The Nevada and California pedestrian accident attorneys at Ballard Injury Law are known for their excellence in personal injury law. We are dedicated to defending the rights of victims injured by negligence. Our offices are conveniently located in the Sacramento and Reno Areas to serve clients throughout Northern Nevada and California counties.
Pedestrian accidents cause some of the most devastating injuries and fatalities on the road. The human body is not equipped to withstand the force of rapidly approaching steel or concrete. Even at low speeds, the impact on the human skeleton can cause severe harm. Pedestrian accidents present a serious problem in El Dorado County, Douglas County, Carson City and Washoe County and other counties that have become increasingly dependent upon motor vehicles as the primary means of transportation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 65,000 pedestrians are injured in accidents each year. Pedestrian fatalities are higher in urban areas due to the increased volume of traffic.
Bodily injuries in pedestrian accidents can include:
- Coma
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury a/k/a ‘TBI’
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Cuts, bruises, scars
- Broken bones, teeth
- Permanent disfigurement
Pedestrians and drivers each have legal duties to act with care. Unfortunately, even the most careful pedestrian is less visible and at greater risk of injury than a normal driver on the road. Drivers are therefore more likely to be found negligent in accidents involving pedestrians. Even with flashing lights, refuge islands, and speed bumps, pedestrians remain unprotected against negligent drivers. Negligent driving includes any careless conduct, from failing to pay attention to violating the speed limit. Vehicles traveling at higher speeds are less likely to notice or stop in time to avoid hitting pedestrians. SUVs and large vehicles also exert a greater force upon hitting a pedestrian.
Motorists have a duty to “exercise due care” when passing a pedestrian by leaving a safe distance. They are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians on sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and most intersections. California law prohibits drivers from trying to overtake another vehicle that is stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross. When necessary, the motorist may give a warning by sounding the horn or exercising caution upon spotting a child or visibly confused, incapacitated, or intoxicated person. Failure to yield the right of way to a visually impaired pedestrian may result in a traffic infraction and fine of up to $1,000.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, the caring Reno and Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyers at Ballard Injury Law can help. As the injured victim, you may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We can vastly improve your chances of obtaining full compensation for your harm. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover for you. At Ballard Injury Law, we understand that pedestrian accidents cause serious injuries. We are dedicated to helping you achieve the best outcome possible in your case. Call one of our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers today at Ballard Law Practice at (916)287-7157 in Northern California, (775)391-5131 in Northern Nevada or contact us online.
Examples of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Will Handle
- Failure to Yield to Pedestrian in a Crosswalk
- Failure to Yield to Pedestrian Crossing in an Area Without Crosswalks
- Failure to Leave Adequate Room When Passing
- Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian On the Sidewalk When Exiting A Driveway