January to June 2021, about 1,120 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents across California.
  • Nearly 25% of all pedestrian fatalities involved a hit-and-run accident.
  • California has almost 25% more pedestrian fatalities than the national average, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
  • Between 2009 and 2018, California saw nearly 7,500 pedestrian deaths.
  • Speeding and distracted driving are some of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents.
  • Large vehicles, like SUVs, are more likely to become involved in a pedestrian accident.
  • The San Francisco government declared a state of emergency when nearly 30 pedestrians were killed in a year’s time.
The above does not account for the many pedestrians who were seriously injured in traffic accidents across San Francisco and throughout California. Because of the number of traffic accidents involving pedestrians, California is now known as the 16th most dangerous for pedestrian travelers. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or was killed in a San Francisco pedestrian accident, contact an attorney immediately to preserve your legal rights to compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents in San Francisco and The Bay Area
Some of the Most Dangerous Pedestrian Intersections in San Francisco

Some of the Most Dangerous Pedestrian Intersections in San Francisco

The intersection of Fifth Street and Market Street is the most dangerous intersection in the city for pedestrian travelers. This area has been a well-known dangerous intersection for the past twenty years. Many people travel on foot in this area.

Fifth and Market Street has seen serious improvements to address pedestrian safety. However, many pedestrians meet an ill fate as they navigate this intersection.

If you have suffered an injury while traveling on foot at the intersection of Fifth Street and Market Street, contact a competent attorney who understands the area immediately after the accident. Having San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyers on your side can increase your odds of a successful outcome and help put you and your family in a better potential full financial recovery after a traffic accident.

How Do I Prove Liability in a Pedestrian Accident?

Possibly the most important step in a civil accident lawsuit is proving liability. While you can show that you suffered an injury, if you cannot prove that the accident was caused by the driver, you cannot collect damages. Getting an attorney is the best way to ensure that you can make the best case for collecting damages after a pedestrian accident.

Your San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyers will know exactly which laws apply to your case and how they may impact the outcome of your claim. For example, California has right-of-way laws that apply to traffic accident cases. California pedestrian right-of-laws are designed to protect pedestrians against injury because pedestrians are the most vulnerable group of travelers.

You must prove that the driver was negligent to win your accident case. There are some actions, or inactions, that show a driver was negligent. Examples of negligent actions include the following:
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
  • Making phone calls, texting, and other forms of distracted driving
  • Speeding or driving too fast for weather conditions
  • Failing to obey traffic signs or signals
  • Fatigued driving or driving without adequate rest
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a traffic accident, you need a San Francisco pedestrian accident attorney on your side. Attorneys understand the law and can apply it effectively to the facts of your case to put you in the best position to get full and fair compensation.

What Are the Most Common Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents in San Francisco?

The injuries you suffer are unique to your accident, but there are some common types of injuries that many pedestrians may face when they are in a traffic accident. Pedestrians tend to suffer significant injury or death at higher rates than drivers and passengers in vehicles.
Common injuries that pedestrians can face include the following:
The facts surrounding the accident will determine the severity and extent of your injuries and other losses. Factors like how fast the vehicle was going, the angle of the crash, and what body part suffered an injury can impact how serious the accident-related injuries are.
Franchot M.
$610,000
Personal Injury Settlement
Our client was the victim of a rear-end accident who was left injured and severely in pain. Arash Law was able to outshine other injury law firms when he searched online, and thankfully we were able to handle everything for our client from A to Z — All that he had to do was ask and focus on his recovery. Our client’s life has changed forever, and the compensation received for the pain and suffering has opened paths for new lifelong opportunities.
Personal Injury Settlement
Our client was the victim of a rear-end accident who was left injured and severely in pain. Arash Law was able to outshine other injury law firms when he searched online, and thankfully we were able to handle everything for our client from A to Z — All that he had to do was ask and focus on his recovery. Our client’s life has changed forever, and the compensation received for the pain and suffering has opened paths for new lifelong opportunities.

What Damages Are Available in a Pedestrian Accident in San Francisco?

There are certain compensable damages that can be recovered after a pedestrian accident. You should be aware of all the potential damages you may be entitled to after an accident. There are generally two categories of damage that a pedestrian can recover after an accident- economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damage is the physical and tangible losses an accident victim suffers because of a crash. These losses are usually easy to spot. Despite the ease at which many victims can describe the injuries, an experienced attorney can get the money you deserve by helping you prove that you suffered from economic damages. Examples of economic damages include the following:
  • Current and future medical bills
  • Current and future lost income
  • Lost earning capacity
  • The cost of long-term care and medical, rehabilitative care, or medical equipment
  • Cost of repairs if any of your personal property is damaged in the accident
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damage includes intangible losses, and these losses are usually more difficult to prove in most cases. They include what you cannot see. Examples of non-economic damages include the following:
  • The value of lost companionship or loss of consortium with your spouse
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

The steps that you take after a pedestrian accident are very important. The subsequent steps after an accident can make or break your claim for compensation. Consider taking the following steps to protect your legal rights to full and fair compensation.
Call First Responders
After a traffic accident, always call 911. Request for the police and paramedics to appear at the scene. Wait for the officers to arrive and make an accident report when they do. An accident report is essential to your case. Many insurance companies will refuse to start the claims process without an accident report.
Paramedics will take you to the hospital if you have a serious injury. It is important to seek treatment after a traffic accident, even if you do not think that you suffered a severe injury.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention

You need to be evaluated by a medical professional after a traffic accident. When you see a doctor or medical staff, make sure to tell them about what happened and how you received your injuries. Go into detail about your injuries. Tell your medical team of any pain and all symptoms related to your injuries.

