California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Were You Injured by a Vehicle While Walking?

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents in California happen everyday. In fact, according to a 2017 report by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), pedestrian fatality rates increased by 11 percent.

In addition, one-fifth (21%) of total persons killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians. These statistics show a disturbing trend – that auto-pedestrian accidents are a growing concern.

If you have been injured by a vehicle, you might be facing life-altering issues. For instance, you might have to pay compounding medical bills, have lost wages from time off work, and health-related issues. Speaking with an experienced California pedestrian accident lawyer can be crucial in these situations. Our pedestrian accident lawyers have a history of success fighting for compensation for personal injury victims.

At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, we have been helping pedestrian accident victims pursue recovery in personal injury lawsuits for over four decades. Our legal team knows how traumatic this time can be.

We believe that no one should have their life come to a complete stop because of the negligence of someone else. Our California personal injury lawyers can scrutinize evidence and reports to highlight facts that support your claims.

Why Do I Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Since any car accident in California can involve multiple parties, you should contact an attorney immediately after your accident.

If you wait too long to contact an attorney, evidence that can support your claim could disappear. Our California pedestrian accident lawyers can investigate to see what factors may have contributed to your injury.

For example, poor road conditions could be a sign of negligence from a public entity.

Usually, claims involve insurance companies that offer an unfair settlement. After performing a thorough investigation, a pedestrian injury accident lawyer from our firm can help identify potential parties responsible. We can work with you to help with the following:

• Provide Legal Counsel: You likely have a lot of questions after your accident. We will be there for any questions you have throughout your ordeal. If you are unsure what to ask, we will talk with you and identify what steps are necessary.
• Pay for Medical Treatment: It is no secret that medical care is expensive. After identifying who is responsible for your injury, our legal team can pursue compensation for your medical bills.
• Reimburse Your Lost Wages and Benefits: After an accident, you might not be able to go to work. Our attorneys can seek compensation for any lost pay and benefit, including future earning potential.

What Are My Pedestrian Rights in California?

In general, pedestrians have the right-of-way in California. However, to promote both traffic safety and efficiency, there are certain abstract presuppositions that help avoid car accidents with pedestrians.

For example, according to safety rules from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CDMV), pedestrians should yield their right of way when it helps prevent collisions. However, in most cases, pedestrians have right of way when walking through:

• Crosswalks: Generally, a crosswalk is part of a road designated for pedestrian traffic. Almost every intersection has a crosswalk, even if there are no lines painted on the street. Since this is the case, if you were injured while walking through a crosswalk, even if it is unmarked, you might have grounds for a personal injury claim in California.
• Intersections: When one roadway meets another, it is considered an intersection. These sections can include a side street, alley, freeway entrance or other location that vehicles travel through. Even if there is no “STOP” or “YIELD” sign at an intersection, pedestrians still have the right of way.
• Roundabouts: If an intersection has traffic follow along a central island in a counterclockwise direction, that is called a roundabout. These types of intersections do not have bicycle lanes. As a result, there is confusion about the right of way at a roundabout. Motorists must yield to all traffic — including pedestrians — when entering or exiting a roundabout.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are often the result of driver negligence, though other factors can also contribute. Some common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted pose a significant risk to pedestrians.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian, especially in residential or urban areas.
• Failure to Yield: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield at crosswalks or intersections, violating pedestrian right-of-way laws.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment, increasing the likelihood of pedestrian collisions.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents frequently happen at night or in adverse weather conditions, where reduced visibility plays a significant role.
• Improper Lane Use: Drivers making illegal turns or using bike lanes can catch pedestrians off guard, resulting in dangerous situations.

Call 707-426-5300 or fill out the form below to schedule a free case review with a California pedestrian accident lawyer

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer force of a collision between a human body and a motor vehicle. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even low-speed accidents can cause life-altering head trauma, leading to long-term cognitive and physical challenges.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically impacting an individual’s quality of life.
• Broken Bones: Fractures to legs, arms, ribs, and the pelvis are typical in pedestrian accidents, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, bruises, and damage to ligaments or tendons, which may not be immediately apparent but can cause chronic pain.
• Internal Organ Damage: The impact of a vehicle can cause severe damage to internal organs, often requiring emergency surgery.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression as a result of their ordeal.

Who Is Liable in Pedestrian Accident Cases?

