Stockton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Got Injured While Walking? We’re On Your Side

Many Stockton residents prefer walking to driving at full speed in a car because it feels safer and more relaxing. Unfortunately, many innocent pedestrians still find themselves hurt while exploring the city on foot, and it’s all at the hands of irresponsible drivers.

In one second, a simple stroll can turn into a life-altering experience that leaves you with serious injuries and hospital bills left and right. Insurance companies calling relentlessly to downplay your experience and propose a low settlement is just the cherry on top of the pain and trauma you might endure.

people crossing the road on the crosswalk - Stockton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

But remember: You have the option to pursue legal action against whoever caused your injuries on the road. Thompson Law’s dedicated Stockton pedestrian lawyers can help you reclaim your life by crafting the strongest legal strategy for your case, increasing your chances of getting the maximum compensation possible. Ready to reclaim your life after a pedestrian accident? Take the first step of the legal process and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with us so we can map out your next moves.

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Who Can Cause Pedestrian Accidents in Stockton?

Most pedestrian accidents in Stockton happen because of negligent motorists who don’t exercise the right amount of care for people walking in the street. These include reckless, absent-minded drivers of cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, buses, motorcycles, and even rideshare vehicles.

In other cases, liability can also be traced back to pedestrians, like those who cross the street at the wrong time. Third-party pedestrians can also be at fault if they are found to push another person crossing the road, putting them in a precarious situation with oncoming traffic.

If the accident happened due to poorly maintained sidewalks or broken traffic lights, the City of Stockton itself might also be to blame.

Our Stockton pedestrian lawyers can help you pinpoint exactly who is to blame for the accident that caused your injuries. Tell us more about your case when you book a FREE CASE REVIEW with our team.

Types of Compensation Our Pedestrian Lawyers in Stockton Can Obtain for You

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you estimate the total value of your claim by seeking out compensatory damages depending on the severity of your injuries. These include both economic and non-economic damages you’ve had to cover and endure, such as:

  • Medical expenses, including medicine, treatments, and rehabilitation
  • The cost of medical treatment in the future
  • Lost wages if you couldn’t work due to your injuries
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium or a poor relationship with your spouse after the accident
  • Property damage, if any of your belongings were damaged in the road crash
  • Funeral costs if the pedestrian accident resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one

Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance should be able to cover these expenses. If the insurance company shortchanges you and minimizes your payout, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit for you and bring the case to court to get you fair compensation.

Stockton’s Troubling Pedestrian Death Rates and Statistics

Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere in the world. But in Stockton, specifically, the number of accidents involving pedestrians has become quite alarming.

California is the state with the 9th highest number of pedestrians killed in road accidents. In 2022 alone, 1,158 pedestrians passed away in these fatal collisions. That’s a 2.97 fatality rate for every 100,000 people in the state.

Stockton, in particular, was deemed the 19th most dangerous city for walking, according to Smart Growth America. Research shows that there were 126 pedestrian deaths from 2018 to 2022.

The numbers don’t lie. With these statistics in mind, it’s clear that Stockton is a city where you must take extra precautions and be extremely vigilant when walking. So, when strolling around the city’s streets, always stay alert and follow traffic lights to protect yourself and other motorists and pedestrians around you.

Local Laws Protecting Pedestrians in Stockton

Stockton has many different local laws in its Traffic Code Section 345, specifically mandated for pedestrians. They’re designed to keep these people safe from negligent drivers. Some of the laws written here that every motorist and pedestrian must follow include:

  • Drivers must slow down and give right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks if the person is close enough to the car for it to be dangerous.
  • Pedestrians can’t suddenly leave the sidewalk and step into moving traffic, especially when it’s impossible for the driver to stop in time.
  • If a car is stopped behind a crosswalk to allow people to pass, no vehicle behind it can pass by it.
  • Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles if they’re crossing at any point other than a marked crosswalk.
  • Pedestrians must yield to cars if there’s an overhead crossing or pedestrian tunnel nearby, but they choose to cross the street at ground level anyway.
  • When walking in an area with no sidewalk, pedestrians must always walk on the left side of the road to face oncoming traffic.

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Reasons Pedestrian Accidents Occur

Pedestrian accidents almost always happen when a driver of a vehicle is reckless or chooses to violate traffic rules for their own convenience. In other cases, the accident might occur because of the pedestrian.

If you walk the streets of Stockton often, it’s important to be aware of all the possible reasons why pedestrian accidents might occur. Here are some of those reasons:

  • Speeding through traffic lights and not being able to stop the car in time.
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way to people at a crosswalk.
  • Distracted drivers who text, put on makeup, eat, and do anything else on the road that forces them to look away from the road.
  • Drivers who focus more on making a turn at an intersection than checking on pedestrians at a crosswalk.
  • Driving after alcohol intake or drug use.
  • Negligent drivers backing out of parking lots without realizing they hit someone walking in the lot.
  • Poor visibility of the pedestrians, whether it’s because of foggy weather or poor lighting in the street at night.
  • Distracted pedestrians who text or listen to music with headphones on while crossing the road.

How Serious Do Injuries Get for Pedestrians in Road Accidents?

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the road. They’re arguably even more at risk of serious injuries than motorcycle riders and bicyclists, who at least have helmets and pads to protect them from impact following a road crash. They have no car to shield them from getting injured on the road. No matter how strong or fast you are, a human body is no match for a huge vehicle moving ten times faster.

