Pedestrian accidents can happen in a split second especially in high-traffic areas like Shaw Avenue, Blackstone Avenue, or the Tower District when negligent drivers fail to yield at crosswalks, speed through intersections, or drive distracted. Whether you were walking to work, crossing the street legally, or simply navigating a parking lot, the injuries from being hit by a vehicle can be catastrophic. At The Injury Law Firm, our Fresno pedestrian accident attorney, John C. Green, advocates for injured victims and their families across Fresno County. We help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, ongoing rehabilitation, emotional trauma, and other damages. Consultations are free, and there are no legal fees unless we win your case.
Why You Should Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer After Being Hit by a Car in Fresno
Pedestrian injuries are often catastrophic, leaving victims with broken bones, head trauma, and weeks or months of recovery. Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians have no protection against impact, making legal representation essential to protect your rights and secure full compensation.
Thorough Investigation of the Crash
An experienced attorney will collect evidence from the scene, obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses, analyze police reports, and interview witnesses. This is especially important when drivers deny fault or claim you were jaywalking.
Handling the Insurance Company for You
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize your payout by arguing that you stepped outside a crosswalk or contributed to the accident. Your lawyer will push back against these tactics and fight to maximize your settlement.
Demanding Full and Fair Compensation
From emergency medical bills and follow-up care to lost wages and pain and suffering, your attorney will document all damages and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
Expert Knowledge of Fresno and California Laws
California’s pedestrian laws especially after the AB 2147 “Freedom to Walk” reform can be complex. A local pedestrian injury lawyer knows how to navigate Fresno traffic statutes and local ordinances to build a strong, defensible case.
Do Jaywalking Laws Affect My Pedestrian Accident Claim in California?
California has relaxed enforcement of jaywalking through the new “Freedom to Walk Act” (AB 2147), which went into effect in 2023. This law allows pedestrians to cross outside of marked crosswalks when it’s reasonably safe to do so.
What Is Still Considered Illegal Jaywalking?
You can still be cited if you cross recklessly, such as running across traffic, ignoring crossing signals, or darting into the street without checking for oncoming vehicles.
Can I Still File a Claim If I Was Jaywalking?
Yes. Even if you were cited, you may still recover damages if the driver was negligent—such as speeding, texting, or failing to yield. California’s comparative fault laws mean your compensation may be reduced by your share of responsibility, but you are not automatically disqualified.ersonal injury claim if a driver was negligent or driving recklessly.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Fresno
Drivers often fail to yield or pay attention around crosswalks and intersections, especially in high-traffic areas like Shaw Avenue. Many of the same reckless behaviors that endanger pedestrians—like distracted driving and speeding also lead to serious motorcycle accidents, especially when visibility is low or drivers fail to check blind spots.
- Distracted Driving
- Texting, checking directions, or eating while driving reduces awareness and reaction time, making it easy to miss pedestrians crossing legally.
- Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions
- Speeding through intersections on streets like Shaw Avenue or Herndon Avenue makes it nearly impossible to stop in time for someone in a crosswalk.
- Failure to Yield
- Drivers turning left or rolling through stop signs often fail to see or yield to pedestrians, especially at unmarked intersections or flashing beacon crossings. Pedestrians struck by commercial vehicles like delivery trucks or semis often suffer catastrophic harm. Our truck accident attorney handles complex cases involving large vehicles throughout Fresno and the Central Valley.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, depth perception, and reflexes. Intoxicated drivers are a major cause of pedestrian fatalities and life-altering injuries.
Recent Victories
Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, injuries can be severe and life-altering:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Broken Bones & Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
- Severe Lacerations or Crush Injuries
- Emotional Trauma & PTSD
- Amputation injuries
If you’ve experienced any of these injuries, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial—not just for your health but to document your case for a potential claim.
How Our Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Helps
John C. Green and The Injury Law Firm provide personalized, aggressive representation:
- Local Insight & Experience
- We understand Fresno’s courts and the common accident hotspots where pedestrian crashes frequently occur.
- Thorough Investigation
- We collect and preserve evidence before it disappears, consulting traffic safety experts when necessary.
- Comprehensive Damages Analysis
- Calculating all past, current, and future expenses, including ongoing medical care and potential loss of earnings.
- Negotiation & Litigation
- If insurers undervalue your claim, we’re ready to go to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you were injured while walking due to a negligent driver, you may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages under California personal injury law. This includes both economic and non-economic losses tied to your injuries, recovery time, and long-term impact on your quality of life.
Medical Expenses
You can seek full compensation for all medical costs related to your injury, including:
- Emergency room visits and ambulance fees
- Surgeries, hospital stays, and follow-up care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and assistive devices (e.g., crutches, braces)
- Future medical needs if your injuries require ongoing treatment
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
If your injuries kept you out of work or reduced your ability to earn a living:
- You may recover wages lost during your recovery period
- If you can no longer perform your prior job or return to full-time work, your settlement can include diminished earning capacity
Pain and Suffering
California law allows injury victims to recover for non-economic damages, such as:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress or trauma (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life, such as being unable to walk, exercise, or play with your children
Property Damage
If personal property was damaged during the accident such as your phone, eyeglasses, bicycle, or mobility device you may be reimbursed for repair or replacement costs.
Punitive Damages (in Rare Cases)
In rare situations involving gross negligence, intoxicated driving, or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Contact a Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near You
You don’t have to face insurance adjusters and medical bills alone. Let The Injury Law Firm and John C. Green guide you through the legal process to secure the compensation you need.
- Call Us: (559) 575-0317
- Schedule a Free Consultation: Click Here
Take the first step toward justice. Our pedestrian accident law firm is here to fight for your rights every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions for Pedestrian Accident Claims
Can I still file a claim if I was jaywalking or partially at fault?
Yes. Under California’s comparative negligence laws, you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault (such as crossing outside a crosswalk or not using a signal). Your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can help present your case in the best light, especially in shared-fault scenarios.
What’s the statute of limitations for a pedestrian accident claim in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if your accident involved a government entity (such as a city bus or poorly maintained public sidewalk), you may only have six months to file an administrative claim. Always consult a pedestrian accident attorney near you as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What happens if the driver fled the scene?
If the motorist left the scene, your case may qualify as a hit-and-run pedestrian accident. You should file a police report immediately and notify your insurer. If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you may still be able to seek compensation. An experienced attorney can help you pursue every possible recovery option—even if the driver is never identified.
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer near me?
Most pedestrian injury attorneys—including our Fresno-based team—work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront fees. You only owe legal fees if your lawyer wins compensation through a settlement or verdict. This structure allows injured pedestrians to pursue justice without financial barriers.
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?
Call 911 and seek medical attention—even for minor injuries.
Get the driver’s information and contact details for any witnesses.
Take photos of the accident scene, crosswalks, traffic signs, and your injuries.
Avoid making statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer.
Contact a local pedestrian accident attorney to begin your claim and preserve evidence.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. For individualized guidance on your claim, consult an attorney.