Redding Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Injured by a Negligent Driver While Walking in Redding, CA?

Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe if not often fatal injuries. Because of such substantial injuries, pedestrian accident victims can require substantial long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and numerous adaptations to perform life’s daily activities. Sadly, such changes sometimes become permanent.

If you or your loved one has been hit by a car, truck, motorcyclist, or biker while a pedestrian – or if you lost a loved one in a deadly pedestrian crash – you can turn to the personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley for essential answers, insights, and exceptional advocacy moving forward.

To request a free consultation, contact us today at (530) 491-4727.

California Pedestrian Laws

Pedestrian safety is a priority in California, and the state has enacted specific laws to protect individuals walking on or near roadways. Understanding these laws is crucial in determining liability in a pedestrian accident case.

• Right-of-Way Laws: In California, pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the street, whether or not there is a crosswalk present. However, pedestrians must also exercise caution and not suddenly step into traffic when it is unsafe to do so.
• Jaywalking Laws: While pedestrians generally have the right-of-way, they are also subject to laws regarding where and how they cross the street. Jaywalking, or crossing a road outside of a crosswalk, is illegal in California. Although jaywalking may complicate an accident claim, it does not necessarily absolve a driver from responsibility if their negligence contributed to the accident.
• Safety for Children and Elderly Pedestrians: Children and elderly individuals are more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents due to their slower walking speeds and limited ability to judge distances. California law emphasizes extra caution in school zones and areas where elderly individuals are likely to cross, and drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care in these circumstances.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur for the following reasons, often involving driver negligence:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. With the prevalence of smartphones and in-car technology, many drivers take their attention off the road, leading to tragic consequences for pedestrians. A distracted driver may not notice a pedestrian crossing until it is too late.
• Speeding: When a driver exceeds the speed limit, their ability to react to a pedestrian crossing the road is significantly reduced. Speeding also increases the force of impact in a collision, often leading to more severe injuries or fatalities for the pedestrian.
• Failing to Yield at Crosswalks: Drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, put pedestrians in danger. Ignoring traffic signals or signs that indicate pedestrian crossings is a common cause of accidents in both urban and suburban areas.
• Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol greatly impairs a driver's judgment, reaction time, and coordination. This is a leading factor in pedestrian accidents, as impaired drivers are less likely to see or react to pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents often occur when visibility is compromised, such as during nighttime, in bad weather, or in poorly lit areas. Even when visibility is low, drivers are responsible for exercising extra caution and using headlights appropriately to prevent accidents.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

In many cases, the driver is held responsible for a pedestrian accident. This is especially true when the accident results from distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield, or driving under the influence. Drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm to pedestrians.

While drivers often bear the responsibility for pedestrian accidents, pedestrians can also be found partially liable. For instance, if a pedestrian was jaywalking, crossing against a signal, or otherwise acting negligently, their actions may contribute to the accident. However, California follows a "comparative negligence" rule, meaning that even if the pedestrian is partially at fault, they can still recover damages, though the compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.

Why You Need a Redding Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Navigating the complexities of a pedestrian accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from serious injuries. Working with an experienced Redding pedestrian accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Here's how we can help:

• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Proving fault in a pedestrian accident requires thorough investigation and the collection of evidence. We will work diligently to gather witness statements, surveillance footage, police reports, and expert testimony to build a compelling case on your behalf.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, and without legal representation, you may not receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. Our legal team will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies to ensure that you are treated fairly.
• Trial Representation: While many pedestrian accident claims settle out of court, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and will aggressively advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.

To find out more about you and the claim, call (530) 491-4727 or fill out the online request form to receive a free initial consultation.