San Francisco’s dense traffic, busy intersections, and constant flow of tourists and commuters create all kinds of risks for pedestrians. If you were hit by a negligent driver, a California pedestrian accident lawyer can help you seek damages.The attorneys at Sweet James have been fighting for accident victims for more than 25 years. If you were on the wrong end of a pedestrian accident, a San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue a fair settlement.
What Can a San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Attorney Do for Me?
Legal support can make a big difference in the outcome of a personal injury case. A pedestrian accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident: A lawyer can review police reports, gather witness statements, and analyze traffic camera footage to determine who is at fault.
- Determine the value of your claim: A lawyer can assess your losses and determine your claim’s true value.
- Handle insurance companies: A lawyer can help ensure your claim is taken seriously and that you are not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
- Represent you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can take your case to trial and argue on your behalf.
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical treatment.
- Lost wages: You can seek compensation for income you lost while recovering from the accident, as well as reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
- Pain and suffering: You can pursue damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost of personal items damaged in the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can be compensated for the ways your injuries have limited your ability to enjoy daily activities.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or reckless behavior, you may be awarded additional damages intended to punish the responsible party.
A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and break down the damages you are eligible to recover.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in California?
Under CCP § 335.1, the statute of limitations for most pedestrian accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. You must file your claim within this time frame or risk losing your right to pursue compensation.
There are exceptions that can shorten or extend this deadline. For example, if your claim involves a government entity, you may be required to file a notice of claim within just six months. A pedestrian accident lawyer in San Francisco can help make sure you meet the applicable deadline.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
While drivers are often at fault for pedestrian accidents, other parties may also share responsibility. Those who may be held liable for your damages include:
- Negligent drivers: Drivers who speed, drive distracted, or fail to yield are frequently responsible for pedestrian accidents.
- Rideshare companies: If the driver was working for a rideshare service at the time of the accident, the company’s insurance policy may apply.
- Government entities: Poorly maintained roads, broken traffic signals, or unsafe crosswalks may make a city or municipality partially liable.
- Vehicle manufacturers: If a mechanical defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
A San Francisco personal injury lawyer can help identify who’s responsible for your accident and hold them accountable for your injuries and other losses.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in San Francisco
Pedestrian accidents can happen in a variety of ways, but most are caused by negligence. These accidents often occur due to:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, using navigation apps, or otherwise distracted may fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street.
- Failure to yield: Many accidents occur when drivers ignore crosswalks or fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time and increases the severity of injuries when a collision occurs.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly affects a driver’s judgment and reaction time.
- Poor visibility: Fog, nighttime conditions, and poorly lit streets can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
- Unsafe intersections: Complex or poorly designed intersections can contribute to collisions.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in San Francisco
The steps you take after an accident can either strengthen or hurt your claim. With that in mind, you should:
- Call the police: A police report provides an official record of the accident and can be valuable evidence for your claim.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. If possible, collect witnesses’ contact information as well.
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get evaluated by a medical professional.
- Avoid discussing fault: Do not admit fault or make statements that could be used against you later.
- Consult an attorney: A lawyer can start investigating the incident and building your claim before any evidence disappears.
Consult a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in San Francisco
Pedestrian accidents can have life-changing consequences. If you were the victim of one, a San Francisco pedestrian accident attorney from Sweet James can handle every aspect of your claim and fight for a fair settlement so you can focus on healing.
Schedule a free case review to learn about how you can get justice.
Sweet James Accident Attorneys
San Francisco Location
1 Sansome St. Suite 3500
San Francisco, CA 94104
(800) 900-0000
