Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Were You Involved in an Accident as a Pedestrian?

Here at Thompson Law, we are well aware of the situation pedestrians have to deal with after an accident. Unlike those who are protected with airbags, seat belts, and other safety technologies, pedestrians often don’t have the same forms of protection—making them vulnerable to devastating injuries. They can be thrown into the oncoming traffic after being struck by a vehicle, or they can land against stationary objects. This unpredictability may make the injury even greater.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to call for legal help. The full extent of your injuries may not be visible at first, so aside from an attorney, a physician’s evaluation is necessary to identify what could be wrong after an incident. That being said, dealing with injuries and medical costs can be overwhelming—and that’s just a small part of how the aftermath of an accident can affect your life significantly.

Bakersfield pedestrians

But you don’t need to face this on your own. Our trusted Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you out. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

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What Compensation Can I Recover For My Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

Oftentimes, you may be able to recover some damages for lost income, medical bills, as well as pain and suffering.

Here’s a more detailed rundown of the kinds of compensation you may get:

Economic Damages

These cover the financial losses you experience, which include:

  • Future and current medical bills.
  • Lost income, including the potential earnings you would have when you are deemed incapable of working due to the accident.
  • Personal property damage.
  • Replacement services.

Non-Economic Damages

These ones are harder to calculate but generally include the following:

  • Physical pain and suffering.
  • Permanent disability.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Emotional distress.
  • Disfigurement.

When it comes to wrongful death cases, family members may also claim non-economic compensation for loss of support.

Contact us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

How Can a Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help?

If you’ve been hit by a vehicle, choosing the right Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyer can help you secure financial support for your recovery.

At Thompson Law, we know how life can change after an accident. You may be unable to work, spending most of your time in doctor’s offices or therapy sessions. Even after treatment, you may not fully recover, leaving you with lasting pain and limitations.

California law generally allows two years to file a pedestrian accident claim, but acting quickly ensures your rights are protected.

Our legal team will be more than willing to guide you through the process. We’ll gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve, including medical costs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. Let us help you take the next steps toward recovery.

Why You Should Consult Our Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Getting full compensation after a pedestrian accident isn’t always easy. Insurance companies often try to delay, deny, or reduce payouts, making it difficult for victims to recover what they deserve.

Adjusters may pressure you into giving a recorded statement or accepting a low settlement that won’t cover your medical bills or lost wages. They might question your injuries, argue the accident wasn’t the cause, or drag out the process to make you settle for less. Without legal guidance, it’s easy to make mistakes that weaken your claim.

At Thompson Law, our Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies. We gather key evidence, speak to witnesses, and build a strong case from the start. Our team negotiates aggressively and calculates both current and future damages to fight for maximum compensation.

You don’t have to handle this alone. Let us take on the legal battle while you focus on healing. Call now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Call Our Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

At Thompson Law, our Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you and your family deserve. Call today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, we can handle everything from legal paperwork to insurance negotiations, so you can focus on healing. Not ready to hire an attorney yet? Save our contact information for when you need it. Having a trusted legal team just a call away can save you time during a stressful moment.

Bakersfield law gives you two years to file an injury claim, so don’t wait too long. The sooner we start, the better we can build your case. Call now for a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

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(844) 308-8180

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law‘s Bakersfield personal injury lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

How to Prove Driver Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident

Drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and watch for pedestrians. When they fail to do so, accidents happen.

To prove negligence in a pedestrian accident case, our Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers must establish the following:

Duty of Care

Every driver is required to follow traffic laws and drive safely to prevent harm to others, including pedestrians.

Breach of Duty

A driver is negligent if they act carelessly or recklessly. This can include:

  • Speeding or driving too fast for conditions.
  • Running a red light or stop sign.
  • Failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Texting or using a phone while driving.

Causation

The driver’s actions must have directly led to the accident and injuries.

Damages

Victims must show they suffered losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Bakersfield pedestrian accident, legal help is available. Our attorneys will investigate the crash, collect evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

When a person who is traveling on foot gets in a collision with a vehicle, a pedestrian accident occurs. This often happens in high-traffic streets, especially in crosswalks, intersections—and even in sidewalks and parking lots. Sometimes, it may also involve skateboards, scooters, or even those in wheelchairs.

Pedestrian accidents are different because the ones involved are unprotected people, as opposed to those who are inside vehicles. That’s why injuries in these accidents are often more severe and life-threatening. No matter the cause, pedestrian accidents can be devastating for victims and their families.

Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Did you know that in May 2024, Bakersfield was deemed the most dangerous city in California for pedestrians?

Yes, a report from Smart Growth America placed Bakersfield among the top four most hazardous metro areas in the U.S. for pedestrians.

