Proficient Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Oakland, CA
Like many other communities in California, Oakland has a plan to make the city more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. The “Pedestrian Master Plan” includes many goals and guidelines for making the city a safer and more attractive pedestrian center. In 2017, Oakland even made the Walk Score® list of the most walkable urban cities in the U.S. at number nine. Oakland may be walkable for the eighth most populated California city, but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely safe. In the summer of 2017, a motorist struck not one, but three pedestrians in a crosswalk, severely injuring all of them. However, our Oakland pedestrian accident attorneys have helped many people financially recover. Recently,Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger won a $12 million verdict for an injured pedestrian. Call today to learn your legal options and see how we may help you or your loved one.
The Nature of Pedestrian Accidents in Oakland
According to a release from the City of Oakland in early 2016, the city experienced 876 pedestrian collisions from 2013-2016. At Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, we represent pedestrians who suffer catastrophic injuries in accidents with passenger vehicles, motorcycles, big rigs, and bicycles.
Pedestrians can’t perform evasive maneuvers at high speeds, and they can’t defend themselves in the face of an oncoming motorized vehicle. When vehicles fail to respect the rules of the road, pedestrians often suffer serious and life-threatening injuries. A spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, fractures, soft tissue injuries, and lacerations are all common injuries in pedestrian accidents. Common causes of Oakland pedestrian accidents include intoxication or impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and carelessness regarding the rules of the road.
Under California laws, motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians traveling in crosswalks and unmarked intersection crossing points. The law also discusses pedestrian responsibilities. Pedestrians should never enter a crosswalk or any other area of the street if it would jeopardize an oncoming car’s ability to stop. In most cases, the motorist carries the higher duty of care when approaching pedestrians. In the event of a wrongful death, we will fight for justice and compensation for your family.
Is Jaywalking Legal in California?
California allows crossing the street at areas other than a crosswalk (jaywalking) in many instances, but it will enforce exceptions to the rules. Pedestrians must use a crosswalk if they want to cross the street in between two traffic controlled intersections; and, they must yield the right of way to vehicles if they cross anywhere away from a crosswalk.
We strongly advise pedestrians in Oakland to look carefully before crossing the street at any time. A car traveling at 55 mph will cover the distance of a football field in 5 seconds. Pedestrians rarely have enough time to move out of the way of reckless drivers.
Contact Our Oakland Pedestrian Accident Attorneys for Legal Help Today
The Oakland personal injury lawyers at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger has represented pedestrians injured in collisions since 1959. Among our successes, we secured a $12.2 million verdict for a pedestrian who suffered a brain injury from a dangerous roadway, a $2 million settlement for a pedestrian who suffered in a light rail accident, and a $2 million settlement for a pedestrian who suffered in a streetcar accident.
Our firm is known across the U.S. for obtaining multi-million dollar settlements on behalf of our clients. In the last decade, 98% of our clients have secured damages or settlements for their losses. We have earned the respect of the legal community and of our clients. We will not let an insurance company offer you a low-ball setllement. Medical exp
If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury in a pedestrian accident, please reach out to us. Consultations are always free, and we accept all of our cases on a contingency fee basis. You deserve fair financial compensation for your losses. Our Oakland pedestrian accident lawyers can help. Contact our legal team today.
We help clients all over Northern California, including Sacramento County, Alameda County, the San Francisco Bay Area, Richmond, Berkeley, and San Rafael.