Oakland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Hurt While Walking in Oakland? We Can Help

Despite efforts like Safe Oakland Streets (SOS) to protect people on foot, Oakland continues to face a disturbing number of pedestrian injuries and deaths. Just in August 2024, one person was killed and another seriously injured in a crash at 71st and International Boulevard—a corridor already known for its high volume of pedestrian collisions.

These tragedies aren’t isolated. Many of Oakland’s most dangerous intersections see repeat pedestrian crashes due to speeding, red-light running, unsafe turns, and drivers failing to yield.

Even with programs aimed at redesigning roads and reducing traffic violence, Oakland remains one of California’s deadliest cities for people walking. In fact, 68% of the city’s High Injury Network runs through Priority Equity Communities, meaning the risks are often highest in neighborhoods already burdened by systemic issues.

Our team at Thompson Law is here to help. We know these roads, the challenges pedestrians face, and the steps needed to build a strong claim. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing.

Contact our Oakland pedestrian accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We’re ready when you are.

Receive a Free Case Review

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
By submitting this form, you agree to our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.

What Counts as a Pedestrian Accident in Oakland?

A pedestrian accident doesn’t just mean getting hit while crossing the street—though that’s one of the most common scenarios.

In Oakland, a pedestrian accident includes any incident where someone on foot is struck by a vehicle, bicycle, scooter, or even in some cases, a malfunctioning rideshare device. It also includes accidents that happen on sidewalks, in parking lots, or in designated crosswalks.

Here are some examples that qualify as pedestrian accidents:

  • Being hit by a car while legally crossing at an intersection
  • A driver running a red light and striking someone in a crosswalk
  • A distracted driver backing out of a driveway or parking space
  • A pedestrian being sideswiped while walking near poorly marked roadwork zones
  • A rideshare pickup gone wrong, such as a pedestrian being hit by a driver pulling up too fast

Pedestrian accident - Oakland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

If you were walking and got injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may have a case. Even if it seems like “just a fall” caused by uneven sidewalks or reckless driving nearby, it’s worth exploring your legal options.

Talk to our Oakland pedestrian accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We’ll help you understand what your situation qualifies for and what to do next.

Why Pedestrian Accidents in Oakland Often Lead to Serious Injuries

Unlike drivers and cyclists, pedestrians have no physical protection. No seatbelts. No helmets. Just their own body between them and a 3,000-pound vehicle. That’s why even “low-speed” pedestrian accidents in Oakland can cause major harm.

We regularly see injuries such as:

And let’s not forget the emotional toll. Many survivors struggle with PTSD, anxiety, or a loss of mobility that drastically changes their daily life.

Oakland’s pedestrian-heavy streets should be safer. Until they are, our legal team at Thompson Law is here to step in and fight for those who get hurt walking them.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a pedestrian crash, contact us now for a FREE, NO-PRESSURE CONSULTATION. Let’s talk about what justice looks like in your case.

What Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Pedestrian Accident in Oakland

When you’re struck by a vehicle while walking in Oakland, the financial aftermath can be just as painful as the injuries. From ER visits to weeks or months off work, the costs add up quickly—and if someone else caused the crash, you shouldn’t be stuck paying the price.

The amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on the details of your case—severity of injuries, impact on your life, and who’s at fault. But with the right legal team, you can pursue full and fair damages that reflect both what you’ve already lost and what your future holds.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages for Pedestrian Injuries

Economic damages are tangible losses—things with receipts and bills. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, therapy costs, and long-term care.

Non-economic damages are just as real, but harder to measure. These cover the pain and suffering, the emotional trauma, the stress of no longer being able to walk, work, or move the same way you used to.

Together, these damages make up the full scope of what you’re owed. At Thompson Law, we make sure nothing gets overlooked.

Want to know how your damages add up? Don’t guess what your case is worth.  Reach out now for a NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION and let’s break it down.

Why Hiring an Oakland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Makes a Difference

Insurance companies don’t play fair—and when you’re recovering from serious injuries, they’re counting on you being too overwhelmed to push back. That’s where we come in.

Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer means:

  • You get someone on your side who knows the law.
  • We investigate the scene, collect evidence, and deal with insurers while you heal.
  • If they lowball your claim, we’re ready to fight back in court.

Pedestrian accident cases often involve blurred details, unclear liability, and even unfair blame placed on the injured person. We don’t let that slide. With Thompson Law, you’ll have a team that knows Oakland’s roadways, understands pedestrian rights, and refuses to settle for less than what you deserve.

Let us take on the legal stress while you focus on getting better. Call now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Call for Your Free Consultation

(844) 308-8180

How Our Team at Thompson Law Builds Strong Oakland Pedestrian Cases

We don’t cut corners because we know insurance companies look for any excuse to deny or reduce your claim. Our team takes a hands-on, thorough approach to every case.

Here’s how we build a strong case for you: We gather detailed evidence from the crash site, pull video footage when available, and speak with witnesses. If traffic signals or road design played a role, we work with experts to show how the city may share fault.

We also coordinate with your medical providers to fully document the extent of your injuries, recovery time, and long-term impact.

Then we package all that into a compelling, well-documented demand that leaves no room for doubt. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, it’s built to win.

Injured while walking in Oakland? Let our team at Thompson Law get to work for you. Contact us today for your FREE CONSULTATION.

Protecting Yourself Against Insurance Company Tactics in Oakland Injury Claims

After a pedestrian accident, you might get a call from an insurance adjuster asking questions, sounding helpful, and even offering a quick settlement. Be careful. Insurance companies are trained to minimize what they pay—and they use subtle tactics to get you to say something that could be used against you later.

They may:

  • Downplay your injuries or suggest your pain is unrelated.
  • Push for a recorded statement to twist your words.
  • Pressure you into accepting a lowball offer before the full extent of your injuries is known.

You don’t have to navigate these conversations alone. With Thompson Law on your side, we speak to the insurance company for you, protect your rights, and ensure your words can’t be used to reduce your compensation.

Before you talk to an insurer, talk to us. Contact our Oakland pedestrian accident lawyers now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Dangerous Intersections and Roads in Oakland

Oakland’s streets are no strangers to serious accidents—and some roads are more dangerous than others. Many of the city’s most hazardous intersections fall along major corridors like International Boulevard, Foothill, MacArthur, and San Leandro Street. These aren’t just busy roads—they’re high-injury zones where collisions happen far too often.

Here are some stretches of road and intersections where accidents are frequent and the risks run high:

  • 10th Street (Webster St to 2nd Ave): A downtown route with both foot and vehicle traffic, known for high congestion and frequent pedestrian crossings.
  • International Boulevard: Cross streets like 55th Ave, 69th Ave, and 73rd Ave are hotspots for accidents, many involving speeding or red-light running.
  • 98th Avenue (Denslowe St to MacArthur Blvd): This arterial road in East Oakland consistently appears in injury reports due to heavy traffic, speeding, and poor pedestrian infrastructure.
  • Foothill Boulevard: Intersections like 55th and High Street have seen repeated incidents, especially near schools and bus stops.
  • San Leandro Street (66th Ave to 92nd Ave): A key industrial route that poses added risks from large trucks and poor lighting.
  • 7th Street (Mandela Parkway to 5th Ave): Serves as a connector to I-880 and sees frequent rush-hour bottlenecks, aggressive lane changes, and limited pedestrian protections.

If you were injured at or near one of Oakland’s dangerous intersections, you’re not alone. These locations are known problem areas, and they could play an important role in your injury claim.

Injured at one of Oakland’s high-risk intersections? Our attorneys know the map and the history. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

We Will Get the Compensation You Deserve

At Thompson Law, we focus on getting justice for Oakland accident victims. Our team takes care of the heavy legal lifting, collecting key evidence, building a strong case, and pushing back against lowball offers. Whether it’s medical expenses, lost income, or the toll the accident has taken on your life, we’re here to fight for every dollar you’re owed. You concentrate on getting better, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Contact Us

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable in Oakland Pedestrian Crashes

Every driver has a responsibility to watch for pedestrians, especially in busy areas like International Boulevard, downtown Oakland, and school zones. When they fail to slow down, ignore signals, or drive while distracted, the consequences can be life-altering.

