Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto can help you if you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident. Getting hurt in any kind of accident is hard—but when you’re struck while walking, especially at a busy Modesto intersection, the confusion and stress can feel even worse. One of the first questions people ask is, “Do pedestrians have the right of way?” And the answer depends on where and how the accident happened. Our team will be there to answer all your questions. Set up a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Should You Get a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident?
You might just be crossing McHenry Avenue on your way to lunch or walking near Vintage Faire Mall—most people don’t expect to be hit by a car while on foot. But when it happens, the impact isn’t just physical. The injuries can be devastating, and the aftermath can quickly spiral into stress, confusion, and a tangle of paperwork.
One of the first questions we often hear is: “Do I really need a lawyer for this?” Technically, no—you’re not required to hire one. But having an experienced legal team on your side can make a real difference, especially when you’re up against insurance companies who may try to downplay your injuries or deny responsibility altogether.
Here’s what our team at Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto can do to make things easier:
- Help you understand your rights and legal options in plain English—not legal jargon.
- Handle the investigation and gather the evidence you’ll need to support your claim.
- Deal directly with the insurance company, so you don’t have to.
- Push back when settlement offers fall short—and work to secure the full amount you need to heal and move forward.
Every pedestrian accident is different, but if you were hit in Modesto, you have legal options. And you don’t have to figure them out alone.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way at Intersections?
If you’re walking in Modesto, you usually do have the right of way at intersections. It’s not just common sense–it’s part of California law. But having the right of way doesn’t give pedestrians a free pass to cross however or whenever they choose.
You still have a responsibility to be careful. That means not stepping off the curb suddenly or entering the path of a car that’s too close to stop. Even in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, you can’t stop in the middle of traffic or block cars without a valid reason.
It’s also important to note that drivers must take special care around blind pedestrians—especially those using a white cane or service animal. The law (called the “white cane” law) is very clear on this, holding that drivers have to:
- Stop and stay stopped until they’ve safely finished crossing.
- Keep from honking their horn, pressuring the pedestrian, or try to go around a blind pedestrian who is crossing.
This rule applies at intersections, crosswalks (marked or unmarked), and even mid-block–anywhere a blind pedestrian is trying to cross. In short, though, both drivers and pedestrians have a role to play in keeping Modesto’s streets safe. But if an accident does happen, you have to know what steps to take.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Modesto?
Getting hit by a car—even at a slow speed—can leave you with serious injuries. And as a pedestrian, you don’t have much protection. That’s why it’s important to take a few key steps after the accident, if you’re able:
- Call 911 right away – Even if you’re unsure how badly you’re hurt, let paramedics check you out. Some injuries won’t show up right away. Police will also respond and file a report, which can help back up your case.
- Get medical care – If first responders suggest going to the ER, take their advice. Keep all records and follow up with your doctor. Your medical records usually make a big difference in your claim.
- Get information from the driver (if possible) – Try to get the driver’s name, contact info, and insurance details. If it was a hit-and-run–say, something that happened near Oakdale Road or another busy Modesto street–do your best to remember what the car looked like and share that with the police.
- Take photos or videos – If you can, snap photos of the scene, your injuries, and anything else that shows what happened. That includes things like broken signals, crosswalk conditions, or poor visibility.
- Don’t admit fault – It’s natural to say something like “I didn’t see them” or “I’m okay” in the moment, but avoid making any statements that could be used against you. Just stick to the facts.
If you’re seriously injured, you may not be able to do all of this on your own—and that’s okay. We’re here to help gather the evidence, deal with the paperwork, and make sure your claim starts off strong.
What Options Do I Have For Getting Damages After a Pedestrian Accident?
The issue with pedestrian accidents is that they usually lead to serious, long-lasting injuries. It’s not hard to see why: being on foot and facing a moving vehicle offers you no protection. Some of the most common injuries we see include whiplash, head trauma, spinal injuries, broken bones, and damage to soft tissue. Many people also suffer emotionally–dealing with anxiety, depression, or PTSD long after the physical injuries begin to heal.
At that point, it’s important to understand your legal options—and how to take the next step toward recovery. To do that, it’s like any other accident–meaning you can either:
- File an insurance claim out of court
- File a personal injury lawsuit
Most cases start with an insurance claim, where you ask the driver’s insurance company to cover your costs—like medical bills and missed work. But if the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount or tries to blame you, filing a lawsuit might be the next step. That’s when a court gets involved to decide who’s responsible and what you should be paid. This financial support is called “damages” and includes things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Repair/replacement costs for your damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral or burial expenses in fatal accidents
- Punitive damages, in some cases
Like any claim, what you’re ultimately able to obtain depends on the circumstances around your accident and how you approach the claims process. You only have two years from the date of the accident to file, so it’s best to act quickly.
Get a Free Case Evaluation After a Pedestrian Accident at a Modesto Intersection
Being in a car accident in Modesto is almost always stressful. Not only do you have to deal with injuries, trying to deal with an insurance company as you try to recover from your injuries can quickly become overwhelming. Don’t let that happen to you. Working with our team of experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto can take the burden of the claims process off your shoulders. Reach out today for a free case consultation and evaluation.