Redding Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Fighting For Those Who Have Been Injured by a Negligent Driver While Walking in California

Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe if not often fatal injuries. Because of such substantial injuries, pedestrian accident victims can require substantial long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and numerous adaptations to perform life’s daily activities. Sadly, such changes sometimes become permanent.

If you or your loved one has been hit by a car, truck, motorcyclist, or biker while a pedestrian – or if you lost a loved one in a deadly pedestrian crash – you can turn to the personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley for essential answers, insights, and exceptional advocacy moving forward.

To request a free consultation with our pedestrian accident attorney in Redding, contact us today at (530) 491-4727.

California Pedestrian Laws

Pedestrian safety is a priority in California, and the state has enacted specific laws to protect individuals walking on or near roadways. Understanding these laws is crucial in determining liability in a pedestrian accident case.

• Right-of-Way Laws: In California, pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the street, whether or not there is a crosswalk present. However, pedestrians must also exercise caution and not suddenly step into traffic when it is unsafe to do so.
• Jaywalking Laws: While pedestrians generally have the right-of-way, they are also subject to laws regarding where and how they cross the street. Jaywalking, or crossing a road outside of a crosswalk, is illegal in California. Although jaywalking may complicate an accident claim, it does not necessarily absolve a driver from responsibility if their negligence contributed to the accident.
• Safety for Children and Elderly Pedestrians: Children and elderly individuals are more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents due to their slower walking speeds and limited ability to judge distances. California law emphasizes extra caution in school zones and areas where elderly individuals are likely to cross, and drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care in these circumstances.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Several risk factors, often tied to driver negligence, contribute to most pedestrian accidents:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. With the prevalence of smartphones and in-car technology, many drivers take their attention off the road, leading to tragic consequences for pedestrians. A distracted driver may not notice a pedestrian crossing until it is too late.
• Speeding: When a driver exceeds the speed limit, their ability to react to a pedestrian crossing the road is significantly reduced. Speeding also increases the force of impact in a collision, often leading to more severe injuries or fatalities for the pedestrian.
• Failing to Yield at Crosswalks: Drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, put pedestrians in danger. Ignoring traffic signals or signs that indicate pedestrian crossings is a common cause of accidents in both urban and suburban areas.
• Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol greatly impairs a driver's judgment, reaction time, and coordination. This is a leading factor in pedestrian accidents, as impaired drivers are less likely to see or react to pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents often occur when visibility is compromised, such as during nighttime, in bad weather, or in poorly lit areas. Even when visibility is low, drivers are responsible for exercising extra caution and using headlights appropriately to prevent accidents.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

In many cases, the driver is held responsible for a pedestrian accident. This is especially true when the accident results from distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield, or driving under the influence. Drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm to pedestrians.

While drivers often bear the responsibility for pedestrian accidents, pedestrians can also be found partially liable. For instance, if a pedestrian was jaywalking, crossing against a signal, or otherwise acting negligently, their actions may contribute to the accident. However, California follows a "comparative negligence" rule, meaning that even if the pedestrian is partially at fault, they can still recover damages, though the compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident protects your rights and supports a strong legal claim. First, get medical attention, even if your injuries appear minor. Keep detailed records of every injury, doctor visit, and treatment. Report the crash to law enforcement and ask for a copy of the police report. If you can, gather contact details from witnesses at the scene. Photographs make a difference—capture images of vehicle damage, clothing, road conditions, traffic signals, injuries, and anything else related to the accident. Notify your own insurer about the incident, but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting blame with the opposing insurance company. Save all medical bills, receipts, and any paperwork tied to your accident or treatment. By following these steps, you create a record that supports your legal claim and helps your pedestrian accident attorney build your case for compensation.

Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims

California law sets strict filing deadlines for injury claims, including those stemming from pedestrian accidents. Usually, you must start your lawsuit within two years of the crash. This rule covers most injury and wrongful death cases involving pedestrians and motor vehicles. If a public entity—such as a city or county government—may be responsible, you generally need to submit a formal claim within six months of the incident. Missing either deadline can cause you to lose your right to pursue damages. Acting quickly to consult with a pedestrian accident attorney ensures you do not miss critical deadlines and preserves your ability to present a thorough claim. Prompt action also gives your legal team a better opportunity to gather evidence, contact witnesses, and manage interactions with insurance representatives effectively. Understanding these time constraints can help protect your access to fair compensation.

Why You Need a Redding Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Redding

Managing a pedestrian accident claim while healing from injuries can feel daunting, especially if you’re facing pressure from insurers or financial hardship. Hiring a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer protects your rights and gives you access to guidance through each stage of your case.

Here's how we can help:

• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Building a claim starts with collecting vital evidence. This process includes obtaining witness accounts, camera footage, official reports, and information from qualified professionals.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters routinely offer less than full value on claims. Our team handles communication so you are treated fairly without undue stress or confusion.
• Trial Representation: Most pedestrian accident cases resolve outside of court, but our attorneys stand ready to present your story to a judge and jury when a favorable settlement cannot be reached.

To find out more about you and the claim, call (530) 491-4727 or fill out the online request form to receive a free initial consultation with our Redding pedestrian accident lawyer.