Pedestrian Accidents

Riverside Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Riverside pedestrian accident at a crosswalk

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident that resulted from someone else’s negligent driving, you deserve to seek compensation. Please schedule a free consultation with our Riverside Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for questions regarding a pedestrian accident claim.

Pedestrian accident victims can fall into significant financial debt due to a multitude of reasons. First, there’s the impossible cost of medical treatment, followed by lost income due to missing work while healing from serious injuries.

It is unjust for pedestrian accident victims to cover any costs associated with reckless drivers. At Sycamore Accident Lawyers, our experienced pedestrian accident attorney specializes in personal injury cases involving catastrophic injuries, and we possess the skills to get our clients maximum compensation.

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AWARDS & RECOGNITGIONS

Recognized as the best trial lawyer in Riverside, our pedestrian accident attorney assists accident victims. Contact our office today to learn how we can help.

Do I Need a Riverside Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer simplifies the claims process. Additionally, legal help protects against the insurance company, which will try to pressure victims into accepting low settlements.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Our Riverside pedestrian accident lawyers are skilled in maximizing damages by getting our clients compensated for economic damages, as well as non-economic damages such as:

  • Current medical expenses
  • Future medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Internal Injuries
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage

At Sycamore Accident Lawyers, we provide each pedestrian traffic accident case with individualized care, as every accident is unique and requires its level of attention. Through our independent investigation, our pedestrian accident lawyers can determine the cause and consequences of the accident, increasing the compensation.

Pedestrian accident attorney, Michael Iannolo
Michael Iannolo, Esq. - Of counsel

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries That Qualify for Compensation

pedestrian accident lawyer negotiation with insurance company to compensate for pedestrian injuries

A person traveling on foot, walking, running, skating (skateboard or roller skates), or using a wheelchair is considered a pedestrian. Any injuries sustained by a pedestrian after being struck by a motor vehicle are typically considered a pedestrian accident.

Because pedestrians are not protected by shielding like the structure of a motor vehicle, the risk of injury is high. In a recent study of many pedestrian accidents in the US, the average risk of severe injury is 10% at an impact speed of 17mph, with the risk of injury more than doubling when the impact speed increases to 25 mph.

Pedestrian accidents are devastating and capable of causing serious injury, including speech, sight, hearing impairments, and physical pain.

Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Fractures
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Soft tissue damage (contusions, lacerations, strains, and sprains)
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Musculoskeletal injuries
  • Chest and abdominal injuries
  • Internal bleeding

Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries even at low speeds and, in some instances, can result in death. These serious injuries can lead to long-term health complications, altering someone's life forever.

Our California pedestrian accident lawyers can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses for pedestrians hit by a car while crossing the street.

Comparative Negligence

Even if partially responsible for an accident, the injured pedestrian may still be able to recover compensation under California's comparative negligence laws. The courts will determine how much responsibility the plaintiff (pedestrian) shared for the traffic accident and subtract that percentage of fault from the final verdict.

A pedestrian accident lawyer can represent clients and fight to keep the percentage of fault low so that clients can still recover adequate financial compensation. So remember, if you are stuck by a car and suffer injuries, a pedestrian accident attorney can still help you even if you share some fault with the driver who hit you.

What to Do Immediately After A Pedestrian Accident

Taking the proper steps after being involved in an accident is confusing and overwhelming, especially if the victim has never been involved in a personal injury accident before.

Here's an overview of how to best proceed and not jeopardize your health and the pedestrian accident case:

  1. Move to a safe place out of the street, and call 911 for help. Provide an account of what happened and ask about filing a police report.
  2. Safety is a priority, so seek medical attention, even if pain or injury is not apparent. Hidden injuries like a traumatic brain injury can only be detected by a doctor and can become fatal if untreated.
  3. Get contact information from any eyewitnesses and take photos of the accident scene, including the involved vehicle and anything notable (traffic signs, skid marks, weather conditions).
  4. Avoid interacting with the driver unless it's to obtain insurance and contact information. Also, do not apologize or give statements to the driver or their insurance company.
close up of crosswalk with blurred city and sunset in the background

A Riverside pedestrian accident lawyer can provide insight into the claims process and advise on how to best proceed following an accident. Sycamore Accident Lawyers provides a free consultation to all potential clients to discuss these details.

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

The Statue of Justice symbol, legal law concept image

In California, as in any state, a statute of limitations exists. This law limits how long someone has to file a personal injury claim. The typical time limit for pedestrian accidents is two years from discovering the pedestrian injury, not the accident date.

People lose their right to take legal action if they miss the deadline. A few exceptions exist to the statute of limitations where the time limit is reduced or increased, but this will vary.

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can review your case and file your claim before the deadline.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Pedestrian Accidents in Riverside?

