Santa Rosa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
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Our Santa Rosa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Are A Goal-Oriented Team Designed To Make An Impact
A pedestrian accident can lead to serious injuries, lost income, and long-term disabilities. Victims often require hospital visits, time away from work, and ongoing medical care. If you get hurt in a pedestrian accident, California law allows you to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers help injured victims learn about their rights and next steps. We are familiar with local laws and know how to build an evidence-based case with them in mind. We can advocate for your interests and handle the claims process on your behalf.
It’s normal to look for free accident lawyer advice to understand your options. At Arash Law, we offer free initial consultations to assess the validity of your case. Throughout the claims process, we can provide clarity on shared liability, filing deadlines, and other issues that can impact your ability to pursue compensation.
If you are looking for a pedestrian accident lawyer near you, discuss your case with Arash Law. You can call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Benefits Of Hiring Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Serving Santa Rosa
Most pedestrian accidents happen at intersections, especially where there are no clear signs or signals. Crashes also occur on busy roads, such as Mendocino Avenue and Santa Rosa Avenue, as well as in areas with poor lighting. These conditions can make it more challenging to prove fault without a thorough investigation.
Our team at Arash Law can investigate your case to help find proof of the other party’s negligence. We can then guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Here’s what our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers can offer:
- Initial Consultation — During your first meeting with our attorney, they will review your case and help you understand what to expect.
- Experience in Injury Cases — Our lawyers for pedestrian accidents in Santa Rosa have handled a wide range of injury cases. They know what steps to take to pursue compensation.
- Client-Focused Legal Services — We treat each claim with care and tailor our approach to your unique needs.
- Familiarity With Local Laws — Our attorneys are well-versed in California’s pedestrian rules and Santa Rosa’s local ordinances. We utilize this knowledge to build a strong case.
- Network of Outside Experts — We collaborate with doctors to understand how the accident affected your health and daily life. We also work with accident reconstructionists to gain a deeper understanding of how the accident occurred.
- No Legal Fees Unless You Win — You don’t pay our lawyers for their services unless they win your case or secure a settlement on your behalf. We offer this so you can access skilled representation with no upfront legal costs.
You can seek compensation for the injuries and losses you suffered caused by another person’s negligent behavior. Call Arash Law’s car accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case. We serve clients regardless of background, religion, gender, or immigration status.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
What Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Do
Walking near traffic in Santa Rosa can be dangerous. Some drivers speed, don’t stop, or fail to notice people crossing the street. When a car hits a person, the damage can be severe. An attorney can guide you through the process of pursuing compensation and help protect your rights.
Here are some things Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers can do:
- Collect Key Evidence — A lawyer can collect security footage, witness statements, police records, and medical records to support your claim.
- Calculate Your Losses — A lawyer can identify which losses are related to your pedestrian accident, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Negotiate With Insurers — Santa Rosa car accident lawyers can speak with insurers on your behalf and seek a fair settlement amount.
- Represent You in Court — If the insurance company won’t settle through negotiations, our trial attorneys can build your case and take it to court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents In Santa Rosa, CA
Pedestrian accidents can leave you confused over what to do next. You may have many concerns that you are seeking answers to.
Below are answers to frequently asked legal questions about pedestrian crashes, injuries, and the claims process. If you’d like to get more specific guidance on your case, fill out this contact form to get in touch with our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers.
Do Lawyers Only Get Paid If They Win? How Much Will A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?
In many cases, lawyers only get paid if they win. That’s the case for our firm’s Santa Rosa personal injury lawyers, who work under a contingency fee agreement. Rather than asking you to pay them up front, they only charge you for their legal services if you receive compensation. In this scenario, they will take a percentage of the final settlement or verdict they obtain on your behalf.
However, there’s no set answer for how much your lawyer will cost. Their legal fees typically depend on specific factors, such as the complexity of your case and whether it might need to go to court.
You can talk to our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers if you have questions about this payment structure and potential costs. We can explain the details so you know what to expect.
What Is The Average Payout For A Pedestrian Accident In California?
There is no exact average payout because every case is different. The amount depends on the extent of your injuries, how the crash affected your life, and how much care you need now and in the future. Other factors, such as pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life, also play a role.
Our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers can review your case and help estimate its potential value. We can explain your options, deal with insurance companies, and guide you through each step. Call us at (888) 488-1391 today for a free case review.
