San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Walking is a popular pastime and mode of transportation for those in San Diego and throughout Southern California. It’s great exercise, the views are extraordinary, it’s environmentally friendly, and it saves money. It is also becoming increasingly dangerous. According to recent statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety, the fatality rate for pedestrians in California is nearly 25 percent higher than the rest of the country.

Dangerous driving practices such as speeding and distracted driving can cause pedestrian accidents that result in catastrophic injuries—and even death. Motorists have a duty to drive in a safe manner to avoid causing an accident with pedestrians, and in most cases, they are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, and on sidewalks.

If you or a family member were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled compensation from the at-fault driver. My team and I are dedicated to fighting for your rights, and we’ll work to ensure you receive the maximum recovery to compensate you for your injuries and other damages.

Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents crosswalk hand signaling not to cross in California

Crosswalks, intersections, driveways, school bus stops, parking lots, and other areas are frequent sites of pedestrian accidents. In most cases, these collisions are caused by motorists who are not watching out for walkers and the other drivers they share the road with. The top causes of these accidents include:

  • Distracted driving. Talking on a cellphone, texting, eating and drinking, and looking at a GPS are just a few of the dangerous practices that cause pedestrian accidents. When motorists aren’t focused on the task at hand—safe driving—they may not see a pedestrian in time to avoid a serious accident.
  • Intoxication. Drug and alcohol use reduces crucial driving skills, such as reaction time, vision, distance perception, and judgment.
  • Speeding. Motorists traveling over the speed limit have a reduced ability to stop suddenly, and the force of impact is far greater. 
  • Distracted driving. Talking on a cellphone, texting, eating and drinking, and looking at a GPS are just a few of the dangerous practices that cause drivers to fail to avoid an incident.
  • Failing to yield. Failing to yield to pedestrians who have the right of way at crosswalks, intersections, and other locations is a violation of California law and the cause of many pedestrian accidents.
  • Making a left turn. Many accidents happen when drivers are in a hurry to make a left turn before the light turns red. Often, they are in such a rush that they don’t watch for a pedestrian in the crosswalk or intersection.
  • Reversing. Many tragic accidents are caused in parking lots and driveways when drivers fail to check behind them before backing up. Children are often the victims.

Pedestrians Can Suffer Devastating Injuries That Change Their Lives Forever

Unlike passengers in a motor vehicle, pedestrians have no protection at all when a car or truck strikes them, and they can suffer catastrophic injuries—even if the vehicle is traveling at a slow speed. Common injuries include:

  • Torn ligaments
  • Road rash
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Amputations
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Nerve damage
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries, including partial and complete paralysis
  • Death

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims 

Because injuries that occur in a pedestrian accident are much more likely to be catastrophic, the medical bills can be astronomical. Further, accident victims may be unable to work for many months, leaving them without an income. Depending on the extent of their injuries, they may be unable to go back to work at all. Under California law, victims of pedestrian accidents are entitled to be fully compensated for their injuries and may receive the following types of damages:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed 

Information You Need to Know When Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Handling a pedestrian accident claim while you’re trying to focus on healing can be overwhelming, but my team and I can provide you with all of the answers you need, including:

Let Us Aggressively Fight for the Compensation You Deserve

If you or a family member were injured in a pedestrian accident, you need a skilled and dedicated pedestrian accident attorney on your side who will fight to protect your legal rights. At the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, my compassionate legal team and I are committed to obtaining all the compensation you deserve from the negligent driver’s insurance company so you can recover from your injuries and pick up the pieces of your life. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you only owe attorney fees when I win your case.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn about your options and my track record of success in helping pedestrian accident victims. Call my San Diego office or fill out the convenient online form on this page to schedule your appointment today.

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San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer | California Car Accident Attorney