Fresno Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Helping California Victims Seek Justice and Compensation

For more than 40 years, Fowler | Helsel | Vogt has helped the people of Fresno resolve all sorts of injury claims, including those related to pedestrian accidents. 

If you were a pedestrian hit by a car or truck in Fresno while walking down the street, then you could be entitled to file a claim against the reckless driver and pursue maximum compensation. As local pedestrian accident lawyers, it would be our honor to be the legal team that pursues that compensation on your behalf.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident? Call Fowler | Helsel | Vogt today at (559) 900-1280 or contact us online to discuss your case.

Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a life-altering event, resulting in serious injuries, medical expenses, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Fresno, it is crucial to have a lawyer by your side to protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process.

Here are some reasons why you should hire a pedestrian accident attorney Fresno residents trust:

• Expertise in pedestrian accident laws: Laws regarding pedestrian accidents can be complex and vary from state to state. A local attorney will have in-depth knowledge of the laws specific to Fresno and the state of California and can use this knowledge to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Investigation and gathering evidence: A skilled attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reports. This evidence can prove liability and secure fair compensation for your injuries.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often try to minimize their payout or deny claims altogether. A lawyer will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected.
• Maximizing your compensation: In a pedestrian accident claim, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An attorney will know how to accurately assess the value of your case and fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
• Peace of mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming and stressful. By hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while knowing that a professional handles your legal matters in your best interests.

At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, our team of dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers in Fresno is here to help you every step of the way. We understand your challenges and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Catastrophic Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a vehicle. The full force of the collision can do severe damage in the blink of an eye. It is not uncommon for people in pedestrian accidents to suffer catastrophic, life-changing injuries that require extensive and expensive medical treatments and therapies.

Pedestrian accident victims are often diagnosed with:

• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Multiple broken bones
• Permanent scarring

Beyond the physical injuries, affected individuals often face significant psychological impacts, such as PTSD or anxiety, when crossing the street. Emotional and psychological support is often necessary alongside physical recovery, highlighting the many facets of trauma that pedestrian accident victims endure.

Pedestrian accidents can cause fatal injuries as well. We can carefully manage your wrongful death claim if your loved one was hit by a reckless, drunk, or distracted driver and passed away from their injuries.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Awareness of the common causes of pedestrian accidents can help you take necessary precautions and avoid potential dangers. At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, our Fresno pedestrian accident lawyers have handled numerous cases and can provide valuable insight into the causes of these incidents.

Some common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice pedestrians.
• Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections can cause severe accidents.
• Speeding: Drivers who exceed the speed limit may have reduced reaction time, making it challenging to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
• Drunk driving: Intoxicated drivers often have impaired judgment and decreased coordination, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents.
• Poor visibility: Low lighting conditions, inadequate street lighting, or obstructed views can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.

Additionally, adverse weather conditions like rain or fog can exacerbate these issues, further reducing driver visibility and making streets challenging for pedestrians to navigate safely. Urban design and infrastructure also significantly impact pedestrian safety. Areas lacking designated crosswalks or pedestrian signals may inadvertently encourage dangerous crossings at unsuitable locations.

Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to understand that you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Fresno can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your deserved compensation.

Types of compensation that may be available in pedestrian accident cases include:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatment that may be necessary.
• Lost wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income.
• Pain and suffering: Pedestrian accidents can result in significant physical and emotional pain. Compensation may be available to help you recover and cope with these damages.
• Property damage: If any of your personal belongings, such as your phone or clothing, were damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing them.
• Wrongful death: In the tragic event that a pedestrian accident results in the death of a loved one, certain family members may be eligible to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Pursuing compensation can also cover non-economic damages, like loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress, reflecting the broader consequences of pedestrian accidents on victims’ lives. These factors underscore the importance of a comprehensive legal strategy to address all facets of your suffering.

Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Contact Fowler | Helsel | Vogt today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.

Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?

Many people assume that pedestrian accidents usually happen at crosswalks, intersections, and other places where pedestrians often enter the road. 

Although pedestrian accidents certainly do occur at these locations, accident data consistently shows that pedestrian accidents most often happen along urban streets where there is no crosswalk. Rural roads also see a surprisingly high rate of pedestrian accidents each year.

This information suggests that pedestrian accidents are less likely when there are crosswalks, footpaths, pedestrian bridges, and other methods for pedestrians to enter and cross the road. 

Where no such infrastructure is provided to pedestrians, they must attempt to cross the street with little guarantee that an approaching vehicle will notice them, which spikes the risk of being in an accident.

Due to increased traffic and limited visibility, busy intersections and poorly lit roads have a higher propensity for accidents. Implementing crosswalks with pedestrian signals and better lighting could significantly reduce these incidents. Awareness campaigns and public safety initiatives can further educate drivers and pedestrians on best practices to enhance safety conditions in high-traffic areas.

Other Types of Pedestrian Knockdown Accidents

Vehicle drivers are not the only offenders of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians face a variety of hazards and are injured in knockdown accidents daily. 