Our job is to make sure they’re held accountable.

At Thompson Law, we investigate the crash thoroughly—interviewing witnesses, pulling footage, and reviewing police reports. We work with accident reconstruction experts when needed, and we push back against any attempt to shift the blame onto the person who was walking.

Pedestrian crashes are preventable. And when a driver’s carelessness causes serious harm, they should face the legal consequences.

If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, let us help you hold them accountable. Call now for a FREE CASE REVIEW with our Oakland team.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Oakland Pedestrian Accident Claims

California follows a comparative negligence rule. This means more than one party can share fault for an accident, including the injured pedestrian. If you were crossing outside a crosswalk, looking at your phone, or didn’t have the signal when you were hit, the other side’s insurance company might argue you were partially to blame.

But here’s the important part: You can still recover compensation, even if you share some fault. Your settlement may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you could still receive $80,000.

Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a pedestrian’s responsibility to lower payouts. That’s where we come in. At Thompson Law, we push back with evidence, witness statements, and expert insights to ensure your side is clearly presented.

Don’t let comparative fault scare you off – get legal guidance today. Contact our Oakland pedestrian accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Injured While Using a Mobility Device or Wheelchair in Oakland? You Still Have Rights

If you were injured while using a wheelchair, walker, cane, or mobility scooter, you are still protected under California pedestrian laws. In fact, drivers owe a heightened duty of care when approaching individuals using mobility devices.

Unfortunately, many of Oakland’s sidewalks and crossings are poorly maintained or not ADA-compliant, making accidents even more likely. Combined with impatient drivers who ignore crosswalks or signals, this puts people with disabilities at increased risk.

We understand the challenges you face after a crash—including increased recovery time, mobility setbacks, and long-term care needs. Our legal team will fight to hold drivers accountable and demand compensation that reflects the real impact on your life.

If you were hit while using a mobility device, don’t wait. Reach out to Thompson Law today for a FREE CASE EVALUATION.

pedestrian accident - Oakland Pedestrian Lawyers

Filing an Oakland Pedestrian Claim If You’re Visiting from Out of Town

Accidents don’t just happen to locals. If you were injured in Oakland while visiting from another city or state, you still have every right to file a claim, but there are a few extra steps.

Your claim must follow California’s laws, including its statute of limitations, fault rules, and required legal procedures. That’s why it’s critical to work with a local Oakland law firm that understands how to handle out-of-town claims smoothly.

We’ll handle everything here on the ground, gathering evidence, requesting records, dealing with local police, and communicating with insurers, so you can focus on recovery, even if you’ve already returned home.

Injured in Oakland while visiting? Contact our local Oakland pedestrian injury lawyers now for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We’ll handle it from here.

Oakland Laws That Protect Pedestrians on City Streets

Oakland follows California state law when it comes to protecting pedestrians, but city streets come with their own challenges.

Two key rules stand out:

Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws

Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within any marked crosswalk or at an unmarked intersection. This includes people walking, running, using wheelchairs, or pushing strollers.

Drivers must slow down or stop when someone is in the crosswalk and cannot pass other cars that are stopped for a pedestrian. Even if you’re crossing mid-block, drivers are still expected to use caution and avoid endangering people on foot.

Yet, many collisions happen because drivers simply don’t pay attention, or they speed through areas where pedestrians are likely to be crossing. That’s where these right-of-way laws come into play in your injury claim.

Basic Speed Law

California’s Basic Speed Law (CVC § 22350) states that no driver may operate a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent, given road conditions, visibility, and pedestrian activity.

In other words, even if the posted speed limit is 35 mph, a driver can still be considered negligent for driving too fast in a school zone, near a park, or through a neighborhood with heavy foot traffic—especially in Oakland’s High Injury Network zones.

