Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Step Forward with Confidence, We're Here to Uphold Your Path to Recovery.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you have the legal right to pursue a claim for damages. Collisions with pedestrians happen all too often on the streets of Hollister and nearby areas. As a victim, it’s understandable you might be unsure about what to do next or who will pay your medical expenses. That’s why you should consider hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer.
At Gonzalez & Jones, APC, we offer support and guidance during these challenging times. We center our representation on understanding your unique situation, whether it happened right here in Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Salinas, Gilroy, Los Banos, Monterey, Castroville, or anywhere in California.
Our lawyers prioritize personal attention, and we’re committed to helping you navigate the complexities of California pedestrian laws. If you need assistance, contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.
Why Hire a Hollister Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
What you do following an accident can impact your claim and increase your potential compensation. The average payout for a pedestrian hit by a car varies. Hiring a skilled lawyer can help you recover more compensation than if you tried to pursue a claim by yourself. Why? Because insurance companies know how to take advantage of unsuspecting accident victims to minimize their payout.
Our team brings a deep understanding of the local legal landscape, and we know how to fight back against unfair insurance company tactics. We are personally invested in your well-being and will work to ensure you receive the compensation you need to move forward. We understand that no two accidents are the same, just as no two people are the same. So we work from day one to get to know you, your case, and your specific needs. Then we get to work protecting your rights.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Hollister and its surrounding regions can take many forms. Here are some of the most common ones that result in pedestrian accident injuries.
- Crosswalk incidents. Crosswalk accidents typically occur when a driver fails to notice pedestrians or ignores crosswalk signals. Crosswalk accidents can result from distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield to the pedestrian’s right of way.
- Parking lot accidents. Not paying attention while reversing or navigating through parking areas can result in a driver striking a pedestrian.
- Intersection accidents. Complex traffic patterns and multiple vehicle movements increase risks at intersections. Causes include drivers ignoring traffic signals, making unsafe turns, or not observing pedestrians stepping off the curb.
- Hit-and-run accidents. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are common. Sometimes the driver flees out of fear, but other times, they might not even realize they struck someone and keep driving.
- School zone accidents. These accidents are particularly troubling due to the presence of children. Some causes of school zone accidents include speeding, disobeying signals, or distracted driving.
- Sidewalk accidents. Although sidewalks are meant for pedestrian safety, accidents can occur due to vehicles veering off the road. Some common causes include driver negligence, loss of vehicle control, or driving under the influence.
- Nighttime walking accidents. Lower visibility at night increases the risk for pedestrians, especially in areas lacking proper street lighting. You can reduce the risk of accidents by wearing bright and reflective clothing.
- Accidents involving public transportation. Sometimes, a pedestrian gets into an accident with a bus or other public transport vehicle. Blind spots or the size of the vehicles are contributing factors in these crashes.
- Driveway accidents. People backing out of their driveways must take extra precautions to watch for pedestrians who may be passing at the rear.
Every pedestrian accident case requires a thorough investigation and liability assessment. It’s not uncommon to find that more than one factor contributed to your injuries. For example, someone distracted by their phone and speeding might not see you walking through a crosswalk.
Proving Liability in a California Pedestrian Accident
You might assume the driver is always at fault for a pedestrian accident. However, it’s possible for a pedestrian to be partially at fault, too. A driver’s insurance will not automatically pay a pedestrian accident claim with no questions asked. As the pedestrian, you must prove the driver caused the accident and the accident resulted in your injuries.
Drivers must drive with caution and adhere to traffic laws. For example, when drivers speed, get distracted, drive under the influence, or violate traffic signals, they can be liable for the accident. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and police reports can be critical in establishing the driver’s fault.
Pedestrians are also responsible for following traffic laws and exercising reasonable care. Instances where a pedestrian might be liable include:
- Jaywalking,
- Crossing against traffic signals,
- Walking on highways or bridges where foot traffic is prohibited, or
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A pedestrian’s actions can be considered a contributing factor in such cases. That’s an important detail because California law allows you to collect compensation for your injuries, even if you’re primarily at fault. Under the state’s pure comparative negligence rule, you could still receive compensation if you’re 80% at fault. However, your percentage of liability reduces your compensation. For example, if you are found to be 80% at fault, you would only receive 20% of your damages.
Why Choose Gonzalez & Jones, APC?
Choosing the right lawyer is crucial. You want someone who understands the nuances of these claims and how best to maximize your potential compensation. At Gonzalez & Jones, APC, we have years of experience and stand out for our personalized attention and individually tailored legal services.
Based in Hollister, we have a genuine connection to the community and an intrinsic understanding of the local legal environment. This local insight is vital to effectively navigating Hollister and San Juan Bautista, Salinas, Gilroy, Los Banos, Monterey, Castroville, and San Benito County cases.
We prioritize open and clear communication with our clients. Your attorney will always keep you informed about the progress of your case. Our lawyers are driven by a commitment to securing your best possible outcome. Whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or pursuing a trial, we are prepared to go the extra mile.
Contact Us Today
If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, please speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer at Gonzalez & Jones, APC. We serve Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Salinas, Gilroy, Los Banos, Monterey, Castroville, San Benito County, and the entire state of California. Let us put our years of experience to work for you and help you get the compensation and justice you deserve. To learn more about how we can assist you, please get in touch with our office to schedule a consultation.
Call us at 408-848-2208 or use our online contact form to set up your consultation.
