Pedestrian Accidents

California Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Protecting the Rights of Injured Pedestrians in San Francisco

Pedestrian accidents can leave victims facing overwhelming pain, uncertainty, and medical bills. At Peterson Injury Law, we understand the devastating and far-reaching impacts that a wrongful injury can have on your health and economic security. If you or a loved one was wrongfully injured in a pedestrian accident in California, our pedestrian accident lawyer can aggressively pursue justice and compensation on your behalf.

For decades, our firm has forged an impressive track record of results in San Francisco and beyond. Attorney Erik Peterson is a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America®, an honor held by less than 0.05% of practicing lawyers nationwide. With a reputation for record-breaking verdicts and national acclaim from prestigious organizations like Super Lawyers®, The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100®, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, you can trust us to give your case the time and personalized care it deserves.

If you were harmed in a pedestrian accident in California, choose an award-winning injury firm to pursue justice. Call (415) 630-2913 to schedule a free consultation.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in California

According to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25% higher than the national average. Pedestrian deaths increased by 67% between 2010 and 2019. In 2022, a report from UC Berkeley revealed that 26% of traffic fatalities in the state were pedestrians, underscoring the importance of understanding your rights and legal options after a wrongful injury.

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Erik, I'm incredibly grateful that [husband stroke victim] continues to improve - long after it was thought to be possible.
“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”

- Former Client
We are both ever grateful to you.
“In my world, you have been very successful in the ways most important, most lasting, most valuable. And I know that [deceased husband] feels this way as well.”

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Erik Peterson handled my case with care and compassion.
“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”

- Kristy N.
This whole experience can be overwhelming but Erik kept me in the loop on everything.
“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”

- Kiki A.
Erik Peterson is by far the best attorney.
“Very knowledgeable, professional and honest. I needed an attorney for malpractice and from the moment we first had our meeting, he explained everything in terms I could easily understand and very thorough, was always very responsive when I had questions. The case wasn’t an easy one to settle, but Erik never lost hope and kept fighting. Any time I had to get ahold of the staff at the law firm for paperwork, they were always so understanding and very helpful and always got back to me in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Erik Peterson and his law firm. He was an excellent lawyer and truly a genuine person.”

- Lila D.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, such as:

Brain injuries. Pedestrians often suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in collisions, resulting in long-term cognitive or physical impairments.
Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis and other disabilities, depending on the severity of the injury.
Broken bones. Fractured arms, legs, ribs, or hips are common in pedestrian accidents due to the significant force involved.
Internal injuries. Internal bleeding and organ damage are common in pedestrian accidents and often require emergency medical care.
Soft tissue injuries. Sprains, stains, and damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility for injured pedestrians.
Cuts and lacerations. Being struck by motor vehicles can result in deep wounds and lacerations for pedestrians that necessitate urgent medical attention.
Psychological trauma. Accidents can leave victims battling anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions with life-altering impacts on their quality of life.

No matter the type or severity of your injuries, our firm can work tirelessly to investigate your case, prove negligence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, certain exceptions may apply that shorten this timeframe, making it crucial to consult a skilled attorney as soon as possible after a collision. Our attorney has a deep understanding of these legal intricacies to evaluate your unique circumstances, guide your legal steps wisely, and help you file a claim correctly and within the appropriate deadline.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents can occur for a variety of preventable causes, including:

Distracted driving. Driving while distracted by texts, calls, or GPS devices can cause drivers to overlook pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.
Failure to yield. Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at designated crosswalks or intersections.
Speeding. Driving at excessive speeds can significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of collisions.
Driving under the influence. Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs pose a significant risk to pedestrians due to impaired motor skills.
Inclement weather. Driving in low-light conditions or bad weather decreases a driver’s ability to see pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

At Peterson Injury Law, we understand the devastating impacts of pedestrian accidents and are committed to pursuing the best possible outcome in your case. Our goal is to provide compassionate, results-driven representation at every step while you focus on your recovery.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Various damages may be recoverable in a pedestrian accident claim. These typically include:

Economic damages for direct financial losses, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost earnings and earning capacity, and property damage.
Non-economic damages for subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In rare cases involving especially egregious misconduct, the court may also award punitive damages. Unlike other damages, punitive damages are awarded solely to punish the defendant for extreme negligence and deter future misconduct. Our firm can meticulously evaluate your claim to assess every avenue for financial recovery and maximize the amount of recoverable compensation available to you.

Who Is Liable for Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Depending on the case, various parties may be held responsible for a pedestrian accident. Some potentially liable parties include:

Motor Vehicle Drivers

Other drivers are often liable for damages in a pedestrian accident lawsuit. This may occur if another motorist caused the pedestrian accident by acting negligently, such as speeding, running red lights, driving while drunk or distracted, or failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at designated crosswalks.

Government Entities

A city or government entity may be responsible if a pedestrian accident results from a lack of proper signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, or other dangerous road conditions. Filing a claim against a government entity involves strict deadlines and procedures, making it critical to have a dedicated lawyer on your side.

Employers

If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job duties, such as for Uber, Lyft, a delivery service, or a commercial trucking company, their employer may share liability for damages under the principle of “vicarious liability.”

Third-Party Contractors

If the pedestrian accident was caused by neglected maintenance, faulty equipment, or a mechanical failure, liability may extend to responsible third-party contractors, such as maintenance or manufacturing companies.

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Do I Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Seeking sound counsel is a critical first step to seeking justice after a pedestrian accident. Some important reasons to work with an experienced lawyer include:

Navigating the legal process. Pedestrian accident cases often involve intricate legal and insurance regulations. Your attorney can use their in-depth understanding of California law to help you navigate the legal process with care and precision.
Determining liability. Pedestrian accidents often involve multiple negligent parties, such as drivers, employers, or manufacturers. Your lawyer can thoroughly investigate the accident to help you establish liability and meet the burden of proof in your claim.
Maximizing compensation. Insurance companies often use underhanded tactics to minimize payouts. Your attorney can work to alleviate financial burdens by advocating for a settlement that covers all your current and future care needs.
Negotiating with insurers. A skilled litigator can negotiate effectively with insurers and represent your best interests at trial if necessary to protect your best interests and recover the maximum compensation you need to focus on healing.

If you were wrongfully injured in a pedestrian accident, put decades of experience on your side with Peterson Injury Law. Contact us online to discuss your case.

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