Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto represent injured pedestrian accident victims in Gilroy. If you or a loved one were injured due to a reckless driver or a hazardous condition on the sidewalk, our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys can help.
Our firm provides legal support to injured pedestrian accident victims seeking the maximum compensation for their injuries. Contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
How a Lawyer Can Help Pedestrian Accident Victims in Modesto
Accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles can often lead to complex legal challenges for injured victims in Modesto. Believe it or not, pedestrian accidents happen more often in Modesto than you think. In November of 2024, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Yosemite Boulevard and Santa Ana Avenue in Modesto, according to Modesto Police.
Oftentimes, in cases like this, liability can come into question, potentially reducing or eliminating a pedestrian accident victim’s compensation. At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto, we protect the legal rights of pedestrians under California Law and help injured victims obtain maximum compensation for their:
- Medical and hospital bills
- Property damages
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Lost earnings and wages
- Property damage
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
What are the Right-of-Way Rules for a Crosswalk at an Intersection in Modesto
The term “pedestrian” applies not only to people walking across the street but to people on skates and skateboards. Generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all crosswalks. Crosswalks in California are typically marked with white lines and reflectors. Some cities even require flashing lights to illuminate the crosswalk. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must adhere to the following rules when approaching a crosswalk:
- All drivers must reduce their speeds or stop, if necessary, to yield to pedestrians within the crosswalk.
- A driver must stop before the line, not in the middle of the crosswalk.
- A driver must stop if a pedestrian is in his or her half of the lane or approaching quickly enough to be in the direct path of the vehicle.
- Drivers are not permitted to pass stopped vehicles while they’re allowing pedestrians to cross at a crosswalk.
However, a pedestrian should not step off the curb if it is unsafe. Just as drivers owe a “duty of care” to pedestrians, pedestrians are also required to avoid putting drivers in unsafe situations.
Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way Outside of Crosswalks in Modesto?
Pedestrian’s right-of-way outside of crosswalks is covered by California Vehicle Code 21954. This statute says all pedestrians on roadways at any point other than within marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles. According to California Vehicle Code 275, crosswalks exist when boundary lines of sidewalks connect at intersections. The statute further defines crosswalks as:
“That portion of a roadway included within the prolongation or connection of the boundary lines of sidewalks at intersections where the intersecting roadways meet at approximately right angles, except the prolongation of such lines from an alley across a street.
Any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, there shall not be a crosswalk where local authorities have placed signs indicating no crossing.”
What to do If You’ve Been Injured in a Modesto Pedestrian Accident
Your first step after a pedestrian accident should be to seek medical care. If you’re too injured to move on your own, call 911. Even if you think you’re going to be okay, it is recommended to be seen by a doctor. Muscle, ligament, and brain injuries can take time to get worse, so you should be evaluated by a medical professional after any type of significant accident. Following medical treatment, you should get the following information:
- The name and contact information of the driver, as well as any other people involved
- The driver’s license plate number, insurance information, and the driver’s license number
- Witness information
- Police report – you can file a police report in Modesto here.
It may seem like a lot to document after an accident but don’t be afraid to use your phone to take photos of everything. Some victims may think they don’t have time to write everything down, but your smartphone can take photos of important documents, as well as capture video of the incident. For more information on what to do after a Modesto pedestrian accident, contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney.
What is the Typical Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents in Intersections in Modesto?
There is no set dollar amount for the trauma and pain experienced by victims of pedestrian accidents. However, the amount of compensation you can expect will be based on your economic damages (such as lost wages and medical bills) and non-economic damages (emotional harm, depression, and anxiety). These damages combined include:
- Special Damages: medical bills, ongoing treatment, costs that accumulate when you’re unable to work, like rent or mortgage payments
- General Damages: these are non-economic hardships like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, mental trauma
- Wrongful Death Damages: these damages may be sought by a spouse or close relative for funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and medical treatment before a loved one’s death
- Punitive Damages: these damages are rare, but if the driver engaged in reckless driving with the intention of hurting you, then you could sue for punitive damages
Common Injuries in Modesto Pedestrian Accidents
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents resulting in serious injury or death on roadways in Modesto are getting worse. With all the increase in restaurants, lounges, and markets in downtown Modesto “DoMo,” there are more people out walking and shopping along the streets than ever before.
In 2018, nearly 1,000 citizens were killed in traffic accidents in California and 14,000 people suffered serious injuries, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The serious injuries sustained by pedestrians who do not lose their lives in traffic accidents tend to suffer the following injuries:
- Fractures
- Cuts and contusions
- Organ damage
- Concussions
- Amputations
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Contact a Modesto Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Modesto, the experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Modesto can provide you with skilled legal support to get you the compensation you need. Our firm is passionate about protecting pedestrians in Modesto. We take aggressive legal action against parties responsible for harming pedestrians and we will work tirelessly on your behalf until a fair settlement is reached.
Contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto today for a no-charge, no-obligation consultation. Our firm operates on a contingency basis, so you do not have to pay a cent unless we win your case.