Take Good Notes
You need detailed notes about the accident to ensure you do not lose critical evidence about your claim. After an accident, if you are physically able, talk to the driver and their passengers. The driver and their passengers may become witnesses as the case progresses. Take notes about them and other potential eyewitnesses. Write down the driver’s license number, get their name, phone number, and insurance policy information.
Take pictures and videos of the accident, the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Take pictures of the other vehicle and its license plate. Take note of their other driver’s insurance card, too.
Start Documenting Your Injuries
It is a good idea to keep personal notes on your accident-related medical conditions and how they make you feel. Document the medical care that you receive. Describe the injuries of which you have complaints, including descriptions of the following:
  • Your medical prognosis
  • Physical limitations like the inability to walk, headaches, sleep issues, bleeding, dizziness, or other symptoms related to your accident injury
  • Your mobility levels
  • Your pain levels
  • Issues with performing your job duties
Keep a Journal

Keeping a personal injury journal can be helpful as you recall the facts of your case. You will be asked to tell your story often, so having it written down while it is fresh in your mind is crucial. Write down how your injuries and losses have affected your daily life. Describe your doctor’s visits and how you understand your doctor’s orders. Take note of your emotional state and how the accident has affected your mental health. This data can be helpful to you and to your San Francisco personal injury attorney as your case proceeds.

Talk to a Lawyer

Contact San Francisco pedestrian accident attorneys as soon as possible after a car accident. With the help of a highly skilled San Francisco lawyer, you can help increase your odds of getting the monetary recovery you deserve while minimizing the odds of being taken advantage of by insurance companies and defense attorneys.

There are many things that you should never do after a traffic accident. These actions can lead to a negatively impacted case. Never do the following:
Never Give a Recorded Statement to Anyone
After a traffic accident, you will be bombarded with calls, letters, and maybe even emails that want you to provide insurance companies with information about the accident. You should never comply with these requests, especially if you have not retained legal counsel. Consult an attorney before answering any questions.
Never admit fault. Even an apology can be used against you. It may be a knee-jerk reaction to say, “I’m sorry,” but that can be fatal to your case.
Do Not Destroy or Discard Evidence
Many items that may seem like they are insignificant end up being important to your case. For example, do not discard any damaged personal property, like ripped clothes, eyeglasses, etc. Also, do not clean your damaged personal property. Keep everything in the same state it was in after the accident to avoid losing critical evidence.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
Motor Vehicle Accident
$3,500,000.00
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.
–  JUDD ROSS ALLEN

Should I Hire Arash Law’s Pedestrian Accident Attorneys In San Francisco?

The short answer is yes. You should always have a legal expert when you face a serious legal problem. While filing a lawsuit cannot heal your harm, getting the financial support that you need to move forward with your life can ease a serious burden. Having an attorney can get you closer to having the resources that you need to start managing the expenses related to the pedestrian accident and get your life back on track in the following ways.
Get You Access to Compensation
The right San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyers can get access to the financial recovery you need to move forward with your life after a pedestrian accident. We stand out among other firms and have developed a stellar reputation for incredible representation in accident cases. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, contact us today at (888) 488-1391.
Take On All the Risks of the Accident

Many accident victims are hesitant to file an accident claim or pursue a lawsuit because they do not believe they can afford legal representation. Fortunately, the attorneys at Arash Law work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee gives you the option to avoid paying for legal services until after the case settles and you win financial compensation.

Compassionate Representation
We care about our clients, and we take an individualized approach to representing them. We want to make sure our clients get the most out of their claims, and we have decades of experience successfully getting injured Californians who trust our firm the compensation that they need when they need it most.
Take On All the Risks of the Accident

Contact The Top-Rated Pedestrian Accident Lawyers San Francisco Trusts Today

Pedestrians must share the road with others every day in San Francisco. Unfortunately, traffic accidents are common. Pedestrians are vulnerable travelers and can suffer from serious injuries when they are involved in an accident.

If you or a loved one has been in a pedestrian accident in San Francisco, call the attorneys at Arash Law to begin building your legal team. The attorneys at Arash Law, under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have decades of experience helping injured San Franciscans get full and fair compensation after a pedestrian accident.

We also represent personal injury victims in nearby communities and beyond, including Fremont, San Jose, Los Angeles, Fresno, Berkeley, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and more. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation.

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