People choose to walk for many reasons. For some, it is inexpensive and leisurely 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 regularly. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for a free consultation if you or a family member has been hurt in a pedestrian accident.

Statistically, the number of pedestrians injured in automobile collisions has steadily increased annually. In 2016, it was reported that almost five thousand pedestrians died in crashes with cars across the country, making 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 vehicle driver 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.

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 driver’s responsibility to yield to pedestrians acting predictably and reasonably, not vice versa.

Given the laws, drivers must pay close attention when approaching an intersection, red light, or stop sign, but many do not. When drivers fail to exercise reasonable care, they have breached a duty owed to pedestrians. This breach can be the basis for holding the driver liable for your harm and losses.

Pedestrians and drivers must work together to make roadways safer for pedestrians in Foothill Farms and across California. 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. Several categories of recoverable damages in a pedestrian accident injury claim exist. The types of damages that a Foothill Farms pedestrian accident lawyer may recover on your behalf include medical expenses, lost income, and damages related to the emotional and psychological trauma of the incident. 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 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.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, we can help. Our law firm has served the Foothill Farms and Northern California community since 1982 and has helped many people with their personal injury and wrongful death cases. You can reach our experienced Foothill Farms pedestrian accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice with no obligation. We are 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: updated [cha 8.10.23] sid rey [cs 752] Photo by ab}