Folsom has fantastic weather, making it a perfect city for outdoor activities like walking, running, or cycling. However, the associated risks also escalate with the growing number of pedestrians taking to the roads. Pedestrians in these areas must exercise additional caution and prioritize their safety while navigating on foot.

If you have been involved in an accident where you were struck by a vehicle while walking, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll it can take on your life. In such distressing times, seeking professional guidance and support is essential. We encourage you to contact our team of experienced Folsom pedestrian injury attorneys at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for a complimentary case evaluation. We are here to listen to your story, assess your legal options, and provide you with the compassionate assistance you need.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,516 pedestrians in the United States died in 2020, and approximately 55,000 pedestrians sustained injuries. While accidents between two vehicles can result in death, pedestrian accidents are even more dangerous because of the vulnerability of those on foot.

Without protection, the pedestrian is at the mercy of tons of moving steel that often kills upon impact. Even at relatively slow speeds, the pedestrian can sustain bone fractures, internal trauma, head injury, amputations, and other significant injuries. The most common injuries include broken legs, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

One of the leading causes of car-pedestrian accidents is a failure to yield the right of way, whether or not the victim is inside or outside a crosswalk. While the person on foot needs to exercise caution, drivers generally bear the ultimate responsibility after an accident. Pedestrians should be vigilant and not assume that the driver can see them, especially at night. Because of their small size and impulsiveness, children are at particular risk.

Other common reasons for car vs. pedestrian accidents in California include the following:

• Drivers who are backing up or making left, right or U-turns.
• Distracted driving or inattention due to using electronic devices.
• Putting on makeup.

Read additional safety tips for pedestrians from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Despite its reputation as a safe and family-friendly community, these intersections in the city of Folsom have a history of dangerous accidents over the past three years:

• Bidwell Street and Blue Ravine Road
• Blue Ravine Road and Prairie Street
• Folsom Road and Iron Point Road
• Iron Point Road and Prairie City Road
• Natoma Street and Oakdale Street
• Riley Street and Sutter Street

California legislation specifies drivers watch for pedestrians and pay attention to the road. In addition, drivers bear the most responsibility for watching for pedestrians, especially in areas children frequent, such as schools and parks. Drivers must stop for walkers in a crosswalk and watch for anyone, not in a crosswalk. If a driver stops to cross at an intersection, other drivers cannot go around the first stopped car and must yield the right of way to the pedestrian.

In a hit-and-run case involving pedestrians, the victims are covered as long as they have uninsured motorist insurance on their personal car. If the victims don’t have car insurance, they are still covered as long as someone else in the pedestrian’s household has coverage to protect them, including children and the elderly.

After an accident, contact our legal team if you have additional questions about pedestrians and any of the following as they relate to California laws:

• Personal injury cases
• Drunk driving accidents
• Head or brain injuries.

The following video aims at raising awareness and providing simple life-saving educational messages on pedestrian safety.