Pedestrians are the most vulnerable people who use roads. If you get hit by a vehicle, you won’t have a helmet or airbag to protect you, which is why you should seek out a Fresno pedestrian accident attorney. Collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians can be devastating and cause catastrophic mental and physical suffering.
With the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Fresno, you can receive compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, mental anguish, and more. We’ve successfully settled over 100,000 cases and will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve from any insurance company, no matter how complex the case may seem.
Dangers for Pedestrians in Fresno
Unfortunately, Fresno is considered one of the most dangerous cities in America for pedestrians. According to a 2021 study by Smart Growth America, Fresno is the 10th most hazardous city for pedestrians, outranking cities like Tucson, Baton Rouge, and El Paso in pedestrian fatalities. This is reflective of a larger problem, as pedestrian accident deaths nationwide are increasing year after year.
So, why are certain cities more dangerous for pedestrians? Some communities may lack safe recreational walking areas, marked crosswalks, and sidewalks. Poor street design can also put pedestrians at risk. If you’re one of the many people in Fresno who has been hit by a vehicle, you deserve a pedestrian accident lawyer who will advocate for you.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Fresno, CA
As Fresno pedestrian accident attorneys, we at Kuzyk Law are familiar with all the common causes of pedestrian accidents. If you’ve been struck by a vehicle, the cause was likely one of the following:
Distracted Driving
In the vast majority of cases, negligence is the key factor. Distracted driving can result in dangerous and sometimes deadly accidents. A driver can become distracted by texting, taking care of children or pets, talking to passengers, applying makeup, changing radio stations, and much more.
Lack of Sleep
In 2021, there were 684 deaths from drowsy-driving-related crashes. Driving while exhausted can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
Speeding/Reckless Driving
Speeding is a very common cause of pedestrian accidents and multi-vehicle collisions in Fresno. These crashes can be especially deadly, as drivers may run red lights, fail to stop for pedestrians, and lose control of their vehicles.
Alcohol or Drugs
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be a common cause of pedestrian accidents. One study found Fresno to be the most dangerous city to drive in due to the number of DUI arrests each year (an average of 1,148 DUI arrests annually).
Driver Error
Sometimes drivers simply make mistakes without exhaustion, distractions, or alcohol being involved. Not adjusting for heavy traffic conditions, making improper turns, and failing to obey traffic signs can all result in a pedestrian accident.
There’s no telling when and where a pedestrian accident will happen. They can occur without warning and transform your life in an instant, even when you’ve done everything right. One accident can affect you for months, years, decades, or permanently, but you shouldn’t pay the price for someone else’s negligence.
Common Injuries Sustained in Fresno Pedestrian Accidents
Given the lack of protection for pedestrians, collisions between vehicles and pedestrians can result in incredibly severe injuries.
The most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents in Fresno include head injuries, dislocated joints, torn muscles, dental injuries, organ damage, back injuries, broken bones, and more. In severe cases, an accident could even result in limb amputations, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, or death.
Every accident is different, so we at Kuzyk Law take a personalized approach to each case. No matter how severe or minor your injury may seem, we have a pedestrian accidents lawyer in Fresno available to help you.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents are a relatively common occurrence in Fresno, so it’s important to know what to do if you’re ever stuck by a vehicle or otherwise injured by a collision. Insurance companies won’t make things easy on you and will be eager to pick apart your version of events. That’s why, if you’re physically capable, it’s essential to do the following:
- Take photos and videos with your phone. Document the car, its license plate, street signs, traffic markings, and your injuries.
- Inform the police of everything you saw or noticed about the driver.
- Seek help from paramedics for injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.
- Trade necessary information with the driver that struck you, but don’t remark on anything regarding the accident, fault, or your injuries. Anything you say could be used against you by an insurance company.
- Speak to witnesses and ask for their contact information.
If you’ve already been in an accident and weren’t able to do these things, that doesn’t mean your case is a lost cause. Contact Kuzyk Law to speak with a Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as you can.
Hire the Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Fresno, CA
With Kuzyk Law, you’ll be putting your case in the hands of experienced personal injury lawyers. We’ve successfully settled over 100,000 cases and achieved massive settlements for our clients.
With our decades of expertise and knowledge of Fresno’s laws and regulations, you couldn’t ask for more qualified and dedicated advocates on your behalf. You don’t pay unless we win — so let us fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve.
Your Legal Options After a Pedestrian Accident
Since most pedestrian collisions are accidental, negligence will likely be the basis of your pedestrian accident lawsuit. A standard negligence claim is made of up five elements, all of which must be proved to win your lawsuit.
- Duty – Drivers are obligated by law to exercise reasonable care toward pedestrians.
- Breach of duty – The plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached their duty to care for pedestrians. An example of this would be striking a pedestrian due to falling asleep or failing to adhere to a traffic sign.
