Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

A collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian is rarely minor. The forces involved can cause fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and fatal injuries. At Piering Law Firm, our Sacramento pedestrian accident attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience handling these cases, and we take them on contingency, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.

At Piering Law Firm, our Sacramento personal injury lawyers handle your claims with competence and compassion. We handle cases involving all types of automobile accidents on a contingency basis, so you only pay us when we win. Se habla español. Contact us online or call (916) 476-2399 today!

More than 50 Years of Combined Experience Countering Insurance Tactics

After a pedestrian accident, insurers move quickly to limit their exposure. They may argue you weren’t paying attention, that you stepped off a curb unexpectedly, or that you were struck while crossing outside a designated crosswalk. These arguments shift blame onto the injured person and reduce or eliminate what the insurer has to pay.

We know these tactics because we’ve been countering them for decades. Our team works with accident reconstructionists who analyze the physical evidence to establish exactly how the crash occurred. We also work with medical professionals who document and testify to the full scope of your injuries, including long-term functional limitations that affect your daily life and earning capacity.

What Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Claims Can Cover

California law allows injured pedestrians to seek compensation for the full range of their losses. What that looks like in practice depends on the severity of the injuries and how they’ve affected your life, but recoverable damages typically include:

• Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost income: Wages missed during recovery and reduced earning capacity if the injuries are permanent
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed, compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship

California follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means compensation is adjusted based on the degree of fault attributed to each party. Even if you bear some share of responsibility for the accident, you may still recover a portion of your damages. We examine all available evidence, including witness statements, police reports, and surveillance footage, to build a clear picture of what happened.

Understanding Your Rights as a Pedestrian

As a pedestrian, you have specific rights that protect you from negligence and ensure your safety on the road. It's essential to understand these rights, especially if you've been involved in an accident. At Piering Law Firm, we believe that knowledge is power, and we are here to equip you with the information you need to navigate your legal journey effectively.

Key rights for pedestrians include:

• The Right to Safe Passage: All pedestrians have the right to use sidewalks and crosswalks safely without fear of being struck by vehicles.
• The Right to Compensation: If you are injured due to someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• The Right to Representation: You have the right to legal representation from experienced attorneys who understand pedestrian laws and can advocate for your best interests.
• The Right to Report Incidents: If you are involved in an accident, you have the right to report the incident to law enforcement and seek medical attention without delay.

Our dedicated team at Piering Law Firm is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve. We will guide you through every step of the process, from filing your claim to negotiating with insurance companies. Don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your situation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Sacramento.

U.S. Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• 7,338 pedestrians were killed and 140,000 were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2019 alone.
• Pedestrians accounted for 20% of people killed and 5% of people injured in motor vehicle collisions in 2019.
• The proportion of people killed "outside the vehicle" (including pedestrians, motorcyclists, and other non-vehicle occupants) in motor vehicle accidents has increased from a low of 20% in 1996 to a high of 34% in 2019.
• Pedestrian fatalities in urban areas have increased by 62% since 2010.

Pedestrians Struck by Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles in Sacramento

Cars turning through crosswalks, delivery trucks backing out of lots, motorcycles running red lights, and distracted drivers in parking structures all represent real scenarios our clients have faced. The vehicle type affects both the nature of the injuries and sometimes the available insurance coverage, which is why we evaluate each case individually from the start.

When the at-fault driver is uninsured, recovery becomes more complex but is still possible. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply, and there may be other responsible parties, including municipalities whose road designs contributed to the crash. We identify available sources of recovery before advising you on how to proceed.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

What you do in the hours and days after the accident can have a real effect on your claim. If your injuries allow, these steps help preserve your case:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Delayed symptoms are common in pedestrian accidents, and a same-day medical record ties your injuries directly to the crash.
• Report the accident to law enforcement. A police report documents the scene, the parties involved, and any initial fault determinations.
• Photograph the scene if you can, including the vehicle, the roadway, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
• Collect witness contact information before people leave the area.
• Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver’s insurer until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Early involvement allows us to secure evidence before it disappears, manage communications with the at-fault driver’s insurer, and advise you on what to say and what not to say. Waiting increases the risk that key evidence is lost and that you inadvertently harm your claim.

The statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims in California is generally two years from the date of the accident. If a government entity is involved, such as a city or county agency, the deadline to file an administrative claim can be as short as six months. Missing these deadlines eliminates your ability to recover.

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Robert Piering, John Beals & Sukhtej Atwal

Our attorneys, Robert Allen Piering, John Beals, and Sukhtej Atwal, handle pedestrian accident cases throughout Sacramento County and bring more than 50 years of combined experience in complex personal injury litigation. Though the majority of pedestrian accident cases settle before trial, we prepare every case as though a jury will decide it. That preparation gives us leverage at the negotiating table, and it means we’re ready if the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement.

We offer consultations in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Spanish, and we can meet in your home or on weekends when necessary.

Call (916) 476-2399 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We can meet in your home or on the weekend if necessary.