Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Fresno has been known as one of the most dangerous cities for drivers in California. Accidents are quite common and about 64 percent of them involve pedestrians. With an alarming amount of injuries and casualties, police have urged residents and visitors to walk cautiously on crosswalks since it is not always guaranteed that a driver will give a pedestrian the right-of-way.

Under California law, a driver is required to give the right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing the street within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Those who violate CVC 21950 will face legal repercussions, such as a $200 fine, one point being added to the driver’s DMV record, and even a personal injury lawsuit. While penalties for vehicular manslaughter in California will depend on whether the driver’s actions are considered as gross or ordinary negligence.

However, it is important to have a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer to guide accident victims through their injuries and legal endeavors. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Fresno pedestrian accident lawyers will navigate the legal process for you, take on the insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve. While you heal, we’ll handle the complexities of your personal injury claim, fighting hard to get you justice.

Our Fresno team is here for you and your family after a pedestrian accident— but acting now matters. Call (213) 927-3700 for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form to speak with an experienced attorney today!

Hiring a Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer From WCTL

When you choose our services, you choose the option of having elite legal representation at no upfront cost to you or your family. Our goal has always been to offer every accident victim compassionate, top-tier advocacy, ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve after a devastating pedestrian accident in Fresno

Harvard-Educated Leadership

Our President, Neama Rahmani, is one of the youngest graduates in Harvard Law School’s history and a former federal prosecutor. As an experienced attorney, he brings elite legal expertise to every pedestrian accident case, ensuring we tackle even the most complex personal injury claims with precision and skill.

Available 24/7 – We Come to You

Unlike many firms, our pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to meet you wherever and whenever you need us—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you’re recovering at home or in a Fresno hospital, we’ll come to you to discuss your case and navigate California law on your behalf.

Trusted by High-Profile Clients

High-profile clients trust our firm to handle their pedestrian accidents with integrity and success. We bring that same dedication to every Fresno client, fighting insurance companies that try to undervalue or deny your claim.

Multilingual Legal Team

Our diverse, multilingual staff is ready to assist you in the language you’re most comfortable with, ensuring clear communication as we guide you through your personal injury claim. From start to finish, we make the process accessible and stress-free.

No Fees Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win or settle your pedestrian accident case. No upfront costs, no hidden fees—just results-driven representation from a team that knows California law

Common Causes of Fresno Pedestrian Accidents

Fresno pedestrian accidents can happen for many reasons, but distracted driving is one of the most common. Drivers who text, adjust their controls or do other distractions are much more likely to hit a pedestrian in Fresno traffic. Speed and reckless driving like illegal lane changes also create hazardous conditions for pedestrians. Speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and makes crashes more severe.

Another big cause of pedestrian accidents is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment and are a big risk to pedestrians. Drunk driving is still a big cause of these accidents. Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks causes severe crashes and injuries and shows how important it is to respect pedestrians’ right of way.

Environmental factors like bad weather can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Rain, fog and other weather conditions reduce visibility and make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Knowing these common causes is important for both drivers and pedestrians to be more careful and help protect pedestrians on the road.

Types of Injuries in Fresno Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in a wide range of injuries, including:

• Lacerations
• Leg injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries, such as strains and sprains
• Common pedestrian injuries

The impact on injury victims can be profound. It is crucial for all accident victims to seek immediate medical attention to diagnose and treat these serious injuries appropriately.

The following subsections will delve deeper into specific types of injuries frequently sustained in pedestrian accidents, providing a comprehensive understanding of their implications and the necessary medical interventions.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and head injuries are among the most severe outcomes of pedestrian accidents. Symptoms can range from:

• headaches
• nausea
• mood swings
• cognitive impairment

TBIs can significantly affect a victim’s quality of life, impacting both cognitive abilities and emotional health. Extensive medical treatment, including rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing monitoring, is often required to manage these injuries.

The road to recovery from a TBI can be long and challenging, involving various medical professionals and continuous care. The emotional and financial burden on the victim and their family can be substantial, underscoring the importance of seeking comprehensive compensation for these injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Pedestrian accidents can result in severe and long term consequences. Limited mobility and chronic pain are common. In more severe cases a complete spinal cord injury can result in permanent neurological damage and loss of movement below the injury. Treatment may include surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic care and medication to manage pain and improve mobility.

Cervical spine injuries require a lot of rehab to get as much function back as possible. Long term care for spinal cord injuries means you need to get adequate compensation to cover ongoing medical bills and support.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones and fractures are common injuries in pedestrian accidents. These injuries often require immediate medical attention, including surgical procedures, casting, and physical therapy. The healing process can be lengthy and painful, significantly affecting the victim’s daily life and ability to work.

Treatment for bone fractures typically involves a combination of surgery, casting, and rehabilitation to ensure proper healing and restore functionality. The physical and financial toll of these injuries can be substantial, making it crucial for victims to seek compensation to cover their medical expenses and lost wages.

Legal Options for Pedestrian Accident Victims

If you’ve been hit by a pedestrian, you have several options to get your money back. Filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit are the two most common ways to get compensated for your damages. In California, we have a fault based system so if the at fault driver violates traffic laws and causes an accident, they are responsible for the damages.