- Cause-in-fact – The plaintiff must prove that their injuries were caused by the defendant and would not have occurred if not for the defendant’s actions.
- Proximate cause – The defendant will only be liable for damages that were foreseeable as a result of their actions. For example, it is foreseeable that negligent driving could result in serious injuries.
- Damages – The plaintiff and attorney must prove that the accident caused the plaintiff to suffer harm, such as bodily injury and financial losses. The plaintiff will win the case if these five elements are proven with a preponderance of the evidence (more than 50% favoring their case).
As noted above in “common causes'” most pedestrian accidents are caused by some form of negligence. There are, however, cases where the basis of the lawsuit is battery. Please note that our pedestrian accident law firm has the expertise necessary to represent you in cases where you were struck on purpose.
How Kuzyk Law Fights for You
Since our founding in 1971, the team at Kuzyk Law has helped thousands of Californians who have been victims of pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, commercial truck accidents, and more. We’ve earned our highly respectable reputation because we care about our community, passionately advocate for victims, and get results.
If you hire a pedestrian injury lawyer from Kuzyk Law, you’ll have someone to review the facts of the accident to determine the best way of getting you the outcome you deserve. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate your claim, including witness testimonies, photos/videos, police reports, and more to build a case. With this information, they will determine liability, deal with insurance companies, and aggressively pursue justice in the form of compensation for your financial, mental, and physical hardship.
To learn more about the talented attorneys that make up Kuzyk Law, or our decades-long history, please check out our company profile. You’re also welcome to reach out to us directly at your next convenience.
The Types of Compensation You Can Pursue
With the help of your car accident lawyer in Fresno, you may be able to pursue several forms of compensation. A pedestrian accident can cause significant mental, physical, and financial hardship. These factors will help decide the amount you receive from a settlement.
You could pursue compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, therapy and rehabilitation costs, travel costs to medical specialists, pain, psychological suffering, temporary/permanent disability costs, and more. Sit down with an expert pedestrian injury attorney at Kuzyk Law, and we’ll help you determine your losses and how much you should be compensated. We’ll review your case for free with a confidential consultation.
Filing a Wrongful Death Suit
Losing a loved one to a pedestrian accident can bring unimaginable grief on top of major financial hardships. To file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one, you’ll need experienced pedestrian lawyers to prove the driver was operating their vehicle negligently.
Your Fresno pedestrian accident attorney will need to prove that the death resulted in financial damages, such as funeral/burial costs, medical expenses, and loss of future income. Mental anguish and emotional trauma are also considered, as the love and care provided by your loved one has been taken away from you and the rest of your family. The compassionate and empathetic team at Kuzyk Law is here to support you and can help you pursue financial compensation for your loss and suffering.
Get a Free Consultation From Kuzyk Law
If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident and would like to file a claim, please contact us right away. Fill out our contact form and we’ll set up a no-cost consultation to see how we can help you. You can also get in touch with the experts at Kuzyk Law by calling 661-945-6969 — we’re available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
FAQs
If you have any questions about pedestrian accidents, please view our frequently asked questions and answers below. Don’t see your question? You’re welcome to check out our FAQs or reach out to us directly.
How long do I have to file a claim after a pedestrian accident?
In California, you have up to two years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim.
Will I have to go to court to get compensation?
In most personal injury cases, going to court isn’t necessary. Paying out a fair settlement is typically more cost-effective for insurance companies than going to court.
What if I was negligent or drunk?
If you were impaired during the accident, you could be held partially responsible for your injuries and any resulting vehicle damage. Drivers in these cases are still liable, but your potential settlement may be lower than it would have been. This is why it’s essential to hire an expert Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer who specializes in these more complex cases.
What if the defendant tries to settle out of court?
Settling out of court is usually preferred by everyone involved, as pedestrian accidents that go to trial could take months or years to resolve. That said, some defendants (or their insurance companies) will try to settle out of court in hopes of paying a lesser settlement. This is not uncommon in cases where the pedestrian is very seriously injured. Your pedestrian accident lawyer can help you determine if you’re being offered an appropriate settlement for your suffering.
Should I collect witness statements after a pedestrian accident?
Yes, collecting witness statements after the accident can help your case immensely. You can ask witnesses for their contact information and request that they write down what they saw (they must sign and date the document). You can also take a video of their testimonies using your phone.
Consult Legal/Educational Resources
To learn more about pedestrian accidents, pedestrian safety, and right-of-way laws, please call a Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer, or check out the resources below:
Put Your Trust in the Kuzyk Law Team
If you’ve been searching for a “hit by car lawyer” in Fresno, the expert team at Kuzyk Law is here for you. Pedestrian accidents can seriously impact your finances and your mental and physical health. Hire a Fresno pedestrian accident attorney who will fight for you to get the compensation you’re owed for your losses and suffering.