Can I File A Claim If I Wasn’t In A Crosswalk When I Got Hit?
Yes. It’s still possible to file a claim even if a car hit you outside a crosswalk. California’s Freedom to Walk Act, enacted in 2023, decriminalized the act of jaywalking. Essentially, pedestrians can no longer be penalized for crossing streets outside marked crosswalks and against traffic signals. If a driver hits you while you’re doing so, you could file a claim against them.
However, you can only jaywalk if you’re not creating a collision hazard in the process. Otherwise, you may share responsibility for your pedestrian accident. Despite that, you will likely still be able to file a claim.
In this case, California’s pure comparative fault system would apply. Under this rule, the court reduces your compensation based on your share of fault. For example, suppose you crossed outside a crosswalk but were using your phone at the time. As a result, you failed to notice that a car was coming your way. If the court assigns you 30% of the fault for your accident, you could still receive 70% of your total damages.
Drivers and insurers may use pure comparative negligence to reduce their share of your potential payout. In this scenario, our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers can help. We can communicate with insurers who raise shared liability issues. We investigate the cause of the crash, gather evidence to more accurately assess your share of fault, and assist you in building a well-supported case.
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident?
California Pedestrian Laws
California has laws that help protect pedestrians and guide drivers on how to behave around them. These rules also outline the actions pedestrians must take to ensure their safety and comply with the law.
Our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers use these rules to help build strong cases for injured clients. Understanding them is key when proving who was at fault in a crash.
Here are a few essential rules you need to know:
- Drivers must yield the right-of-way to people who are crossing the street in a crosswalk.
- Drivers cannot overtake a car stopped at a crosswalk, as it may be letting a person cross.
- Drivers may only cross over a sidewalk when entering or leaving a driveway or garage. Even then, the driver must always yield to pedestrians.
- Drivers cannot stop their vehicles in a crosswalk because it creates a hazard.
- When walking outside marked crosswalks, pedestrians must take reasonable care to ensure there is no immediate danger of a collision. If they fail to do so, they may share fault in the resulting accident.
Deadline For Filing A Pedestrian Accident Claim
According to the statute of limitations, a crash victim usually has two years from the time of the injury to file a lawsuit. This deadline also applies if you’re filing after a loved one dies in a crash. Filing a case after the time limit can prevent you from pursuing compensation in court.
Exceptions may apply in some situations. For example, when poor road design or unsafe signals contribute to a crash, a government agency (such as the City of Santa Rosa or Sonoma County) may be partly responsible. If so, you must file a claim within six months of the incident.
In rare cases, the court may grant an extension of the deadline. These exceptions can happen when:
- The victim only learned that they were injured sometime after the crash. In this case, the statute of limitations will commence from the date of reasonable discovery, rather than the date of the accident.
- The injured person is a minor. Their deadline will start once they turn 18.
- The at-fault party leaves California. This condition will toll the statute of limitations until they return to the state.
The time it takes to find a resolution to your claim depends on the case. Some settle in a few months. Others, especially those with serious injuries or disputes over fault, may take a year or more to resolve. Starting your claim early can put you in a better position to protect your rights and gather key evidence.
Our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers can explain and track these deadlines. They can also help prevent any unnecessary delays during the claims process.
Proving Negligence In A Pedestrian Accident Injury Case In Santa Rosa, CA
To seek compensation after a crash, you must show that the driver was negligent. Our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers can help you establish these four elements:
- Duty of Care — A driver has the duty to drive safely and yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Breach of Duty — The driver breached this duty by speeding, being distracted, or failing to obey traffic laws.
- Causation — The driver’s actions directly caused your injury.
- Damages — You incurred damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Determining fault in a crash requires a thorough investigation. Even if you or a loved one shares responsibility for the accident, you may still pursue compensation for yourself or on their behalf.
Other critical legal considerations may include:
- Wrongful Death Claims — An eligible surviving relative may pursue a wrongful death claim to pay for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional pain if their loved one dies in a crash.
- Comparative Negligence — You can still seek damages even if you’re up to 99% to blame for your accident. The court lowers your potential award based on your share of the fault.
- Insurance Coverage — You may pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance, your health insurance, or your own auto policy (if it includes uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage).
Compensatory Damages From Pedestrian Accidents In Santa Rosa, CA
Pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries because people have no protection when hit by a car. These injuries can include broken bones, brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries. Their severity, as well as other details regarding your accident, can influence what you can seek from the at-fault party.
