San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
The San Francisco pedestrian accident attorneys at Callaway & Wolf have handled many pedestrian injury cases across the Bay Area. Usually pedestrians are struck when crossing streets, but sometimes they are hit while walking on the sidewalk.
Since California drivers have an overarching legal duty to yield the right of way to pedestrians, Callaway & Wolf have had many successful results in pedestrian accident cases in San Francisco, Alameda, and throughout the Bay Area where the pedestrian was jaywalking, or crossing against a red light.
A Recent Pedestrian Injury Verdict
In March of 2019 we reached a jury verdict against the City of San Francisco for $352,000 in a case where our client was struck in the head by a power pickup pole city municipal truck while walking down the street. We were able to prove at trial that the vehicle had been poorly maintained and that the city had created a negligent condition, which directly caused our client’s injury. You can read more about this case by clicking here. Callaway & Wolf is uniquely qualified to represent clients in matters regarding pedestrian injuries as we have recovered millions of dollars over the last 20+ years for those injured due to the negligence of others.
Pedestrian Injuries & Liability in California
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, nearly 6,500 pedestrians were killed in 2020 due to accidents involving cars or trucks when walking across the street. Pedestrian accidents occur most often in urban areas, such as San Francisco and Oakland. Gathering important evidence, such as interviewing witnesses and photographing the scene, are just some of the important work that should be done immediately in a pedestrian accident case.
In cases where the pedestrian violated the California Vehicle Code, the pedestrian injury lawyers at Callaway & Wolf look to the conduct of the driver. If a pedestrian is jaywalking, or crossing against a red light, for example, we investigate how long the driver had to observe the pedestrian, and avoid the accident. There is still a duty to yield to the pedestrian. The driver’s speed is also a key fact. So, even if a pedestrian may have some fault, a successful settlement can often be reached, since the vehicle driver also has a responsibility to drive safely and be alert. Here’s an example of this:
Pedestrian Accidents Can Be Deadly
In one wrongful death case handled by Callaway & Wolf, a settlement was obtained for the family of a man who was crossing a roadway against a red light, while intoxicated by alcohol and methamphetamine. Although the police report showed that the driver of the SUV that hit the victim was driving within the speed limit, and not at fault, our investigation showed that he was actually speeding. If you or a family member was injured on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, contact our pedestrian injury lawyers in San Francisco today.
Time Limit for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim
If you were injured as a pedestrian, you have 2 years to file an injury claim per the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California (CA Code of Civil Procedure Sec. 335.1). It is critical to know that if you fail to file your claim within this time period, you lose your legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Pedestrian Injury Cases Involving Hit-and-Run Drivers
Many California pedestrian injury cases involve hit-and-run drivers. In hit-and-run cases, the first objective is to get a description or license plate and track down the driver. If the hit-and-run driver cannot be found, a claim may be made under the victim’s uninsured motorist coverage in his or her own car insurance policy.
Contact a Lawyer Experienced in Pedestrian Accidents
If you have been injured as a pedestrian, contact one of the experienced injury lawyers at Callaway & Wolf for a free consultation. Call 415-541-0300, or contact us online by clicking here.
