Folsom is a wonderful community to travel on foot. Whether you’re walking the Johnny Cash Trail or wandering through the Historic District, you have the right to expect that those around you are looking out for your safety. A pedestrian accident can literally stop you in your tracks.
If you suffered injuries while walking in Folsom, getting the right legal representation can help you seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. For over 30 years, Demas Law Group has represented California clients in a wide range of personal injury cases. Our track record includes over $200 million recovered for injured people, including a $1 million settlement for a house cleaner who suffered multiple broken bones after being struck by a tool truck while she walked along a sidewalk.*
Your well-being is worth fighting for, and learning your legal options is the first part of the legal process. Call or contact us for a free consultation with a Folsom pedestrian accident lawyer.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Folsom
Pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality in California communities like Folsom. The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) recently identified the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom metro region as the 20th most dangerous area for pedestrian fatalities nationwide. Busy intersections, bustling shopping districts, dangerous surface streets, and residential neighborhoods bring drivers and pedestrians into close contact daily.
Pedestrian accidents often occur at intersections, crosswalks, near schools, or along high-traffic roadways where speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield put people on foot at the highest risk. Since pedestrians lack safety protection like seatbelts and airbags, even a low-speed collision can leave them vulnerable to catastrophic injuries.
Understanding the causes and consequences of pedestrian accidents in Folsom is essential for raising awareness, promoting safer streets, and ensuring injured victims know their legal rights.
California Pedestrian Laws & Rights
California law defines a pedestrian as anyone traveling on foot, using an assistive device like a wheelchair, or using a human-powered device such as a skateboard, rollerblades, roller skates, or a non-motorized scooter. Motorized scooters, e-scooters, and bicycles are not considered pedestrians and are subject to different laws in California.
Pedestrian laws provide pedestrians with vital rights and encourage them to exercise reasonable care for their safety. Understanding these rules helps drivers and walkers avoid accidents. For example, pedestrians must:
- Obey all traffic signs and signals, just like other motorists
- Use crosswalks when available, but may cross at mid-block if safe and legal
- Walk as close as possible to the right side of the road if no crosswalk is available
- Yield the right-of-way at traffic signals and follow law enforcement directions
- Avoid leaving the curb or darting into the path of oncoming traffic
- Stay out of bike lanes
State law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings unless otherwise directed. Motorists also cannot block or drive on sidewalks, except when entering or exiting a driveway.
While pedestrian laws are designed to keep walkers safe, careless motorists do not always exercise due caution. When a vehicle driver strikes a pedestrian, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Folsom often result from driver negligence. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Impaired driving
- Left turns at intersections
- Parking lot accidents
- Backover accidents
Poor visibility is another issue that can cause devastating pedestrian accidents. According to the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC), half of pedestrian accidents occur between 6 p.m. and midnight, when visibility is limited. Wearing reflectors or brightly colored clothing when walking at night or in the early morning can help motorists spot you.
Injuries and Impact on Victims
Pedestrian accidents cause some of the most serious injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Amputation
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Road rash
- Scarring and disfigurement
The tremendous physical injuries associated with pedestrian accidents are only the tip of the iceberg. Victims may also suffer emotionally, experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder due to the incident. Physical and mental injuries can leave a lasting impact on a victim’s quality of life and their ability to continue work or participate in everyday activities.
Compensation Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Recovering fair compensation in pedestrian accident cases can be challenging. Severe injuries generally mean higher medical expenses, and insurance companies give any high-value claim extra scrutiny. In addition to challenging pedestrian accident claims, adjusters may urge accident victims to accept a speedy settlement offer. This tactic can be especially damaging, especially if the injured person does not yet have a complete understanding of the long-term impact of their injuries. For these reasons, it is vital to involve a personal injury lawyer in Folsom right away.
A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can place a fair estimate on your claim and build a persuasive case seeking maximum compensation for losses like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
An attorney can also represent you during settlement negotiations and prepare a pedestrian accident lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to settle.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Folsom
Taking prompt action after a Folsom pedestrian accident can impact your health, well-being, and ability to pursue full and fair compensation. If possible, follow these steps after a pedestrian accident:
- Contact law enforcement.
- Seek immediate medical care.
- Document the scene when possible with photographs, video, and police reports.
- Contact a Folsom pedestrian accident lawyer.
- Keep a paper trail of your injuries and expenses.
- Stay off social media.
- Keep a pain journal.
Why Choose Demas Law Group for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Demas Law Group is a top-rated personal injury firm, led by attorneys recognized by professional organizations such as The Nation’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers. These honors reflect both their legal excellence and unwavering commitment to ethical standards.
From Day One, our legal team puts you first because we understand the pain and turmoil you’ve endured. Not only are we out to help you pursue fair compensation, but we also care about your physical and emotional well-being and support you throughout your recovery.
Contact our office today and arrange a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
*Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
