Being struck by a vehicle while walking, jogging, or crossing the street can leave you with devastating injuries and an uncertain future. Pedestrians have little protection against the force of a motor vehicle, and the consequences can be life-altering.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we have been fighting for injury victims since 1987, taking on insurance companies and negligent drivers who try to avoid responsibility for the harm they cause. We will work tirelessly to pursue every dollar you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Call (310) 341-7176 today for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Riverside. Let us demand justice on your behalf.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Riverside
Understanding how pedestrian accidents occur helps establish liability and build strong cases for our clients at Dordick Law Corporation. Most pedestrian accidents result from driver negligence that could have been prevented with proper attention to the road.
- Distracted Driving – Drivers who text, talk on phones, adjust GPS devices, or engage in other distracting activities often fail to see pedestrians until it’s too late. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in tragedy when a driver approaches a crosswalk or intersection where pedestrians are present.
- Failure to Yield Right-of-Way – California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at unmarked intersections, yet many drivers ignore these rules. Some drivers roll through stop signs, make turns without looking for pedestrians, or fail to stop completely before turning right at red lights.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving – Drivers who exceed speed limits or drive too fast for conditions cannot react appropriately when pedestrians enter the roadway. Higher speeds also increase the severity of injuries when collisions occur.
- Impaired Driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining control of their vehicles. These impairments make it nearly impossible to avoid striking pedestrians, even in well-lit areas with clear visibility.
- Poor Visibility Conditions – Dawn, dusk, and nighttime driving require extra caution around pedestrians, yet many drivers maintain normal speeds and fail to watch carefully for people on foot. Rain, fog, and other weather conditions further reduce visibility and require heightened awareness.
- Parking Lot Accidents – Many drivers assume parking lots are safe zones and don’t expect to encounter pedestrians, leading to preventable collisions.
- Left-Turn Accidents – These crashes often occur at busy intersections where pedestrians have the legal right-of-way but become invisible to turning drivers.
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents – Trucks, buses, and delivery vehicles have larger blind spots and require greater stopping distances, making pedestrian detection more challenging for commercial drivers.
Riverside Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Office of Traffic Safety data, Riverside County experienced 27 pedestrian injuries and fatalities in one recent year. Some of the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in Riverside and surrounding areas include:
- Magnolia Avenue and Tyler Street in Riverside
- Bridge Street and Gilman Springs in Moreno Valley
- Winchester Road and Ynez Road in Temecula
Common Injuries in Riverside Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the significant size and weight difference between motor vehicles and the human body. Even vehicles traveling at relatively low speeds can cause devastating harm to pedestrians who have no protection from the force of collision.
- Traumatic brain injuries occur frequently when pedestrians’ heads strike vehicles or the pavement during accidents. Brain injuries often result in cognitive difficulties, personality changes, and permanent disabilities that affect every aspect of a victim’s life.
- Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, fundamentally altering a victim’s future. These catastrophic injuries typically require extensive medical treatment, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and lifelong care assistance.
- Broken bones and fractures may require multiple surgeries, metal implants, and extensive physical therapy. Some fractures never heal properly, leaving victims with permanent pain and limited mobility.
- Internal injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after an accident. Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and ruptured blood vessels require immediate medical intervention and can lead to long-term complications.
- Road rash and severe lacerations occur when pedestrians are dragged along pavement or struck by vehicle parts. These injuries often require skin grafts and plastic surgery, and they can leave permanent scarring that serves as a constant reminder of the traumatic event.
- Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs, muscle tears, and ligament damage, can cause chronic pain and limit a victim’s ability to work or enjoy daily activities. These injuries often worsen over time and may require ongoing treatment.
- Psychological trauma frequently accompanies physical injuries in pedestrian accidents. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and fear of crossing streets or being around traffic. These emotional injuries deserve compensation alongside physical harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most common questions Dordick Law Corporation receives from clients seeking compensation for pedestrian accident injuries include the following:
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
The value of your pedestrian accident case depends on multiple factors – particularly the severity of your injuries. Pedestrian accidents often result in more serious injuries than other types of accidents, potentially leading to higher compensation amounts. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate your medical records, employment history, and future needs to determine the full value of your claim and fight for maximum recovery.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
California follows a comparative fault system that allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault as determined by the court or insurance companies. For example, if you were found 20 percent at fault, you could still recover 80 percent of your total losses. An experienced attorney can help minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your compensation.
Why should I choose Dordick Law Corporation for my pedestrian accident case?
Since 1987, Dordick Law Corporation has built a reputation for taking on major insurance companies and corporate defendants to secure justice for injury victims. Our attorneys provide personal attention to each client while maintaining the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate accidents, consult with medical experts, and prepare cases for trial. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim?
You generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. However, if a government entity is involved, you may have as little as six months to file a claim. It’s crucial to contact an attorney immediately to meet all deadlines and preserve evidence while witnesses’ memories are fresh.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
Have you suffered the horrific trauma of sustaining injuries in a pedestrian accident? You need a legal representative who can provide the support and advocacy you deserve at this challenging time. At Dordick Law Corporation, we know what it takes to seek the recovery you need. Our experienced Riverside personal injury attorneys will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your recovery.
Your future depends on the decisions you make today. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building a strong case for maximum compensation. Call (310) 341-7176 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation. Let a pedestrian accident lawyer in Riverside fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.