Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Fresno

Every year, pedestrians suffer devastating injuries from, or even die in, collisions with automobiles. If you experienced a life-altering injury or lost your loved one in a pedestrian accident, you deserve help.

Schedule a consultation with a seasoned local attorney who has a successful track record of helping people who suffer harm from many of the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Fresno. Our determined legal team can help you develop a strong claim for reasonable compensation. Call today to learn more.

Accidents Due to Driver Error

Most pedestrian accidents in Fresno occur for reasons related to driver mistakes. This includes:

Distracted Driving

Motorists should obey the local and state road rules, follow traffic patterns, and always be aware of what is happening around them. In addition to watching for other cars and trucks on the road, drivers should also regularly check for people who are on foot. Although pedestrians are harder to see than cars, this is not a sufficient excuse to avoid liability when an accident occurs. When a motorist takes their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving, it only takes a second to miss seeing a pedestrian about to enter the crosswalk or to lose control of their vehicle and strike someone walking on a sidewalk.

Reckless Driving

Motorists who speed, tailgate, change lanes illegally, or cut people off are often not in full control of their vehicles. If a child runs onto the street while chasing after a ball, a reckless driver will lack the control and time needed to prevent a tragedy from occurring.

Intoxicated Driving

Motorists who are drunk or using drugs are not able to make reasonable judgment calls. They also lack the manual dexterity to react appropriately and promptly to emergency situations.

Poor Driving Conditions

Bad weather, such as rain or fog, can make it harder for a motorist to spot a pedestrian. Drivers should always use extra caution in poor lighting or inclement weather situations. Failure to react appropriately, such as by reducing speed, can constitute negligent driving behavior.

Our skilled local legal team can carefully comb through the evidence from an accident, including the police report, medical records, traffic camera and video surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts. Our attorneys can use that evidence to develop a cause of action against a negligent or reckless driver. Reach out to learn more about how we prove liability.

Pedestrian Mistakes

Accidents between pedestrians and vehicles can happen in Fresno even when the motorist does not bear sole responsibility for them. Sometimes, pedestrians do something irresponsible that contributes to an accident, such as:

• Failing to use an available crosswalk to cross the road
• Walking on the road instead of using an available sidewalk
• Walking in the wrong direction by not facing traffic
• Walking while distracted, such as texting while crossing the road
• Wearing dark, non-reflective clothing at night

When a pedestrian does something that contributes to their accident, a court can determine that they are partially responsible. However, under California’s pure comparative fault standard, the injured pedestrian can still pursue a claim for their injuries, but the court would reduce their damages proportionately to their degree of blame. Contact a knowledgeable lawyer to learn more about local comparative fault rules and how they can potentially affect a settlement.

Meet With a Fresno Lawyer Regarding the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

There are many common causes of pedestrian accidents in Fresno. Regardless of why your accident occurred, a skilled local lawyer can help. They will fight for your case and make themselves available to your calls at all times.

Contact an experienced lawyer with Valero Law Group today. By calling the office at 855-976-0956, our legal team will help you get the assistance you need.