You can get compensated for property damage, medical bills, lost wages and other financial losses. Future medical expenses should also be included in your settlement discussions. Get legal help as soon as possible after an accident so you can determine if you have a case and don’t miss any deadlines.

Many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis which means they only get paid if they recover. This way you can pursue legal action without paying upfront legal fees. Proving liability is key to a successful claim so gathering evidence and establishing the at fault party’s negligence is crucial in the process.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident you need to take specific steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. Safety and medical attention are number one. Collecting evidence of what happened at the scene including photos, videos and witness contact info is key. In California you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.

Taking these steps helps with your health and your legal claims. Be reasonable. Below are the steps to take after an accident.

Notify Law Enforcement

Call the police. This will create an official accident report for the incident which is needed for legal purposes and your claim. If you need medical attention, call 911 now. Act fast in these situations. When reporting the accident share as much detail as you can about the incident and the driver’s behavior, like if they were distracted.

A police report will prove liability and give a documented account of the motor vehicle accident which will help with legal claims and insurance company negotiations.

Get Evidence

Getting evidence at the scene is key to winning your claim. Take photos and videos of the scene, the vehicles and any visible injuries. Get witness contact details so you can get their testimony later.

Documenting the scene thoroughly can really help your claim by providing clear evidence of what happened and the contributing factors to the accident. This evidence is key to proving liability and getting fair compensation.

See a Doctor

Even if injuries seem minor at first, see a doctor. A doctor can assess your condition and rule out injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Emergency treatment is also important as some injuries may not show up until later.

Medical evidence of your injuries is key to your personal injury claim. It shows the extent of your injuries and the treatment you need which is essential for calculating fair compensation.

Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrian accident victims can claim various types of compensation for their losses. These include:

• Economic damages, which cover financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages and property damage.
• Non-economic damages, which compensate for physical and emotional pain and reduced quality of life as a result of the injuries.
• A pedestrian accident claim for families affected by wrongful death, which can address their emotional loss and financial hardship.

Below we will break down the different types of compensation in more detail so victims know what they are entitled to and how to claim it.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are a big part of personal injury claims. These can include immediate medical bills, ongoing treatment costs and future medical expenses related to the accident. Insurance companies may cover these costs but it’s important to document all medical care and expenses thoroughly.

Victims should also consider future medical bills and include them in their accident claim to ensure they get all the medical costs related to the accident.

Lost Wages

Compensation for lost wages is crucial for victims who can’t work during their recovery. This includes time off work immediately after the accident and long term impact on earning capacity due to permanent disability. Documenting time off work and any impact on earning capacity is key to maximise the ability to recover compensation and recover lost wages.

Legal help can guide victims through the claims process with a legal team and get them fair compensation for their lost income and alleviate some of the financial burden during recovery.

Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages compensate victims for the emotional and psychological impact of pedestrian accidents. This can include emotional trauma, suffering and reduced quality of life. In California there is no cap on non-economic damage amounts so victims can get significant compensation based on the impact on their life.

These damages acknowledge the deep emotional scars and life changes that accidents can cause so victims get compensated for their suffering.

Proving Liability in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Proving liability is a big part of any pedestrian accident case. Reporting the accident to the police is important to get an official record which is key to establishing the facts. Establishing causation, linking the driver’s actions to the pedestrian’s injuries is crucial. This means showing the driver had a duty of care towards the pedestrian and breached that duty. 

Surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts can be evidence of breach of duty. Fresno accident lawyers will investigate to determine fault which is key to a valid personal injury claim. Comparative negligence may also be involved where both the pedestrian and the negligent driver are at fault. Legal help is important to navigate these complexities and prove liability.

Cost of Hiring a Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

One of the main concerns for accident victims considering legal action is the cost of hiring a lawyer. However, most Fresno pedestrian accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that clients pay legal fees only if their case is successful and they receive a settlement. This arrangement eliminates the out-of-pocket risk, making legal assistance accessible to everyone.

Additionally, many personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation to discuss the case and the fee structure in the context of personal injury law. This allows victims to understand their legal options and the potential costs involved without any financial commitment upfront.

The contingency fee basis ensures that lawyers are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients since their payment depends on the success of the case.

How Our Fresno Accident Lawyers Can Help

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we know a pedestrian accident can turn your world upside down. That’s why we’re here to step in and fight for you. You don’t need a lawyer to file a claim but going it alone risks missing key evidence or settling for less than you deserve. With our Fresno team by your side, your chances of getting maximum compensation go up and we handle the legal heavy lifting so you don’t make costly mistakes.

We dig deep into your case, investigating every detail to find out who’s at fault and hold them accountable. From dealing with pushy insurance adjusters to explaining your rights in plain English, we protect you from unfair tactics and make sure you know all your options. With decades of experience in Fresno’s courts we know how to build a strong case whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or fighting for you in court. We’ll get you the justice and compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.

Call (213) 927-3700 for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form to speak with our experienced personal injury attorneys.