Liability in pedestrian accidents can be complex, often involving multiple parties. Here’s an overview of potential liable parties:

• Negligent Drivers: In most cases, the driver of the vehicle that hit the pedestrian is at fault, particularly if they were speeding, distracted, or impaired.
• Municipalities or Public Entities: Poorly maintained sidewalks, malfunctioning traffic signals, or hazardous road conditions can make a city or government agency liable.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defect in the vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may share liability.
• Other Pedestrians or Cyclists: In some cases, another pedestrian or cyclist who acted recklessly may be partially liable for causing the accident.

Establishing liability requires a thorough investigation. Our legal team will analyze all available evidence, such as surveillance footage, police reports, and eyewitness testimonies, to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency treatment, surgeries, ongoing care, physical therapy, and any future medical needs related to the accident.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may receive compensation for lost income and diminished future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: This refers to compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from your injuries.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Pedestrian accident victims often need long-term therapy to recover, and these expenses should be covered.
• Property Damage: If personal belongings, such as a smartphone or other valuables, were damaged in the accident, you may seek reimbursement.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.

At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible to help you rebuild your life.

Click to contact our premier pedestrian accident lawyers in California

Are You a Pedestrian Injured in California? Call Now for a 100% Free Consultation

Have you been struck by a vehicle while walking through a crosswalk, intersection, roundabout, or mountain road?

Do you have questions about your rights? Are you struggling to return to work or pay for medical costs?

Since Solano County and the Bay Area have so many freeways, accidents are common and usually cause life-threatening injuries to pedestrians, even at low speeds.

You deserve to contact an attorney who can protect your best interests and mitigate risk in your personal injury claim. Our Fairfield pedestrian accident attorneys can help.

At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, our success stems from our compassion, experience, and reliable legal strategies.

We know that every year thousands of pedestrians sustain injuries in serious car accidents.

If you or someone you know is struggling to deal with the aftermath of a pedestrian hit-by car accident, we can help.

To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 707-426-5300 or contact us online.

FAQs: California Pedestrian Accident Injury Cases

1) When should I contact a California pedestrian accident lawyer?

You should consider contacting a California pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as you have injuries, missed work, or an insurance company is contacting you. Early guidance can help preserve evidence, document injuries, and prevent mistakes that can reduce the value of your claim.

2) What should I do right after a pedestrian accident in California?

Start with safety and medical care. Call 911, ask for law enforcement to respond, and get medical evaluation even if symptoms seem minor. If you can, document the scene with photos/video, get witness contact information, and keep the clothing/shoes you were wearing in the condition they were in after the crash.

3) Do I need medical treatment if I feel “mostly okay” after being hit?

Often, yes. Pedestrian impacts can cause injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, and symptoms may worsen over hours or days. Prompt medical care protects your health and creates a record connecting your injuries to the collision.

4) What if the driver says I “came out of nowhere”?

That’s a common defense in pedestrian accidents. Liability often depends on the timeline, visibility, traffic conditions, witness accounts, and scene evidence. Photos, surveillance footage, and consistent medical documentation can be important for establishing what actually happened.

5) What evidence is important in a pedestrian accident claim?

Useful evidence includes the police report, witness statements, photos/video of the scene, visible injuries, and any nearby cameras that may have captured the collision. Medical records, treatment recommendations, and proof of missed work and expenses also help show the full impact of the injuries.

6) Should I talk to the driver’s insurance company?

Be cautious. Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement or try to get you to agree with details before you know the full extent of your injuries. It’s reasonable to provide basic claim information, but many people prefer guidance before giving a detailed statement.

7) What if I was crossing outside a crosswalk—can I still have a case?

Possibly. Pedestrian accident cases often involve disputed facts, and liability can depend on the full context—vehicle speed, driver attention, lighting, and other conditions. Even when there are arguments about shared fault, that does not automatically eliminate a claim.

8) What if a vehicle hit me in a parking lot or driveway?

Parking lot and driveway pedestrian accidents can still cause serious injuries and may involve complicated questions about visibility, right-of-way, and safe driving practices. Evidence and documentation matter because insurers sometimes treat these collisions differently than roadway crashes.

9) What compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident in California?

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, future care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. The value often depends on injury severity, treatment needs, and the strength of liability proof.

10) How can a California pedestrian accident lawyer help?

A lawyer can help gather evidence, document injuries and damages, communicate with insurance companies, and negotiate for a fair outcome—especially when the insurer disputes fault, minimizes injuries, or pressures you to settle quickly.

 Where You Can Find Our Fairfield Office