Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Injured in a pedestrian accident in Fresno? Need medical treatment but can’t afford it? Need answers fast? Welcome to Maison Law. We get injured pedestrian accident victims immediate care and long-term compensation for their injuries.

Many injured victims avoid taking legal action because they think they’ll only be adding more stress to their lives. At Maison Law, we make the process quick and easy by managing your medical treatment, contacting the insurance company, and winning fair compensation on your behalf.

Don’t leave your life up to chance after a pedestrian accident; get a free case review today and be Won And Done.

How Maison Law Can Help

If a pedestrian accident injury has caused you to seek medical treatment or altered your daily life in any way, Maison Law can help. We provide the Fresno community with immediate medical resources and legal representation focused on quick results.

Pedestrian accident victims often hesitate to take legal action because they do not want to sue another person. At Maison Law, we never target individuals liable for your injuries, only the insurance company that represents them. So, you don’t have to worry about the impact a lawsuit may have on another member of the community or their family. With our legal representation, we ensure you are compensated for the following damages:

• Medical and hospital bills
• Property damages
• Occupational and physical therapy
• Lost earnings and wages
• Lost career growth, such as raises and promotions
• Property damage
• Lost future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

How Maison Law Wins Fair Settlements for Fresno Pedestrian Accident Victims

At Maison Law, we focus on directly connecting you with medical experts, negotiating your case, and winning you a fair settlement. We understand how essential it is for you to get your life back to normal after suffering a life-altering pedestrian accident. That’s why our legal process is streamlined to get you a fair settlement as soon as possible. This consists of building an ironclad case on your behalf through:

• Accurate damage calculation: we calculate damages based on expert testimony, medical evaluations, and economic analyses to cover every aspect of your current and long-term medical needs.
• Clear reports and expert witness testimony: Our firm compiles detailed reports that outline the extent of your injuries and the impact they will have on the rest of your life. We organize expert witness testimony to reinforce the credibility of your claim and the incident.
• Minimizing liability: If you file a claim or lawsuit against an at-fault party, they will most likely attempt to put some or all of the blame onto you. Our firm will analyze your case and work to minimize or eliminate liability altogether in your personal injury accident.
• Negotiating with insurers: Our experienced team of lawyers are expert negotiators and understand the tactics insurance companies will use to attempt to minimize your damages and compensation. We ensure our clients receive a fair settlement that fully covers their current and future needs.
• Court Representation: Our trial lawyers will represent you in court and build a strong case, highlighting the depth of your injuries and the necessity for recovering damages.

How to Know if You Have a Case After a Fresno Pedestrian Accident

If you suffered any type of injury due to a driver’s carelessness or intentional actions, then you have a personal injury case. Here are some signs you have a strong personal injury case after you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident:

• The defendant admitted fault. Admission is a powerful tool our firm uses to bolster the facts of your case. Through interrogatories and depositions, we form the right questions to get to the truth of the matter, especially if the defendant is at fault.
• The incident was caught on camera. Dash cams, traffic cams, and eyewitnesses may have caught your pedestrian accident. Undeniable evidence, such as footage of the incident, can make your request for fair compensation undeniable. Our firm will help you obtain the necessary evidence to strengthen your case and make your statements irrefutable.
• You’ve suffered severe injuries. Unfortunately, serious and verifiable injuries are a part of a strong personal injury case. If you do not have a record or evidence of serious injury, then you won’t have much ground to stand on when making a demand for compensation. Our firm will connect you with trusted doctors, surgeons, and orthopedists to document the extent of your injuries.
• Defendant has a history of carelessness. If the driver that injured you in your pedestrian accident has a bad driving record, this can strengthen your case. It is not uncommon for defense attorneys or the insurance to attempt to place blame onto you for your injuries. But if the defendant has a history of poor driving, then it will be difficult to argue that you were at fault.
• You’ve taken the right steps. After a serious injury, it is recommended to seek medical treatment right away, as well as to continue receiving treatment for your injury if necessary. A lapse in treatment can be detrimental to your case. The insurance may claim you’re not that injured or the accident has not seriously impacted your life.

Legal Duty of Pedestrians at a Crosswalk in Fresno

According to California Vehicle Code 21950 (b), pedestrians owe a legal duty to motorists to exercise due care for themselves and other pedestrians around them. CVC 21950 (b) states:

“This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.”

So, while there are laws to protect pedestrians in crosswalks, pedestrians must exercise caution and avoid stepping out into a crosswalk when it is unsafe. Being aware of traffic also includes traffic control devices. Pedestrians must yield to motorists who have a green light. They must also not step into a crosswalk when the “Don’t Walk” signal is displayed. Not only is it against the law for a pedestrian to cross an intersection with a “Don’t Walk” signal, but this action can also make them liable for any collisions that may occur as a direct result.

What are the Right-of-Way Rules for a Crosswalk at an Intersection in Fresno

The term “pedestrian” applies not only to people walking across the street but to people on skates and skateboards. Generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all crosswalks.  Crosswalks in California are typically marked with white lines and reflectors. Some cities even require flashing lights to illuminate the crosswalk. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must adhere to the following rules when approaching a crosswalk:

• All drivers must reduce their speeds or stop, if necessary, to yield to pedestrians within the crosswalk.
• A driver must stop before the line, not in the middle of the crosswalk.
• A driver must stop if a pedestrian is in his or her half of the lane or approaching quickly enough to be in the direct path of the vehicle.
• Drivers are not permitted to pass stopped vehicles while they’re allowing pedestrians to cross at a crosswalk.

