Oakland Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents in Oakland can inflict grave physical harm, emotional distress, and financial strain on the victims and their families. Navigating the aftermath requires an adept understanding of California’s traffic laws, negotiation with insurance companies, and, above all, a relentless pursuit of justice.

Having a dedicated Oakland pedestrian accident attorney plays a pivotal role in the aftermath. At Wilshire Law Firm, our mission is clear — to advocate for the rights of pedestrian accident victims and ensure they receive the rightful compensation they deserve.

Our team of experienced legal professionals brings to the table a thorough understanding of California’s pedestrian laws and a tenacious dedication to getting you just compensation. From documenting your case accurately and negotiating with the insurance companies to presenting the case in court if the need arises, we work relentlessly to protect your interests.

Recognizing the multi-dimensional impact of pedestrian accidents, we approach your case holistically. Our Oakland personal injury attorneys strive to cover not just the visible wounds but also address the unseen emotional and financial burdens. At Wilshire Law Firm, we move forward together, empowering you with unwavering legal advocacy every step towards your recovery journey.

Why Choose Wilshire Law Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?

When grappling with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, you need a reliable, experienced, and tenacious ally on your side. Here’s why Wilshire Law Firm is uniquely positioned to be your legal partner:

Experienced Legal Professionals

Our team of attorneys is equipped with extensive knowledge and experience in handling pedestrian accident cases. We meticulously understand the nuances of each case, devise a robust legal strategy, and protect your rights at every stage.

Award-Winning Legal Representation

Our firm has been repeatedly recognized for its legal excellence by prestigious platforms such as U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®. We have an impressive record of securing high-value settlements and verdicts for our clients. 

No Win, No Fee Promise

We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe us nothing until we win your case. Our commitment to you is to provide high-quality legal representation in an affordable and accessible manner. We understand that you may need legal guidance at any time, so we make ourselves available 24/7. Whenever you have a question or concern, we’re here to assist you.

At Wilshire Law Firm, we’re your partners in the journey towards achieving the justice you rightfully deserve. Choose us, and let’s navigate this legal journey together. We’re ready to fight on your behalf. 

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Oakland

The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) provides comprehensive statistics that shed light on this evolving issue. According to the OTS, more than 14,000 pedestrians were injured in roadway accidents in a single year in California. Alarmingly, California’s rate of pedestrian fatalities is nearly 25 higher than the national average. The OTS also reports that pedestrian fatalities represent a whopping 27 of all roadway fatalities in the state.

Among senior citizens aged 65 years and older, the rate of pedestrian fatalities is significantly higher. These vulnerable individuals make up nearly 20 of all pedestrian fatalities and approximately 10 of all pedestrian injuries.

The statistics are further distressing when it comes to children. About one in every five children under the age of 15 who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians.

Around 25 of deadly crashes in Oakland emanate from speeding. Additionally, Oakland residents reportedly experience severe injuries or death from left-turning vehicles at a rate four times higher than average.

Such figures reinforce the urgent need for legal assistance following pedestrian accidents. At Wilshire Law Firm, we’re deeply committed to turning these statistics around — one case at a time, by helping victims recover their rightful compensation and steering a path toward healing and restoration.

Pedestrian Laws in Oakland, California

In California, laws are in place to ensure the safety of pedestrians. These laws aim to regulate both pedestrian and motorist behavior to minimize accidents. Drivers are obligated to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing roadways within any marked crosswalk or at an intersection.

However, pedestrians also have responsibilities. The same code also states that pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb or other safe place and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. Moreover, not all intersections are considered crosswalks. Legally, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there is no adjacent sidewalk available.

These laws are crucial when it comes to navigating a pedestrian accident case, as they play a critical role in determining fault and liability. At Wilshire Law Firm, we have an intimate understanding of these laws. Our team of experienced Oakland pedestrian accident lawyers can guide you through these legal intricacies, ensuring that your legal rights are preserved and pushing for the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in substantial injuries, given the stark size and weight disparity between a human and a vehicle. The types of injuries sustained can vary considerably and can range from minor wounds to serious and potentially life-altering conditions.

They include:

• Head and Brain Injuries: These can include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, contusions, or skull fractures. These injuries can impact cognitive functions and require long-term rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Depending on the severity, these injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting a person’s mobility and quality of life.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: This could include fractures to the legs, arms, hips, or ribs. Some fractures might necessitate surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These can include sprains, strains, or tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Damage to organs, internal bleeding, or other internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have severe health implications if not addressed promptly.

Apart from physical injuries, pedestrian accidents often lead to psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

At Wilshire Law Firm, we understand that life post-accident is not merely about physical recovery. It’s about reclaiming your life despite emotional trauma and financial strains.

For this reason, we fight hard to ensure your compensation is comprehensive, covering your past, present, and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any lost wages you may have incurred. It’s your right to full and fair compensation, and we’ll relentlessly advocate for it on your behalf.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can have a myriad of causes, often centered around driver negligence or reckless behavior.

