On average, more than 30 pedestrians are injured in collisions with vehicles every year in Alameda. These accidents are preventable, and if you’ve suffered injuries because of a negligent driver, you deserve compensation for the expenses you’re facing.
The Alameda pedestrian accident lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers are here to provide the guidance and support you need. Our team has been helping injured people in Northern California since 1981, and we know what it takes to get injured pedestrians the compensation they’re entitled to.
Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation, and let us guide you on your journey to justice.
California’s Pedestrian-Related Laws
Pedestrians are considered vulnerable road users and are afforded specific protections under California law. Whether walking, using a mobility device such as a wheelchair or walker, or engaging in other activities such as roller skating or skateboarding, pedestrians have rights and responsibilities to ensure their safety.
Here’s an overview of key laws and guidelines that govern pedestrian safety in California:
Right-of-Way:
- Pedestrian Crossings: Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections and crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street.
- Yielding to Pedestrians: When a pedestrian is crossing the roadway, vehicles must slow down or stop to allow the pedestrian to cross safely.
- Crosswalks: Pedestrians have priority in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers should always stop at the limit line, if present, before the crosswalk.
- Eye Contact: If a pedestrian makes eye contact with a driver, it indicates the pedestrian’s intention to cross. Drivers must yield in such cases.
Traffic Signals:
- Traffic Lights: Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and only cross when they see the WALK or walking person signal. When the DON’T WALK or raised hand signal is flashing, pedestrians should not start crossing.
- Pedestrian Signals: Pedestrians should use the push button to activate the WALK signal, if available, and must complete their crossing when the countdown timer is displayed.
- No Signals: If there are no pedestrian signals, pedestrians should follow the vehicle traffic signals and cross only when it is safe to do so.
Driver Responsibilities:
- Stop at Crosswalks: Drivers must stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, and they should never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, as there may be pedestrians crossing that are not visible.
- Blind Pedestrians: Extra caution should be taken around pedestrians using guide dogs or white canes. These pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times. Drivers should avoid honking or stopping in the middle of crosswalks.
Special Considerations:
- School Zones: Drivers must exercise heightened caution and adhere to reduced speed limits in school zones. Pedestrians in these areas often include children who may not always be aware of traffic rules.
- Diagonal Crosswalks: Some intersections have diagonal crosswalks, allowing pedestrians to cross in multiple directions. Pedestrians should only cross when the appropriate signals allow it.
- Visibility: Pedestrians should make themselves visible to drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Wearing bright or reflective clothing can help increase visibility.
Penalties for Violations:
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians can face significant fines and penalties. Such violations can also lead to points on the driver’s license and increased insurance rates.
- Pedestrian Violations: Pedestrians who ignore traffic signals or crosswalks can also be cited for jaywalking, which carries its own set of fines.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Alameda
Factors contributing to pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, failure to yield, crosswalk violations, and impaired driving.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a significant issue threatening pedestrian safety. When drivers are distracted by their phones or other activities, their attention is diverted from the road, increasing the risk of accidents with pedestrians and resulting in severe injuries.
- Failure to Yield/Crosswalk Violations: Failure to yield and crosswalk violations are other common causes of pedestrian accidents in Alameda. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or ignore traffic signals put pedestrians at risk. It’s crucial for drivers to be vigilant and adhere to traffic laws to ensure pedestrian safety.
- Impaired Driving: Impaired driving, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, also significantly contributes to pedestrian accidents. Impaired drivers have compromised judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it difficult for them to respond to pedestrians, potentially leading to catastrophic accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Alameda, seek legal representation from experienced Alameda pedestrian accident lawyers. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Alameda
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Alameda, consider the following steps:
1. Seek immediate medical attention and document your injuries.
Your health should be your top priority after a pedestrian accident. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. Documenting your injuries with medical records and photographs will provide crucial evidence for your case.
2. Gather evidence at the accident scene.
Preserving evidence is essential for establishing liability and proving your case. If possible, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene, including photographs of the location, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident. This evidence will help support your claim and strengthen your case.
3. Report the accident to the authorities and insurance companies.
Report the pedestrian accident to the local police or Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Also notify your insurance company about the incident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the accident. Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident with the other party’s insurance company without legal guidance.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Alameda
Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Understanding the types of damages available in pedestrian accident cases can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.
In pedestrian accident cases, you may be entitled to the following types of damages:
- Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any other related expenses.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, both current and future.
- Pain and Suffering: Pedestrian accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and a decreased quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering considers the physical and emotional impact of the accident on your life.
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim or offer a settlement that does not adequately cover your losses. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our team of experienced Alameda pedestrian accident attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims.
Contact Our Alameda Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
At Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Alameda pedestrian accident lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