However, a pedestrian should not step off the curb if it is unsafe. Just as drivers owe a “duty of care” to pedestrians, pedestrians are also required to avoid putting drivers in unsafe situations.

Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way Outside of Crosswalks in Fresno?

Pedestrians’ right-of-way outside of crosswalks is covered by California Vehicle Code 21954. This statute says all pedestrians on roadways at any point other than within marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.

According to California Vehicle Code 275, crosswalks exist when boundary lines of sidewalks connect at intersections. The statute further defines crosswalks as:

“That portion of a roadway included within the prolongation or connection of the boundary lines of sidewalks at intersections where the intersecting roadways meet at approximately right angles, except the prolongation of such lines from an alley across a street.

Any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, there shall not be a crosswalk where local authorities have placed signs indicating no crossing.”

Dangers of Unmarked Crosswalks in Fresno

Despite serving as critical points for crossing streets in Fresno, unmarked crosswalks can be confusing to pedestrians and motorists. Unmarked crosswalks typically lack visual markings, reflectors, or walking signs. California law does grant pedestrians the right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks, however, safety is far less guaranteed at unmarked crosswalks.

Drivers are often unaware of their responsibility to yield to a pedestrian crossing at an unmarked crosswalk, resulting in extremely hazardous scenarios. This is reflected in Fresno’s fatal pedestrian accidents, which have been on the rise, according to the City of Fresno. This uptick in fatal pedestrian accidents spotlights the city’s need for additional safety measures at unmarked crosswalks.

Legal Standing for Fresno Pedestrian Accidents in Unmarked Crosswalks

As stated in California Vehicle Code 21950, unmarked crosswalks are legally protected zones where pedestrians maintain the right of way, and vehicles are required to yield. However, unmarked crosswalks can fall into a grey area, causing both driver and pedestrian to misinterpret their rights.

Pedestrians cannot recklessly step into traffic, which would create a dangerous situation for drivers on the road. Consequently, drivers are legally obligated to drive in a safe manner that would allow them to avoid certain hazards. So, a “duty of care” must be taken by both pedestrians and drivers to maintain safety at unmarked crosswalks. Any careless actions at an unmarked crosswalk will most likely be the reason someone can be held liable in a civil lawsuit if someone is injured as a result.

What the Law Says About Hit-and-Run Accidents

According to California Vehicle Code 20002, individuals are prohibited from leaving the scene of an accident without identifying themselves to others involved when someone else’s property was damaged. This law applies to pedestrians as well as other modes of transport and is considered a misdemeanor. However, if any person is injured or killed in the hit-and-run accident, then the penalty is upgraded to a felony hit-and-run. A person is guilty of a hit-and-run if:

• They leave an accident scene
• Fail to identify themselves to others involved
• Damage occurred to someone else’s property or someone was injured or killed

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Fresno

Any accident that involves a driver failing to stop after hitting someone with their vehicle is considered a hit-and-run collision. When most people think about hit-and-runs, they tend to think it’s an accident between two cars, but a hit-and-run can happen to pedestrians, skateboarders, bikers, and other modes of non-vehicle transportation. The next steps to take after a pedestrian hit-and-run accident are:

• Report the crime to the Fresno Police: a hit-and-run driver can face serious penalties for fleeing the scene of an accident. The sooner the collision is reported, the better chance a police officer will track the offender down, improving the odds of getting compensation for your injuries.
• Get medical attention: even if you don’t feel enough pain to see a doctor, it is recommended to get checked out anyway. Deep tissue injuries and ligament strains can take days to turn into painful injuries. Any delay in seeking medical attention can be harmful to your case if you decide to take legal action.
• Speak with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: the best way for injured pedestrians in Fresno to get compensation for a hit-and-run accident is to partner with an attorney. These accidents require evidence, witness testimony, and legal protection from liability to reach a successful conclusion.

What is the Typical Compensation for a Fresno Pedestrian Accident?

There is no set dollar amount for the trauma and pain experienced by pedestrian accident victims, as every situation varies on a case-by-case basis. However, an experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer will help you understand the value of your case by calculating the cost of the following damages:

• Special Damages: medical bills, ongoing treatment, costs that accumulate when you’re unable to work, like rent or mortgage payments
• General Damages: these are non-economic hardships like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, mental trauma
• Wrongful Death Damages: these damages may be sought by a spouse or close relative for funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and medical treatment before a loved one’s death
• Punitive Damages: these damages are rare, but if the driver engaged in reckless driving with the intention of hurting you, then you could sue for punitive damages

Contact a Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Securing a lawyer and navigating the legal system can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, at Maison Law, we make the process seamless. “Won And Done” is our promise to the community of Fresno as we aim to get your case resolved and paid out as quickly as possible so you can put this injury behind you and get back to your life.

Be Won And Done with your pedestrian accident by filling out a no-cost, no-obligation case review today.