Foothill Farms Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

People choose to walk for many reasons. For some, it is an inexpensive and leisurely way to move around the city. For others, it is exercise or the bedrock of a healthy lifestyle. 

Although the Foothill Farms area has made many recent strides in becoming more pedestrian-friendly, accidents still happen on a regular basis.

Statistically, the number of pedestrians injured in collisions with automobiles has been steadily increasing annually. In 2016, it was reported that almost five-thousand pedestrians died in collisions with automobiles occurred across the country. That makes 2016 one of the deadliest years on record for pedestrians. Similarly, around fifteen percent of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve a pedestrian being hit by a car, truck, motorcycle, or SUV.

California accident statistics reveal a similar trend. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, California is one of the top three states for pedestrian deaths alongside Florida and Texas.

The statistics also show us another trend: most pedestrian accidents could be avoided if only the driver of the vehicle was paying attention to the road when at a stop sign, red light, or intersection. Studies show that texting while driving, talking on the phone, driving under the influence, and even listening to loud music on the car radio all increase the chances of an accident occurring.

When a vehicle hits a pedestrian in or around Foothill Farms, the bodily damage to the pedestrian can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Even low-speed collisions can result in more than bumps and bruises. Pedestrians hit by vehicles routinely suffer the following types of injuries:

• Back and neck injuries
• Torn ligaments
• Loss of limb
• Head and brain injuries
• Lacerations
• Spinal cord damage (including paralysis)
• Nerve damage
• Broken and fractured bones

California law makes it the responsibility of the driver to yield to pedestrians who are acting predictably and reasonably, not the other way around.

Given the laws that are in place, drivers are required to pay close attention when approaching an intersection, red light, or stop sign, but many do not. When a driver fails to exercise reasonable care, they have breached a duty owed to pedestrians. This breach can serve as the basis for holding the driver liable for your harms and losses.

It's important for pedestrians and drivers to work together to make roadways safer for pedestrians. Watch the video below to learn about the rules of the road.

Under California law, negligent drivers who wind up hitting a pedestrian can be held liable for the injuries suffered by the pedestrian. There are several different categories of recoverable damages in a pedestrian accident injury claim. The types of damages that you may be able to recover include your medical expenses, lost income due to time missed from work, and damages related to the emotional and psychological trauma associated with the accident. These are known as pain and suffering damages.

You need competent and experienced legal representation because the insurance company for the driver is not on your side. They will do whatever they can to reduce or deny their potential exposure to liability. The common tricks and tactics they use include calling you shortly after the accident and trying to convince you to give them a recorded statement that they can use later on against you. They also routinely try to offer you a low-ball amount to settle your claim. Do not fall for these tricks. Have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side fighting for your interests.

I’m Ed Smith, a Foothill Farms Pedestrian Accident Lawyer. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, I can help. I have served the Foothill Farms and Northern California community since 1982 and have helped many people with their personal injury and wrongful death cases. You can reach me at 916.921.6400 or 800.404.5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice with no obligation. I am also available online at AutoAccident.com.

We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

See our client reviews on Avvo, Google, and Yelp, and our past cases on our Verdicts and Settlements page.

Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 12.31.20]

sid rey [cs 762] 

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