Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Sacramento, CA
Pedestrian accidents saw its deadliest year since 1990, with an estimated 6,227 pedestrians being killed in 2018, according to preliminary data reported by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Injuries caused by vehicles are often catastrophic and place a heavy burden on the victim’s family.
If you have been seriously injured while walking or running, or have lost a loved one this way, speak to a knowledgeable Sacramento pedestrian accident attorney at the law offices of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger. We can discuss your personal injury case and legal options during a free consultation.
Reasons to Choose Our Law Firm
- For over a decade, our Sacramento personal injury attorneys have successfully recovered compensation in 98 percent of our cases.
- We will get paid when you get paid. Our firm will cover all case-related expenses and will only receive payment when we win.
- Our law firm has a reputation for winning in trial. We are not afraid to go up against insurance companies in order to ensure that you recover full and fair compensation.
Our Winning Record
These case results are only a few of many multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts we have obtained on behalf of clients:
- $12.2M Jury Verdict: Pedestrian Injured by Dangerous Roadway Causing Brain Injury
- $3M Settlement: Senior Citizen Injured by Negligent Transit Bus Driver
- $2M Settlement: Pedestrian Injured by San Francisco Light Rail
- $2M Settlement: Pedestrian Injured by San Francisco Streetcar
Common Causes of Sacramento Pedestrian Accidents
The main driver of pedestrian accidents is driver error. Driver negligence commonly leads to pedestrian collisions, some common forms of negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Disobeying traffic signs and signals
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Failing to use turn signals
- Traveling too fast for conditions
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
In the event of a collision in Sacramento, pedestrians have no protection from injury. Vehicle operators have a duty to drive safely and exercise reasonable care in avoiding pedestrian accidents.
Common Types of Pedestrian Injuries in Sacramento
Getting hit by a motor vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries, whether it’s a truck, car, or motorcycle collision. Aside from minor injuries, such as scrapes and bruises, pedestrians in Sacramento county can face the following serious injuries:
- Broken bones
- Puncture wounds
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
Injured pedestrians may need to go through years of physical therapy to recover, and even then, the mental pain and suffering associated with a pedestrian accident case requires its own recovery. The pedestrian accident lawyers at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger have your best interests at heart. Our law group will not let an insurance company offer you a lowball settlement for your injuries.
The Right-Of-Way Law In California
Drivers “shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection,” according to the California Vehicle Code 21950. As long as a pedestrian crosses a street while in a crosswalk, vehicles must stop to let them pass before continuing on.
The law also states that, “No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” Insurance companies often use this statement to deny injury claims due to the law’s ambiguity in not specifying as to what constitutes an “immediate hazard” or how far away a vehicle must be to not be considered too close.
In addition, it is illegal for pedestrians to walk out into the street without a crosswalk. CVC 21954(a) states that “Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.” Vehicles clearly have the right-of-way in this scenario, however, drivers still have an obligation to operate their vehicles safely. If a pedestrian is crossing outside of a crosswalk, it does, “not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway.”
Do You Need an Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident?
A Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer will have experience defending the rights of accident victims when dealing with insurance companies as well as in court. Pedestrian accident injuries can be severe, requiring time away from work, surgery, hospital stays, medical bills, rehabilitation, costly medications, and possibly lifelong care. A skilled attorney will advocate and fight for you in order to get you the compensation you need to pay medical expenses, recoup lost wages, and for your pain and suffering.
Contact A Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Legal Representation Today
Our legal team has nearly six decades of experience recovering compensation for personal injury victims and their loved ones. We will work to secure you the best possible outcome and ensure you receive fair compensation. Fill out our online contact form or call (415) 981-7210 to speak with a qualified Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer for legal advice today. We can speak with you in our law office or over the phone.
