California’s pedestrian death rate is nearly 25% higher than the national average, and the number of pedestrian deaths in Sacramento has been a major cause for concern in our community in recent years.
In Sacramento, pedestrian crashes frequently happen in high-traffic areas where cars and foot traffic intersect. Busy corridors like J Street and K Street in Midtown, the intersections along Florin Road in South Sacramento, and stretches of Stockton Boulevard near UC Davis Medical Center are all common sites of serious accidents.
Pedestrian accidents are devastating for victims and their families. When you’ve been involved in one of these traumatic accidents, you’re faced with many challenges. You must deal with expensive medical bills, the inability to work, and tremendous pain and suffering, all while trying to recover from your injuries.
Whether you need assistance in getting money for medical bills or someone to deal with the insurance company, Berg Injury Lawyers is here to help.
You might be concerned about hiring an attorney because of the potential cost, but at Berg Injury Lawyers, you don’t pay if you don’t win. There’s no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call this our No Fee Guarantee®.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
Pedestrian Laws in California
Pedestrians in Sacramento and throughout California have special protections to keep them safe. Here is a summary of California’s vehicle laws specific to pedestrians.
Right-of-Way Rules:
- Crossing the Street: Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all crosswalks and intersections, even if they aren’t marked. Drivers must stop to let pedestrians cross.
- Eye Contact: If a pedestrian looks at you, it likely means they want to cross. Drivers need to stop and let them go.
Traffic Signals and Signs:
- Traffic Lights: Pedestrians should cross only when they see the WALK signal. Don’t start crossing if the DON’T WALK signal is flashing.
- Pedestrian Buttons: Use the button to activate the WALK signal and finish crossing when the countdown timer is on.
- No Signals: If there are no pedestrian signals, follow the regular traffic lights and cross when it’s safe.
Driver Obligations:
- Stop for Pedestrians: Always stop for people at crosswalks. Don’t pass other cars stopped at crosswalks; there might be someone crossing.
- Blind Pedestrians: Be extra careful around people using guide dogs or white canes. They always have the right-of-way. Don’t honk or block the crosswalk.
Other Considerations:
- School Zones: Drive slowly and be extra cautious in school zones. Children may not be aware of traffic rules.
- Diagonal Crosswalks: Some intersections let you cross in multiple directions. Only cross when the signals allow it.
- Visibility: Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in bad weather, to be easily seen by drivers.
Penalties for Violations:
- Drivers: If you don’t yield to pedestrians, you can get fines, points on your license, and higher insurance rates. If you injure a pedestrian in a collision, you may face a personal injury lawsuit against you.
- Pedestrians: If you ignore traffic signals or crosswalks, you can be fined for jaywalking.
Following these laws helps keep everyone safe. If you’re injured in a pedestrian accident, talking to a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Sacramento
There are many potential causes of pedestrian accidents, though they most always involve some form of negligence. Here are some of the main reasons pedestrian accidents occur:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or not paying attention to the road can easily miss seeing pedestrians, leading to accidents.
- Speeding: When drivers exceed speed limits, they have less time to react to pedestrians crossing the street, increasing the likelihood and severity of accidents.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers not stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections is a significant cause of accidents. Pedestrians have the right-of-way, and drivers must yield to them.
- Improper Turns: Accidents frequently occur when drivers make turns without checking for pedestrians. This is especially common when turning right on red lights without stopping.
- Running Red Lights: Drivers who run red lights can collide with pedestrians who are legally crossing the street, leading to severe injuries.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, making it more likely they will hit pedestrians. In Dec. 2023, CBS Sacramento reported that a mother was killed and her two children suffered injuries after they were struck by an intoxicated driver who lost control of her vehicle, while they were walking along Pocket Rd. in front of the children’s school.
Where to Get Treatment for a Pedestrian Accident Injury in Sacramento
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, getting immediate and ongoing medical care is essential. Sacramento has several hospitals and rehabilitation centers equipped to handle traumatic injuries and provide specialized recovery services.
- UC Davis Medical Center: As one of the region’s only Level I trauma centers, UC Davis Medical Center is highly equipped to treat serious injuries from pedestrian accidents, including fractures, head trauma, and other life-threatening conditions.
- Sutter Medical Center Sacramento: Located in Midtown, Sutter Medical Center provides comprehensive emergency services and follow-up care, making it a vital resource for accident victims in need of immediate treatment.
- Mercy General Hospital: Known for its skilled emergency and surgical teams, Mercy General Hospital offers critical care for accident-related injuries and rehabilitation services to help patients regain mobility and strength.
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital: This facility focuses on inpatient rehabilitation, offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help accident victims transition from hospital care to independent living.
Securing Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
Many factors determine the damages you can recover, which may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future earning potential, and pain and suffering compensation. Medical expenses can quickly pile up after a pedestrian accident. Lost wages due to recovery time can impact your financial stability, and the physical pain and emotional distress suffered often lead to a diminished quality of life.
Unfortunately, some pedestrian accidents are hit-and-run incidents where drivers flee the scene, leaving victims not only severely injured, but also wondering how they’ll get compensation for their damages. In Feb. 2025 alone, CBS Sacramento reported that three pedestrians had been recently struck by vehicles in the area, and two of those accidents were being investigated as hit-and-runs.
If someone else is responsible for injuries and losses you’re facing, you should take legal action to get the compensation you deserve. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know how to gather evidence to hold negligent drivers accountable, and if they can’t be immediately found after hit-and-run accidents, we’ll work hard to help locate them and pursue all available options to get you maximum compensation.
Contact Our Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Sacramento, it’s essential to seek legal representation from experienced lawyers like ours at Berg Injury Lawyers. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and provide an understanding of your legal options.
We understand that you may have urgent questions or concerns, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Sacramento, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team of lawyers. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
