Winters is a small, quaint town in Yolo County that can draw a huge crowd. It features a historic downtown with elegant shops and restaurants, a rich array of agriculture, and adventurous outdoor recreation. With a combination of old country charm and fresh farm-to-fork culture, Winters is the perfect place to take a stroll.

Most people enjoy walking outdoors to exercise or get from point A to point B. However, there’s always a risk of getting into a pedestrian accident, no matter how careful we are. A collision with a vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries for the pedestrian due to a lack of protection. Some of the more severe injuries sustained may include brain injuries, bone fractures, and spinal cord injuries. Regaining motor skills after a pedestrian injury can result in high medical bills and prolonged recovery periods.

Pedestrians and motorists must exercise due care on and off the road. However, when a pedestrian accident happens due to driver error, the motorist may be liable for the incident. Some common causes of driver error in a pedestrian collision include:

• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Failure to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk
• Failure to watch for pedestrians
• Fatigued driving
• Passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian
• Poor weather conditions
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Speeding

Pedestrian accidents may sometimes be the result of the walker’s behavior. Like motorists, pedestrians also have a duty of care while out walking to prevent traffic accidents. Some safety tips for pedestrians include:

• Don’t wear earbuds to listen to music or talk on the phone.
• Wear reflective or bright-colored clothes at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• When a sidewalk is unavailable, walk facing traffic as far from the road as possible.
• Make eye contact with the motorist before crossing.
• Make sure you are not hidden by a parked car or bushes.
• When walking at night, carry a flashlight.
• Do not walk while impaired.
• Watch out for vehicles backing up or turning, as some drivers may not pay attention.
• Stand far away from the curb when waiting for a bus.

As with any pedestrian injury claim, determining who is at fault for the accident is crucial. This is usually done by gathering evidence at the accident scene. An experienced injury attorney knows that motorists often try to put the blame on the pedestrian. Since California is a comparative fault state, partial blame on the walker can significantly reduce compensation. Because other factors may cause the accident, such as road defects, consulting with an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer in Winters is essential. An injury attorney can evaluate your case and fight to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.

If you have been hit by a negligent driver while walking, you can pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. You may be able to recover for the following:

• Disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Wage loss
• Wrongful death

When filing a personal injury claim for your pedestrian accident case, time is of the essence. The injured victim only has two years from the accident date to file the claim. However, if government negligence is involved, the deadline is reduced to 180 days or six months after the accident date. If you file after the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case.

Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about the Statute of Limitations and why you must file a personal injury lawsuit before it runs out.

The road is uncertain, no matter how careful a pedestrian is. If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one in wrongful death involving a pedestrian accident, be sure to contact an experienced injury lawyer. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner the legal team can build your case. This way, your lawyer can protect your right to fair compensation.

Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries or death. If you or a family member has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident caused by a careless driver in or near the Winters area, please call our experienced injury lawyers at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.

See our past verdicts and settlements.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 9.7.23] Image by StockSnap from Pixabay cha llo [cs 790]}