Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

More Than $1 Billion Recovered for Our Clients

Every mode of travel has inherent risks, and everyone has different preferences for transportation. Pedestrians are, perhaps, at the highest risk of injury out of all types of commuters due to the lack of protection they have in the event of an accident with a car or truck. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents often result in serious or fatal injuries because of this vulnerability.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to file a legal claim against the at-fault party. Our legal team at Kershaw Talley Barlow can assist you in starting out on the right foot with your claim. We have the experience needed to negotiate with the negligent party and their insurance company to protect you from being stuck with a lowball insurance payout. What’s more, if they continue to avoid accountability, we are prepared to take them to court.

Speak to a Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer today at (916) 520-6639.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), in 2018 alone, 6,283 pedestrians across the country were killed in motor vehicle crashes, comprising 17% of all traffic fatalities that year. Action must be taken to reduce these statistics and improve the safety of our streets; a legal claim is a viable way to do so, as it can prevent negligent parties from becoming repeat offenders and shine a light on this ongoing issue.

Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in Sacramento?

Per the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pedestrians have the right of way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks, but there are some cases in which they do not have the right of way. For example, if they were acting negligently, they may have forfeited the right of way to someone else (e.g. a motorist) and may be held partially liable for any resulting accident.

On the other hand, a driver could be held liable if they violated any of the following laws and caused the crash:

• Drivers must proceed with caution when pedestrians are crossing at a corner or crosswalk;
• Drivers cannot pass another vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian;
• Drivers cannot drive on the sidewalk nor stop in a crosswalk;
• Drivers must provide sufficient time for pedestrians to safely cross the street, particularly for older pedestrians, pedestrians with young children, and pedestrians with disabilities.

Drivers and other motorists may also be considered liable if they acted negligently by engaging in road rage, drunk driving, reckless driving, speeding, driving while fatigued, driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, etc.

Pedestrian Accidents on Unsafe Premises

Besides driver negligence, pedestrian accidents are commonly caused by various property hazards, such as slippery floors and dangerous stairways. In these cases, the property owner may be held accountable for failing to warn of the danger and/or failing to remedy it in a timely manner.

Possible Damages Recoverable in Pedestrian Accident Claims

Pedestrians have equal rights as other individuals who use the public roadways in accordance with the law. Therefore, if you and your attorney are successful in your claim, you may be entitled to damages including: 

• Medical expenses
• Past and future lost wages
• Past and future medical expenses
• Missed time from work/school
• Reduced enjoyment of life
• Loss of quality of life
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish

Pedestrian Accidents That Result in Death

As mentioned, pedestrian accidents frequently prove fatal. For cases such as these, the bereaved loved ones of the decedent may qualify to file a wrongful death claim to make the at-fault party answer for what happened. Through these claims, it is possible to pursue damages experienced as a result of one’s loss, as well as those experienced by the deceased between the accident and their time of death.

A few examples of these compensatory damages include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the non-economic losses of:

• Comfort;
• Care;
• Love;
• Society;
• Protection;
• Affection;
• Consortium;
• Companionship;
• And more.

Kershaw Talley Barlow Will Fight for You

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, protect your rights and contact an experienced attorney at Kershaw Talley Barlow. Our Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyers always puts the needs of our clients first. Industry organizations have acclaimed us for our success, but the recognition we are most proud of is that of our satisfied clients. To date, we have recovered more than $1 billion in jury awards and settlements.

Call us at (916) 520-6639 or submit a contact form to schedule a free and confidential case consultation with a Sacramento pedestrian accident attorney.