Between 2018 and 2022, Bakersfield recorded 30 more pedestrian deaths than in the previous five-year period. The city now has an annual pedestrian fatality rate of 3.99 per 100,000 people. Here’s what else we know:

  • 1,300 pedestrian crashes were reported in Bakersfield over a five-year period.
  • 14% of those accidents resulted in fatalities.
  • Downtown and East Bakersfield have the highest number of pedestrian accidents.
  • Most crashes occur between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., when visibility is reduced and traffic is heavier.
  • Pedestrian fatality rates are four times higher in neighborhoods with annual incomes between $15,000 and $25,000 compared to wealthier areas.
  • Although only 17% of the city’s population lives in lower-income areas, 30% of pedestrian deaths happen in these communities.
  • People over 50—especially those over 75—are at the highest risk of being struck and killed.
  • Older pedestrians face longer recovery times and a greater likelihood of life-threatening injuries.
  • Seniors who stop driving may walk more often, increasing their exposure to unsafe roads.

Pedestrian Rights, Laws, and Ordinances in Bakersfield

Pedestrians in Bakersfield have legal protections that help keep them safe on roads and sidewalks.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at marked and unmarked crosswalks. If you’re walking through an intersection, whether there’s a painted crosswalk or not, you have the right of way. Drivers are expected to slow down, stop if necessary, and make sure pedestrians can cross safely.

That said, pedestrians also have responsibilities. You can’t suddenly step off the curb into traffic if a car is too close to stop in time. Bakersfield law requires you to use crosswalks where they exist, and it’s illegal to cross in areas marked as restricted. Ignoring these rules could not only put you at risk but could also affect your ability to file a claim if you’re involved in an accident.

Local ordinances also come into play. While California recently relaxed jaywalking laws, you can still get a ticket if you cross in a way that creates an immediate danger. If there’s a sidewalk, you’re expected to use it, and if you’re walking in areas without one, you should stay as far to the side as possible.

Bakersfield also has strict rules in school zones, where speed limits are enforced to keep students safe. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks can face fines and penalties.

Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian can help you stay safe. But if you’ve been injured in an accident because a driver wasn’t paying attention, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Call our Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION, and let’s talk about how we can help.

At Thompson Law

We provide injury accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence for injured victims so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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Usual Causes of Bakersfield Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Bakersfield often happen due to driver or pedestrian errors. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Driver distraction:  Using a phone, adjusting the radio, or looking away from the road can cause drivers to miss pedestrians.
  • Failure to yield:  Drivers may ignore crosswalks or fail to stop when pedestrians have the right of way.
  • Speeding:  Higher speeds reduce reaction time and make it harder to stop for pedestrians.
  • Running red lights or stop signs:  Impatient or reckless drivers may not stop in time at intersections.
  • Driving under the influence:  Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to see and react to pedestrians.
  • Left-hand turns:  Drivers making left turns may focus on traffic and fail to see pedestrians crossing.
  • Jaywalking:  Pedestrians crossing outside of designated areas increase the risk of accidents.
  • Walking while distracted:  Using a phone or not paying attention when crossing a street can lead to dangerous situations.
  • Poor visibility:  Dark clothing at night, lack of streetlights, or bad weather can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.

If you or a loved one was involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION today.

Injuries Frequently Experienced in a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrians have little protection when hit by a vehicle, which often leads to serious injuries. Many victims face costly medical bills, time away from work, and long recovery periods. Some of the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:

  • Fractured bones:  Legs, arms, ribs, and hips are especially vulnerable upon impact.
  • Traumatic brain injuries:  Concussions and more severe head trauma can cause lasting cognitive issues.
  • Spinal cord injuries:  Damage to the spine can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, or paralysis.
  • Internal injuries Organ damage and internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
  • Severe lacerations and abrasions:  Deep cuts may require stitches or surgery.
  • Joint injuries:  Knees, shoulders, and wrists often suffer from impact-related damage.
  • Amputation:  Severe crashes can lead to the loss of limbs.
  • Major scarring:  Permanent scars may require reconstructive surgery.
  • Wrongful death:  Some pedestrian accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, Thompson Law is ready to help. Contact our Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident FAQs

Can I file a lawsuit in Bakersfield if I was injured there but live somewhere else?

Yes, if the accident happened in Bakersfield, you can file your claim there regardless of where you live. The local courts handle cases based on where the incident occurred. An attorney can assist with filing your case and representing you, even if you’re from out of town.

What does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?

Hiring a lawyer for your pedestrian accident case doesn’t require any upfront payment. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case and secure compensation for you.

Will I have to go to court for my case?

Most pedestrian accident cases are settled through negotiations with insurance companies. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your case may need to go to trial. If that happens, we’ll prepare everything and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when I got hit?

Even if you weren’t using a crosswalk, you may still be able to recover damages. Drivers have a duty to stay alert and avoid hitting pedestrians, no matter where they are on the road. While jaywalking can complicate your case, it does not automatically mean you’re at fault.

How do I know if I have a strong claim?

If a driver’s careless actions led to your injuries, you likely have a valid claim. Running a red light, speeding, failing to yield, or distracted driving are common causes of pedestrian accidents. A lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and help determine your legal options.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.