When a driver causes your injuries, you can file a claim with their insurance company or take them to court. Filing an injury claim allows you to ask for money, called compensatory damages, to cover expenses like hospital bills, lost income, and property damages.
You can generally pursue two types of damages:
- Economic Damages — These cover the actual, measurable costs of the crash. Economic damages include present and future medical bills related to treating your injuries, such as those for surgery, therapy, or chiropractic care. They could also include lost income, reduced capacity to earn, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages — These damages encompass intangible aspects that are more difficult to quantify and value. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional stress, loss of support from loved ones, and disfigurement or disability.
In rare cases, the court may order punitive damages for drivers who act with extreme recklessness or intentionally cause harm. They do so to punish the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident, you can speak with our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers. We can calculate the potential value of your damages and help you seek them from the at-fault driver’s insurer. If our estimate exceeds their policy limits, we can help you explore alternative options for pursuing compensation, such as the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage from your own auto policy.
Causes Of Most Pedestrian Crashes In Santa Rosa, CA
Whether on West 3rd Street, Sebastopol Road, Mendocino Avenue, or Santa Rosa Avenue, pedestrian accidents can happen. Many of these incidents happen because drivers ignore safety laws or make careless decisions. These behaviors can include distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, failing to yield, and ignoring crosswalks.
Some crashes also occur because of poor road conditions. Broken pavement, missing crosswalks, and poorly lit streets can create serious risks. In such cases, the City of Santa Rosa or another government agency may be liable for failing to maintain the roads in a safe condition.
While negligent drivers cause many collisions, pedestrians can also share some of the blame. For example, someone might walk outside of a crosswalk and ignore traffic signals, despite there being an obvious threat of a crash. Others may cross the street while using a phone or listening to music. These actions can heighten the likelihood of a collision.
Under California law, even if a person is partially at fault, they may still be entitled to seek compensation. If a car caused you injuries while walking, our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers can explain your options and explain how comparative negligence works.
What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident In California
Getting hit by a car can be a scary and painful experience. You may feel confused about what to do or where to turn for help.
Here are some steps you can take to help protect yourself and your potential ability to file a claim:
- Seek Medical Attention — Even when you feel okay, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like head trauma or internal bleeding, might not show symptoms right away. Medical records will also help prove your injuries later.
- Exchange Information — Obtain the driver’s name, phone number, and insurance details. Write down the contact information of any witnesses at the scene. If you cannot do this immediately, wait until you feel stronger or ask someone you trust for help.
- Collect Evidence — Take pictures of the scene, vehicles, traffic signs, and your injuries. These photos can help document the crash and help you build a strong case. If you’re unable to do this, ask someone else to help take them for you.
- Contact an Attorney — If you find yourself thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer,” reach out to our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers. We understand California’s laws and can explain your potential legal options.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Pedestrian Accident Statistics Nationwide And In The City Of Santa Rosa, CA
In 2023, over 7,314 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic-related accidents across the country. That’s about one person every 72 minutes. Even with crosswalks and traffic signals, many drivers still fail to stop for pedestrians. This careless behavior puts everyone at risk, whether in busy cities or quieter suburbs.
The California Office of Traffic Safety stated that in 2022, 30 pedestrians in Santa Rosa were killed or injured in a crash. While these deaths dropped slightly from the previous year, the numbers still serve as a reminder of how important it is to stay alert on the streets.
These crashes can be devastating, as pedestrians often lack the external protection that car passengers typically have. If you need help with your injury claim, don’t hesitate to call our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers. We are here to provide legal support during this difficult time.
Get Legal Help From Our Santa Rosa Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
It can be nerve-racking to get involved in a pedestrian accident. You might be confused about what your rights are and whether you can get compensation from the at-fault driver. At Arash Law, our Santa Rosa pedestrian accident lawyers can be your advocates and allies.
We are here to walk you through your options and assist in filing claims. You can book a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and ask questions about your case. Whether you need the help of our lawyers for a pedestrian, Uber, truck, hit-and-run, or DUI case, we stand ready to advocate for your rights.
In addition to Santa Rosa, we offer our legal services for injured pedestrians in Rohnert Park, Windsor, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Sonoma, Novato, Napa, American Canyon, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Vallejo, Clearlake, Larkspur, and Corte Madera.
Contact our legal team today at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to start your free case review.