Curb extensions reduce the time pedestrians are actually on the roads and sharing the roads with motor vehicles. Under the city's Complete Streets Ordinance, there are plans to make ongoing efforts to reduce the causes of pedestrian accidents by installing more curb extensions.

Ultimately, this will improve pedestrian safety by increasing visibility, reducing the crossing distance, and decreasing the speed of turning vehicles.

Still, until the county makes significant changes, pedestrian accidents in Riverside County remain a severe problem.

Most accidents are a result of a negligent driver who has done the following:

  • Not yielding the right of way in crosswalks.
  • Speeding through traffic lights
  • Distracted driving
  • Texting while driving or other cell phone distractions
  • Drunk driving or other impaired driving
  • Talking to passengers

Jaywalking is another common cause of pedestrian accidents and has recently been considered illegal. While drivers owe a legal duty of care to follow traffic laws, pedestrians are also responsible for avoiding causing an accident by cautiously proceeding when crossing the road.

What Traffic Laws Do Cars Have to Follow Regarding Crosswalks?

In California, drivers must yield to pedestrians entering or crossing a marked crosswalk or intersection. California law helps keep all involved parties safe and will prevent pedestrian traffic accidents.

Even at intersections with no designated crosswalks, once pedestrians enter an intersection, cars must stop and allow them to pass before driving through. Other specific laws regarding how pedestrians and car drivers should proceed include the following.

Pedestrian safety

  • Have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks
  • Are permitted to jaywalk if a crosswalk is not safely present
  • Must remain aware of surroundings and avoid distractions
Wooden brown judge gavel on the table, copy space, banner background.

Drivers

  • Must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks
  • Cannot stop in the middle of a crosswalk
  • Cannot pass another driver who has stopped at a crosswalk
  • May only cross a sidewalk when entering or exiting a driveway or garage
  • May only use cell phones as a hands-free device

Violating pedestrian and driver safety laws can result in fines, a negative driving record, and even a driver's license suspension. Violating these laws in some pedestrian accident cases can also lead to the at-fault driver facing criminal charges.

Riverside County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

In 2020, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that 27 people were either injured or killed in pedestrian traffic accidents in Riverside County.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, pedestrian fatalities reached 7,388, marking a 13% increase from 2020, while over 60,000 pedestrians suffered injuries across the United States.

However, Riverside County ranks near the bottom of the total number of pedestrians injured or traffic fatalities in pedestrian traffic accidents.

Do Pedestrians Have The Right-of-Way?

Generally, there is a common misconception about what "the right-of-way" means. Under California Vehicle Code 21800, drivers must always stop and allow pedestrians to cross the roadway.

This was previously specific to any marked and unmarked crosswalks at an intersection. Although pedestrians are no longer required to utilize crosswalks, they are responsible for making sound judgments. Pedestrians must yield to a passing motor vehicle to avoid putting themselves at immediate risk.

Exceptions to California's Crosswalk Rule

Some exceptions to California's new crosswalk rules allow pedestrians to cross outside a designated crosswalk. The latest legislation permits pedestrians to jaywalk without being cited or fined legally.

cross walk digital sign from lower perspective looking up

However, the pedestrian must do so in a "safe" manner. Therefore, dangerous behavior such as running between moving vehicles or impeding traffic is not allowed and is subject to fines.

Even if found partially at fault for an accident, experienced personal injury attorneys can help clients seek compensation for their pedestrian accident cases.

Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Riverside, CA

Based on compiled data, most pedestrian accidents occur on the following roadways in Riverside County:

  • Tyler St. and Magnolia Ave.
  • Winchester Rd. and Ynez Rd.
  • Gilman Springs Rd. and Bridge St.
  • Indiana Ave. and Van Buren Blvd.
  • Trautwein Rd. and Van Buren Blvd.
  • Jurupa Ave. and Van Buren Blvd.
  • Arlington Ave. and Van Buren Blvd.

Regular traffic, reckless driving, and lack of traffic signals may all contribute to accidents resulting in pedestrian injury and pedestrian fatalities throughout the county.

Contact the Top Riverside Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Sycamore Accident Lawyers understands the devastating circumstances that arise following an accident. We are here to provide support during this challenging time, working tirelessly to deliver optimal results.

Our Riverside pedestrian accident lawyers will gather the evidence to prove the other party's negligence and aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to get our clients maximum compensation. 

If you suffered permanent injuries in a pedestrian accident, we will fight to get you the justice you deserve. Please schedule a free case evaluation with our personal injury law firm so we can begin building your winning case. Our Riverside law office focuses on helping our injured clients recover maximum compensation after auto accidents involving pedestrians and drunk drivers.

Page Updated: February 1, 2024

empty entry way to indicated calling a pedestrian accident lawyer for help with a personal injury case