Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Pedestrian Accident Victims in California

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Sacramento, you may be facing serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we understand the complexities and unique circumstances of pedestrian accident cases and are dedicated to securing justice and compensation for our clients. Our team of experienced Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyers is ready to fight for your rights and help you recover from this traumatic experience.

Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. When you're dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, the last thing you need is to navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. Let our firm handle your case so you can focus on healing.

Contact us today at (916) 297-4468 to request a free consultation with our pedestrian accident attorney in Sacramento.

California Pedestrian Laws

The following state laws are designed to protect pedestrians and ensure their safety on the roads:

• Right of Way at Crosswalks: California Vehicle Code (CVC) 21950 mandates that drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the street in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. This law holds that vehicles must slow down or stop if necessary to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
• Obligations of Pedestrians: While pedestrians often have the right of way, they also have responsibilities. Under CVC 21950(b), pedestrians should not suddenly enter the path of a vehicle if it creates an immediate hazard. Pedestrians must use marked crosswalks when available and refrain from jaywalking.
• Jaywalking & Mid-Block Crossings: Pedestrians who cross streets outside of designated crosswalks (jaywalking) may still be partially protected under the law. However, jaywalking can affect liability and damages if an accident occurs, as drivers may argue that the pedestrian contributed to the accident by crossing unsafely.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur due to a variety of factors. Many of these incidents are preventable and often result from driver negligence or hazardous road conditions. Below are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Sacramento:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio may not notice pedestrians, leading to dangerous collisions.
• Speeding: High-speed driving reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of injuries in an accident.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reflexes, and decision-making, making it especially dangerous for pedestrians when a driver is intoxicated.
• Failure to Yield: Some drivers do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections, often resulting in serious injuries for the pedestrian.
• Poor Visibility: Nighttime driving, bad weather, and low visibility can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially in poorly lit areas.
• Unsafe Left Turns: Left turns can be risky for pedestrians, as drivers often focus more on oncoming traffic than on the crosswalks, failing to notice pedestrians crossing the street.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Liability in pedestrian accidents is often straightforward but can be complicated by specific circumstances. California follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if the pedestrian is partly at fault, they may still recover compensation for their injuries.

• Drivers: In most cases, drivers are liable for pedestrian accidents due to negligent behavior, such as distracted driving or failing to yield. Our team can help gather evidence to show the driver’s negligence and hold them accountable.
• Pedestrians: Pedestrians may also bear some responsibility if they violated traffic laws, such as jaywalking or crossing against the light. In cases where pedestrians are partly at fault, their compensation may be reduced under California’s comparative negligence rules.
• Third Parties: Sometimes, a third party, such as a local municipality, may be liable if poor road conditions, faulty traffic signals, or improper signage contributed to the accident. Additionally, vehicle manufacturers could be held accountable if a vehicle defect played a role in the accident.

Establishing liability requires a thorough investigation and legal expertise. The Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley will gather witness statements, surveillance footage, police reports, and expert testimony to ensure we identify and pursue all responsible parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident?

Immediately after a pedestrian accident, ensuring safety and acquiring evidence is crucial. First, check for any injuries to yourself and others involved. Even if there are no apparent signs of injury, it's wise to call for medical assistance, as some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. Contact emergency services to ensure that medical help arrives promptly, and also to file a police report, which will be crucial to your case later on.

Document the scene if possible. Take photographs with your smartphone, capturing the location, any involved vehicles, injuries, and the surrounding area. Note any traffic signals or road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Gather witness contact details who can corroborate the sequence of events. 

How Does Comparative Negligence Affect My Claim?

Comparative negligence in California affects claims by adjusting the damages a plaintiff can recover based on their level of fault. Under this system, even if a pedestrian shares fault for an accident, they can still receive compensation adjusted by their percentage of fault. For instance, if the total damages amount to $100,000 and the pedestrian is deemed 20% at fault, they would still be entitled to $80,000.

This is significant in places like Sacramento, where jaywalking or crossing against signals can often result in shared fault situations. Having an adept legal team, such as the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, can help minimize perceived fault by examining local traffic laws and pinpointing driver negligence or road condition contributors. Through careful analysis and strategic advocacy, our team strengthens your claim, ensuring you receive fair compensation proportional to the circumstances of the incident.

Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Sacramento Today

Call (916) 297-4468 or fill out our online contact form today to discuss your case with our Sacramento pedestrian accident attorney.