Some ways that pedestrians are commonly knocked down include:

• Bikers on sidewalks
• Uncontrolled or unleashed dogs
• Electric scooter (Bird or Lime) accidents
• City buses or trucks with large mirrors that extend over the sidewalk
• Physical fights on the street
• Tripping hazards

Urban areas with high foot traffic can frequently become hotspots for such incidents, escalating the risk when infrastructure does not adequately accommodate both pedestrians and alternative forms of transit like scooters or bikes. Also, pedestrians must remain vigilant of their surroundings to minimize risks in crowded or complex city environments.

If you were injured as a pedestrian because of another person’s negligent actions, you may have legal grounds to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation.

After being injured, your job should always focus on getting better, not stressing over the legal obstacles that may present themselves and stand in the way of your recovery. At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, our legal team has decades of experience fighting for justice for injured pedestrians and their families. We are here to help you through your most trying times.

Can You Sue If You Are Partial to Blame?

Pedestrians sometimes step into the road abruptly, right in front of an approaching car, and get hit. Mistakes happen, but situations like these are not usually so straightforward. The motorist and the pedestrian often did something negligent that contributed to the accident.

Can you still file a compensation claim if you are partially to blame for your pedestrian accident? The answer is yes in California due to its pure comparative negligence rule. Under this legal rule, you can sue another liable party in an accident even if your liability is 99% and their liability is 1%. Pure comparative negligence is especially important for pedestrian accidents because the pedestrian has likely suffered far worse damages than the driver.

Consider this example of how pure comparative negligence rules might work for a pedestrian accident:

• Dividing liability: You step into the road suddenly while looking at your phone and from behind a large mail truck. A driver hits you almost immediately, but they are driving over the speed limit. It is decided that you are 80% at fault for the pedestrian accident, and the driver is 20% at fault.
• Dividing damages: Your medical bills and missing wages from the accident total $100,000. The damage to the driver’s car is minimal and costs only $1,000. If you wanted to sue, you could sue for $20,000, which is 20% of your total damages. The driver could only sue you for $800, 80% of their damages.

In this example, you are found to be mostly negligent for the accident but have suffered the most damages, so pursuing compensation could still be an option. However, injury claims only become more and more complicated and challenging to win the higher your liability. Ideally, your liability will be 0%.

The Duty of All Pedestrians

Everyone is required to follow the rules of the road, including pedestrians. According to California Vehicle Code 21955, pedestrians must use crosswalks at intersections with traffic lights or police. This makes the act of jaywalking illegal; some examples include:

• Crossing outside of the designated crosswalk area
• Crossing the road when the light says or indicates “do not cross.”
• Running across the street 15 or more feet away from a marked crosswalk

Adhering to these laws is about legality and ensuring safety in increasingly busy and motorized environments. To stay safe, pedestrians must remain alert and avoid distractions such as mobile devices. Understanding local traffic patterns and jaywalking laws can empower pedestrians to make safer choices.

A jaywalking pedestrian who is hit by a car and injured can still pursue compensation against the driver. Still, due to California's comparative negligence laws, their total damages may be reduced by their percentage of fault in the accident.

Shared Fault in Pedestrian Accidents

Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to determining fault in a pedestrian accident involving a Jaywalker. Typically, several factors dictate what either the driver or the pedestrian should have done to prevent the accident.

For instance, if a vehicle driver is texting while driving and speeding down the highway when they collide with a jaywalker, it would most likely be considered the driver’s fault for not obeying the law and failing to remain vigilant while behind the wheel.

However, if a driver obeys all traffic laws with their eyes vigilantly on the road when a person darts out in front of their vehicle, the pedestrian may share a higher percentage of the fault. Ultimately, an attorney is needed to determine what percentage of fault a pedestrian played in a pedestrian-vehicle collision.

Street layout, driver conduct, and pedestrian behavior are integral in these accidents. Attention to area-specific traffic laws and patterns can provide further context in determining fault distribution, adding complexity to pedestrian accident claims.

Pedestrian Safety Initiatives & Key Fresno Locations

Fresno city officials have introduced programs to enhance pedestrian safety, including additional crosswalks and pedestrian signals in high-traffic areas like schools and city centers. These efforts aim to create a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers and reduce accident rates through infrastructural improvements.

Community partnerships play a vital role in promoting road safety awareness. Local organizations offer workshops and seminars to educate residents about pedestrian and motorist vigilance. These initiatives are a cornerstone of Fresno’s strategy to foster a safety-conscious culture and minimize road accidents.

Key pedestrian areas in Fresno, such as the Tower District, River Park, and local parks like Woodward Park, are focal points for safety improvements. These areas benefit from pedestrian-only zones, enhanced lighting, and safer crossing areas, ensuring that pedestrian traffic is well-supported and accidents are prevented. Understanding the most frequent locations helps tailor safety measures to better meet the community's needs.

If you've been involved in a pedestrian accident, our Fresno pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to assist you with your case. Don't wait—contact us today for experienced legal guidance.