So, how bad do these injuries get? Here are common injuries our Stockton pedestrian lawyers typically see in the victims we help:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Mild to severe concussions
  • Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis and mobility issues
  • Broken and fractured bones, such as arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, and more
  • Internal organ bleeding, which doesn’t manifest as quickly as other obvious injuries
  • Road rash and severe wounds on the skin
  • Permanent scarring or disability
  • Limb amputation
  • Psychological trauma and PTSD due to the emotional toll of a serious accident
  • In the worst cases, a wrongful death

At Thompson Law

We believe that every step a pedestrian takes in the streets of Stockton should be safe and worry-free. If you were harmed by the negligent actions of an irresponsible driver while walking around the city, we’re here to help. We’ll fight tooth and nail to bring the at-fault driver to justice and get you fair financial compensation so you can recover stress-free and with the peace of mind you deserve.

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How Our Stockton Pedestrian Attorneys Establish Liability

Thompson Law’s Stockton pedestrian lawyers are experts at scrutinizing all forms of evidence to establish liability in any pedestrian accident. We look at four specific things to determine who is at fault for your injuries, namely:

  • Duty of care:  Local laws or mandates that demonstrate that the negligent motorist had a duty to exercise the highest level of care for you as a pedestrian on the road.
  • Breach of duty:  Solid proof that the defendant was reckless and did not exercise care while driving.
  • Causation:  We prove that the actions of the driver undoubtedly and directly caused the injuries you sustained, making them clearly accountable for them.
  • Damages:  We present to the court the damages you’ve had to cover and endure, like medical bills and lost wages from work. This allows us to demand financial compensation for them on your behalf.

Once our team establishes these four elements, it’s easier to bring those truly at fault for your injuries to justice. That increases your chances of getting the maximum payout possible for your claim.

Helpful Types of Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim

Our pedestrian lawyers can craft the strongest case for you with the right evidence. So, it’s important for you to gather as much of this evidence as possible. Here are some of the most helpful kinds of evidence that can beef up your claim and demonstrate liability and negligence on the part of the other party:

  • Police reports detailing what happened
  • Medical records showing the injuries you sustained right after the accident
  • Photos and videos of your injuries and the vehicles involved in the crash
  • Witness statements from people present at the scene
  • Surveillance footage that shows how the road’s conditions and what truly transpired on the day of the accident
  • Expert testimonies from accident reconstructionists, psychiatrists, or anyone whose professional opinion can support your story

If you didn’t get to collect these forms of evidence at the scene of the accident, don’t worry. Our team can help retrieve them later on by liaising on your behalf with the police, the hospital you were rushed to, and any witnesses who saw the accident.

How to Reach the Stockton Police After a Pedestrian Injury

With over 480 sworn officers, the valorous Stockton Police Department can extend crucial assistance should you find yourself injured in a pedestrian accident. For one, they can help you file an official police report detailing what happened at the scene of the accident. This is something you can use as evidence when you and your lawyer draw up your legal strategy.

To seek police assistance right as you’re hit by a vehicle on the road, call 911 as soon as you’re able. Alert the authorities of your location and ask for medical assistance if needed. For non-emergency situations, you can try calling the Stockton police hotline at (209) 937-8377 or visit the station at 22 E Market St., Stockton, CA 95202.

When Is the Deadline to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Stockton?

Pedestrian accident victims have a limited amount of time to file a claim or lawsuit should they want to pursue damages against the negligent party. For these kinds of personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years after the accident. If you miss the deadline, you’ll end up forfeiting your right to seek compensatory damages, leaving you with even more financial stress.

We highly recommend going through the legal process as soon as you’re able. Contact our trusted Stockton pedestrian lawyers immediately after getting hurt on the road. That way, we can spring into action as soon as possible and build a strong case for you long before the deadlines for filing claims.

Will I Be Able to Afford a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Many pedestrian accident victims have apprehensions about hiring a lawyer to help with their case because they assume it comes with a hefty price tag. But in reality, pedestrian lawyers don’t typically charge a fixed fee as soon as you hire them. Instead, they work on a contingency basis, charging you a 25-40% cut of your final compensation.

At Thompson Law, we implement the same payment scheme. We charge no upfront costs and only charge you if we win your case. That means you don’t pay our lawyers any outrageous hourly fees as we render our services. That way, you can focus on healing and strengthening your body while we go through the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve.

Your Fight for Justice After a Pedestrian Accident Starts Here

Getting injured by a careless driver on the road can instantly change your life. Not only do you have to deal with physical healing and financial stress, but you also have no choice but to navigate complex traffic laws for a shot at getting fair compensation.

But you don’t have to stress yourself out even more with the legal processes. Our team of Stockton pedestrian lawyers can do the legwork for you, from gathering evidence to fighting for your rights in court if it comes down to it. Our ultimate goal is to help you take back control of your life with the highest compensation or settlement possible, and we won’t stop fighting until we get there.

Learn what our team can do for your unique pedestrian accident claim by booking a FREE CASE REVIEW today!

Why Choose Thompson Law

FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Cases in Stockton

How long does a pedestrian case take in Stockton?

The length of a pedestrian accident case varies depending on its unique circumstances. Cases that led to minor injuries might take just a few weeks to wrap up and settle. Meanwhile, those that result in serious injuries, or worse, a wrongful death, can take up to a year or more to be resolved. Other factors like complex liability and issues with the insurance companies can also prolong a pedestrian accident case.

What to do if you hit a pedestrian and they walk away?

The best thing to do in this situation is to still report it to the authorities, even if it looks like the pedestrian didn’t get seriously injured. That way, you can have the incident written in an official report. If that pedestrian makes a claim later on and changes the story, you have solid proof of what actually transpired.

Does insurance cover hitting a pedestrian?

Yes, your insurance should be able to cover the costs after you accidentally hit a pedestrian. This includes their medical expenses, property damage, and other types of compensation that they might seek against you.

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.