Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, catastrophic injuries and fatalities usually occur. Statistics show that over 5,000 pedestrians die each year in motor vehicle accidents. As traffic increases every year, pedestrian accidents likewise increase. It has become increasingly more difficult to safely cross streets in California. Although pedestrians have the right of way in most instances, proving liability can be difficult. The motor vehicle driver’s attorney will attempt to place most of the blame on the pedestrian. Injured pedestrians should be represented by lawyers who have substantial experience in overcoming defenses presented by the motor vehicle drivers’ attorneys. We have successfully represented pedestrians in accidents for over forty years. The best results occur when a prompt investigation occurs after an accident to collect and preserve important evidence.
We have successfully represented pedestrians in many situations including the following:
- Pedestrians hit in crosswalk by speeding or turning vehicle
- Children hit near school bus or school crossing
- Children struck chasing ball in street
- Parking lot accidents
- Joggers struck by vehicle.
Examples of our successes:
Tractor trailer strikes pedestrian while making a right turn–$750,000
A female real estate broker was struck in a signalized crosswalk at Webster Street and 20th Street in Oakland, California. The truck was making a right turn and ran over the foot and leg of the pedestrian. The Express Intermodal Transport truck driver claimed he did not see the pedestrian starting across the street when he made the right turn. The woman suffered fractures of her lower leg and foot.
Pedestrian hit by truck making right turn -- $605,000
A 14-year-old boy was walking across Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley, when a 1995 International truck making a right turn collided with him, knocking him to the ground and the rear tires rolled over him. The truck driver said the boy was not paying attention and walked into the side of the truck. Our accident reconstruction of the accident demonstrated that the boy had the right of way, was in the crosswalk and was struck by the right front side of the truck. He suffered a ruptured bladder, pelvic fracture and emotional trauma. Fortunately he has made a good recovery, but continues to have some residual problems.