Some common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Using a mobile phone, eating, or engaging in any other activity that diverts attention from the road can lead to serious accidents.
• Speeding: Driving beyond the speed limit reduces the driver’s control over the vehicle and lengthens the braking distance, making it harder to stop for pedestrians.
• Disregarding Traffic Controls: Ignoring traffic signals or signs can lead to collisions with pedestrians legally crossing the road.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Failing to do so can lead to serious injury or even death.
• Left-Hand Turns: Vehicles making left-hand turns can pose a significant risk to pedestrians since drivers may be more focused on oncoming traffic than pedestrians.

At Wilshire Law Firm, we are intimately familiar with how these situations can lead to accidents, and we tirelessly work to attribute responsibility where it belongs – to the negligent party or parties. As your representatives, we ensure these factors and possibilities are thoroughly explored to reinforce your case’s strength and thereby increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can seem overwhelming, but taking certain steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your potential legal claim:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Health comes first. If you’re hurt, seek immediate medical help. Even if the injuries seem minor, get checked; some injuries may not manifest immediately.
• Contact the Police: File an accident report with the local police department. This formal documentation is crucial for any future legal action.
• Document the Scene: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage. Collect contact information of witnesses, if any.
• Do Not Discuss the Accident: Avoid discussing the accident with anyone or admitting fault until you speak with a lawyer.
• Contact a Reputed Lawyer: Reach out to a reliable and experienced attorney at Wilshire Law Firm. We can guide you through the complexities of the claim process and represent you, both with insurance companies and potentially in court.

How Can Wilshire Law Firm Assist Your Pedestrian Accident Case?

A pedestrian accident can result in physical pain, emotional stress, and financial strains.

At Wilshire Law Firm, we take up the baton to navigate your legal journey, allowing for unimpeded focus on your recovery.

• Case Evaluation and Claim Preparation: Every case is unique, and so our first step is always to fully understand your specific situation. We assess your case’s strength, identify responsible parties, explain potential compensation options, and chart the best course of action. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will gather all necessary information, from medical reports to accident scene pictures, witness testimonies, and additional evidence that can strengthen your claim. We coordinate with experts to fortify your case further.
• Negotiation and Representation: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex. We use our extensive experience to handle these negotiations on your behalf, ensuring your best interests are represented. If a fair settlement is not achievable via negotiation, we’re prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys are experienced in litigating pedestrian accident cases and committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

At Wilshire Law Firm, we stand with you, advocate for you, and are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.

Compensation Available in Pedestrian Accident Cases

The victims of pedestrian accidents are entitled to economic and non-economic damages under California law. Economic damages actually quantify your financial losses. Medical bills—both current and future—as well as loss of earnings and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident fall into this category. On the other hand, non-economic damages are subjective losses that cannot be calculated in a straightforward manner. They account for aspects like emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, pain, and suffering that result from the accident.

The amount of compensation you can recover varies depending on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of the injuries sustained, and the impact of the accident on your daily life. Furthermore, the quality of your legal team in effectively presenting your case greatly influences the outcome.

When you entrust your case to Wilshire Law Firm, we leave no stone unturned in maximizing your compensation. Every loss, economic or non-economic, is exhaustively documented, and every damage you’ve incurred is accounted for. At Wilshire Law Firm, we’re not satisfied until we’ve secured you every penny that you rightfully deserve.

Act Swiftly to Preserve Your Rights. 

Equally crucial as getting immediate medical attention is seeking prompt legal help. Time is of the essence when it comes to pedestrian accident cases. The California statute of limitations allows a victim two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Any delay beyond this period can result in the case being rejected.

Moreover, the immediate aftermath of an accident is vital for evidence collection. As time passes, witnesses can forget critical details, surveillance footage may get erased, and physical evidence may be lost.

At Wilshire Law Firm, we act swiftly to initiate the claims process and gather evidence while it is still fresh. We understand the pressures you’re dealing with and strive to ensure that all legal deadlines are met seamlessly. Because we believe time is invaluable in securing the justice you deserve.

Don’t Let Your Pedestrian Accident Stop You From Pursuing Justice

At Wilshire Law Firm, we are ready to fulfill your legal needs and work zealously to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will take the burden of legal proceedings off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on recovery. We guide, advise, negotiate, and, if necessary, fight for your rights in court.

Every second counts; let Wilshire Law Firm step in and act swiftly to help you recover your losses. Contact us today at (415) 704-9912 or visit us at 510 49th Street #214, Oakland, CA, 94609, for a free consultation with our Oakland pedestrian accident lawyers. Call us now, and let’s begin the journey together.

Our Oakland Office Location

Wilshire Law Firm
Oakland
510 49th St. #214
Oakland, CA 94609
Tel: (415) 704-9912

Open Mon – Sun
Available 24 Hours
by Appointment Only