Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Walnut Creek, California

Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with catastrophic injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. Unfortunately, they are frequent in high-traffic zones.  

At Brand Peters PC, we understand the challenges and distress caused by pedestrian accidents. Our team of highly experienced personal injury attorneys will help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Walnut Creek, California, Contra Costa County, Alameda County, or Solano County, give us a call. 

Types of Pedestrian Accidents

There are a variety of pedestrian accidents that can occur, each with its own unique circumstances and causes. Some common types include: 

• Crosswalk accidents: These occur when a vehicle fails to yield to a pedestrian in a designated crosswalk. 

• Intersection accidents: These happen when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle while walking through an intersection. 

• Sidewalk accidents: When a vehicle or other object veers off the road and onto the sidewalk, it can result in serious injuries for pedestrians. 

• Backing-up accidents: When a driver is backing up and does not see a pedestrian behind them, it can lead to devastating accidents.  

• Parking lot accidents: Pedestrians are at a higher risk of being hit by cars in parking lots, especially when drivers are not paying attention or speeding. 

• Hit-and-run accidents: Unfortunately, some drivers may flee the scene after hitting a pedestrian, leaving the victim without any information on who is responsible for their injuries. 

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen for various reasons, often involving negligence or reckless behavior from motorists. Some of the most common causes include: 

• Distracted driving: With the rise of smartphones, distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents. Drivers engrossed in texts or calls may fail to notice pedestrians. 

• Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction times, increasing the likelihood of a collision. 

• Failure to yield: Many accidents occur at crosswalks when drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians. 

• Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely, posing significant risks to pedestrians.  

• Disobeying traffic signals: Running red lights or stop signs can result in catastrophic accidents involving pedestrians. 

Impact of Pedestrian Accidents

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be devastating. Victims may face: 

• Severe injuries: Injuries can range from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, often requiring extensive medical treatment. 

• Financial burdens: Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages can quickly accumulate, creating financial strain for victims and their families. 

• Emotional trauma: Beyond physical injuries, the psychological impact can be long-lasting, affecting a victim's quality of life. 

• Wrongful death: In some cases, pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities, leaving families to cope with the loss of a loved one. 

• Loss of independence: Severe injuries may hinder a victim's ability to perform daily activities, resulting in a loss of independence and reliance on others for care or assistance. 

• Social isolation: The physical and emotional effects of a pedestrian accident can lead to withdrawal from social interactions, resulting in feelings of isolation and loneliness for the victims as they adjust to their new circumstances. 

Pedestrian Rights and Laws in California

These California laws are designed to protect pedestrians and can help you build a strong case: 

• Right of way: California Vehicle Code 21950 states that drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the street within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. 

• Jaywalking: Pedestrians must use designated crosswalks, but failure to do so does not automatically absolve a driver of fault in an accident. 

• Duty of care: Both drivers and pedestrians have a duty to exercise reasonable care. For drivers, this means driving at safe speeds and being vigilant, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. 

• Pedestrian safety zones: Certain areas may be designated as pedestrian safety zones, where extra vigilance is required. Drivers must be aware of these zones and exercise increased caution to protect pedestrians. 

• Local ordinances: In addition to state laws, many cities and counties in California have local ordinances that further regulate pedestrian rights and driver responsibilities. Both pedestrians and motorists should be aware of these local regulations, as they can vary from one jurisdiction to another.