Chico Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Representing the Injured throughout California

The Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley is a well-established and widely respected firm. Over the years, we’ve successfully secured hundreds of millions of dollars for injured and wronged individuals and families. After suffering injuries under the negligent and careless actions of others, it takes an experienced, compassionate, and aggressive Chico pedestrian accident lawyer to handle these sensitive cases.

Contact our firm online or at (530) 413-0245 to request your free consultation with our pedestrian accident lawyer in Chico.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Unlike the occupants of vehicles, victims of pedestrian accidents do not have the protection of seatbelts or an automobile’s structure to absorb the force of an impact. For the same reason, these individuals suffer a variety of severe and often fatal injuries, such as:

• Internal organ damage
• Bone fractures
• Spinal cord damage
• Paralysis
• Burn Injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputations

California Pedestrian Laws

California’s pedestrian laws are designed to protect the safety of those walking near or on the roadway. Important state pedestrian laws include:

• Right-of-way at crosswalks: Pedestrians have the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks, meaning vehicles must stop and allow pedestrians to cross. This law applies at intersections and places where pedestrian crossings are expected, even if there isn’t a designated crosswalk.
• No jaywalking: While pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks, they are prohibited from crossing streets in areas where crosswalks are not available or designated. Jaywalking may impact a pedestrian’s ability to recover full compensation if they are found partially at fault for the accident.
• Obey traffic signals: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals at intersections. Walking against a red light or crossing when a signal indicates otherwise could result in legal consequences and may affect a compensation claim.
• Sidewalk safety: Pedestrians are required to use sidewalks where available. If there are no sidewalks, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the roadway, facing traffic, to enhance safety.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Chico and throughout California can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who are distracted by their phones, GPS, or other distractions are more likely to fail to notice pedestrians, particularly in busy areas like intersections and crosswalks.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time when a pedestrian crosses the road. In many cases, higher speeds result in more severe injuries for pedestrians.
• Failure to yield: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at intersections or crosswalks.
• Drunk or impaired driving: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, increasing the risk of hitting pedestrians.
• Poor visibility: Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur at night or in poorly lit areas, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians crossing the road.
• Turning vehicles: Accidents often happen when drivers are making left or right turns at intersections and fail to check for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Aggressive driving: Drivers who engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or running red lights increase the likelihood of colliding with a pedestrian.

Legal Avenues for Pedestrians to Collect Damages

When a pedestrian is injured in an accident, they have several legal avenues available to recover compensation. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we help our clients explore the following options:

• Filing a personal injury claim: In most pedestrian accident cases, the injured party can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. To successfully recover damages, it must be proven that the driver’s negligence caused the accident. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury.
• Pursuing a wrongful death claim: If a pedestrian is fatally injured in an accident, their family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. Compensation in a wrongful death case can include funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage: If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage to pay for damages, injured pedestrians may be able to recover compensation through their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This option can be especially helpful in hit-and-run cases where the driver is never identified.
• Premises liability claims: In some cases, pedestrian accidents may occur due to hazardous conditions on someone’s property, such as a poorly maintained sidewalk or an unsafe parking lot. In these situations, the property owner may be held liable under premises liability laws.

What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident

After a crash, many people are unsure what to do in the first hours and days, especially when they are hurt and worried about their families. Taking a few practical steps can protect both your health and your future claim, whether the collision happened near downtown Chico, on a residential street, or along a busy route like State Route 99. While every situation is different, there are common actions that can make it easier for a pedestrian accident lawyer to later build a strong case on your behalf.

First, seek medical care as soon as you can, even if your injuries seem minor at the scene, because serious conditions such as head trauma or internal bleeding are not always obvious right away. Next, if you are able, gather basic information at the scene by getting the driver’s contact and insurance details, taking photos of the intersection, vehicles, and your visible injuries, and asking for names and phone numbers of any witnesses. You should also request a copy of the police report from the responding agency, such as the Chico Police Department or California Highway Patrol, because that document often becomes an important piece of evidence later.

It is also helpful to avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters or accepting a quick settlement offer before you understand the full extent of your injuries and financial losses. Early offers may not account for ongoing treatment, missed work, or lasting pain, and once you sign a release, you generally cannot go back for more. Contact our pedestrian accident attorney for clear advice on your rights, timelines, and options so you can make informed decisions without feeling pressured by an insurance company.

Contact Our Chico Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Our highly respected personal injury attorneys have extensive experience navigating even the most complex pedestrian accident claims. We understand the unique legal challenges that arise in these cases, particularly those involving severe injuries and wrongful death, and have a long history of successfully securing results on behalf of victims and families.

To learn how we can help you with your pedestrian accident case, contact our firm online today or call us at (530) 413-0245 for a complimentary and confidential consultation with our pedestrian accident lawyer in Chico.