Violations of this law are often a factor in pedestrian injury cases and can play a major role in proving fault.

If you were injured by a driver who ignored right-of-way laws or was speeding through a pedestrian-heavy area, don’t assume they’ll take accountability. Let our team step in and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Oakland

Pedestrian accidents in Oakland often happen fast—but their causes are anything but random. Many of these crashes share the same root problems, and they tend to show up in the same trouble spots across the city.

One of the top culprits? Speeding.

When drivers rush through busy corridors like Foothill Boulevard or International, they cut their reaction time in half, and that’s a recipe for disaster when someone’s crossing the street.

Failure to yield is another major issue. Despite clear laws giving pedestrians the right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections, drivers frequently ignore or misjudge pedestrian presence.

Combine that with red-light running and unsafe turns, and it’s no surprise that so many people on foot end up seriously hurt.

Here are a few other common causes we see in Oakland pedestrian cases:

  • Distracted driving (especially texting or GPS use)
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Poor visibility at night or in bad weather, made worse by inadequate lighting
  • Illegal U-turns or lane changes in high-foot-traffic areas

Many of these behaviors are preventable. When drivers fail to take proper care, pedestrians pay the price with injuries that can change lives in an instant.

If you or someone you love was hit while walking in Oakland, let us investigate what happened and fight for the accountability you deserve. Call Thompson Law now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Connect With an Oakland Pedestrian Injury Attorney Today

When you’re recovering from a pedestrian accident, the last thing you need is more stress. You deserve answers, support, and a legal team that treats your case like it matters—because it does.

Our Oakland pedestrian injury attorneys are ready to listen to your story, evaluate your options, and guide you through every step. There’s no cost to get started, and no pressure to commit. Just clear, honest advice about how we can help.

Whether the driver was reckless, distracted, or simply didn’t yield when they should have—you shouldn’t be left picking up the pieces alone.

Reach out to Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’re here to fight for you.

Oakland Pedestrian Accident FAQs

What Role Do Witnesses Play in Pedestrian Injury Cases?

Witnesses can make or break a pedestrian injury claim. Their accounts help confirm how the crash happened, who had the right of way, and what actions each party took just before impact. When there’s conflicting testimony or the at-fault driver tries to deny responsibility, a neutral third-party witness can provide the clarity needed to tip a case in your favor. If you or someone nearby saw what happened, getting their name and contact info is one of the most valuable things you can do.

Can Surveillance Footage or Dashcams Strengthen Your Oakland Injury Case?

Absolutely. In a busy city like Oakland, there’s often video footage available (store security cameras, home surveillance systems, or dashcams on nearby vehicles). This type of evidence can confirm driver behavior, light signals, speed, and positioning—all of which are critical when liability is in question.

The sooner we can access this footage, the better, as some systems overwrite recordings within days.

What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Pedestrian Accident in Oakland

The first day after a crash matters more than most people realize. Prioritize your health—get checked at an urgent care or hospital, even if you think you’re “okay.” Injuries can worsen with time or appear later. Then, report the crash to the Oakland Police Department and request a copy of the incident report. Avoid speaking with the driver’s insurance company until you’ve consulted an attorney. And if possible, gather names of witnesses, take photos, and preserve your clothes and shoes—they could become useful evidence later.

Is It Still Possible to File a Claim If You Were Partially at Fault?

Yes. Under California’s comparative negligence laws, you can still recover compensation even if you were partly to blame, as long as someone else also contributed to the accident. Your total compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by that amount. Every case is different, so it’s important to have a legal team that can present the full picture in your favor.

What If the Driver Who Hit Me Left the Scene?

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents happen more often than they should in Oakland. If the driver who hit you fled the scene, don’t panic—there are still options. Police reports, witness statements, and nearby surveillance footage may help identify the vehicle. And if the driver can’t be found, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may still provide compensation for your injuries. We can guide you through all available recovery 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.