Union City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Injury Attorney in Union City, California

Walking down the street shouldn’t come with the risk of serious harm, yet pedestrian accidents are a growing concern in California. Whether at a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or in a parking lot, pedestrians are vulnerable to reckless drivers, poor road conditions, and other hazards. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the consequences can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. If you’ve been injured while walking, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Navigating the legal process after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from serious injuries. At Setareh Law, we handle pedestrian accident cases across California and fight to hold negligent parties accountable. We understand the impact an accident can have on your life, and we are dedicated to pursuing the maximum compensation you may be owed. With our experience in handling personal injury claims, we can evaluate your case, deal with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Many pedestrian accidents are preventable and often occur due to the negligence of drivers or other parties. Understanding the causes of these incidents can help determine who may be responsible for your injuries.

One of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is driver inattention. Distracted driving, including texting, eating, or adjusting in-car controls, takes a driver’s focus off the road and increases the risk of striking a pedestrian. Speeding also plays a major role in these accidents, as higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and make collisions more severe. Additionally, drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks or intersections often put pedestrians in harm’s way.

Driving under the influence is another leading factor in pedestrian accidents. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and make safe decisions. Poor visibility at night or during bad weather further increases the risk, as drivers may struggle to see pedestrians in time to avoid a collision. In some cases, poorly designed roads, missing traffic signals, or broken sidewalks can contribute to pedestrian accidents, making city and state agencies partially liable for damages.

Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident depends on the circumstances of the crash. In many cases, the driver is at fault, but other parties may also share responsibility.

A driver may be liable if they were speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent at the time of the accident. However, pedestrians also have a duty to follow traffic laws. If a pedestrian crosses the street outside of a designated crosswalk or runs into traffic, they may be found partially at fault. California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning even if a pedestrian is partially responsible, they may still recover compensation, though it could be reduced based on their percentage of fault.

Other entities may also be liable. If poor road design, missing signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals played a role in the accident, a government agency responsible for road maintenance may be held accountable. Similarly, if a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, the car manufacturer or maintenance provider could share liability. Understanding all potential sources of liability is essential in maximizing the compensation available for an injured pedestrian.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

After a pedestrian accident, injured victims may be able to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The specific amount available depends on factors such as injury severity, liability, and the impact of the accident on daily life.

Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. If an injury prevents a pedestrian from returning to work, they may also seek compensation for diminished earning capacity. Future medical expenses, including ongoing treatment or assistive devices, can be included in a claim to ensure long-term care needs are met.

Non-economic damages address the pain and suffering caused by an accident. These damages may include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. In some cases, if the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness, a court may award punitive damages as a way to punish wrongful behavior and deter future negligence. A thorough assessment of all losses is necessary to ensure fair compensation is pursued.

How Can Setareh Law Help With Your Case?

Handling a pedestrian accident claim alone can be difficult, especially when dealing with insurance companies that aim to minimize payouts. At Setareh Law, our Unity City pedestrian accident lawyers have extensive experience representing injured pedestrians and fighting for the compensation they deserve. Our team gathers evidence, works with experts, and builds strong cases to establish liability and maximize settlements.

We handle all communication with insurance companies to protect you from unfair settlement offers. Insurers often attempt to downplay injuries or shift blame onto pedestrians to avoid paying full compensation. With our legal representation, you won’t have to worry about being taken advantage of. We negotiate aggressively and, if necessary, are prepared to take your case to court to secure the best possible outcome. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, we are ready to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact us today at (310) 659-1826 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.