SAN FRANCISCO PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER

Legal Help for Pedestrian Injury Victims in California: (888) 831-8448

Pedestrians face tremendous risks whenever they venture onto public roads and sidewalks or find themselves near bicyclists, scooter riders, and motor vehicles. If any of these parties are negligent, it can spell disaster for an innocent pedestrian.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a pedestrian in any type of traffic or premises accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our San Francisco attorneys at Bostwick & Associates have decades of experience fighting for victims and may be able to help you fight for a full financial recovery.

People trust Bostwick & Associates because:

• We have won over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements.
• We have secured record results in CA, HI, CO, WA, and OK.
• Our attorneys are recognized among The Best Lawyers in America.
• We care about clients and prioritize personal service.

After suffering preventable harm, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. Learn more about your options and how our firm may be able to help during a FREE consultation by calling (888) 831-8448.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot, skateboard, wheelchair, scooter, or other non-motorized form of travel is struck by a motor vehicle, bicyclist, or e-scooter. These accidents often result in severe injuries because pedestrians have no physical protection against the force of a collision.

Common pedestrian-involved accidents include:

• A vehicle striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk
• Drivers failing to yield during turns
• Back-up accidents in parking lots
• Hit-and-run pedestrian collisions
• E-scooter and bicycle collisions with pedestrians
• Accidents caused by dangerous road conditions or construction zones

Regardless of how the accident occurred, an injured pedestrian has legal rights under California law.

California Pedestrian Laws

California has some of the strongest pedestrian protections in the country. Key laws include:

Right-of-Way in Crosswalks

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

Duty of Care by Drivers

Under California Vehicle Code §21950, drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, including slowing down when necessary.

Pedestrian Responsibilities

While pedestrians also have obligations—such as avoiding suddenly leaving a curb into oncoming traffic—drivers still maintain a heightened duty to prevent collisions.

No Jaywalking Tickets Under New Law

As of January 2023, California's “Freedom to Walk” Act limits when officers can cite pedestrians for jaywalking, aligning more responsibility on drivers to operate safely.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?

San Francisco’s unique traffic patterns contribute to a high rate of pedestrian injuries. Common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones or GPS often fail to see pedestrians.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Higher speeds significantly increase the severity of pedestrian injuries.
• Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur when drivers turn left or right without checking crosswalks.
• Red-Light Running: Rushed or reckless drivers frequently run red lights in high-traffic corridors like SoMa, Market Street, and the Tenderloin.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction times, making it harder to avoid collisions.
• Poor Visibility: Fog, darkness, and poorly lit streets can all contribute to pedestrian crashes.
• E-Scooter and Bicycle Collisions: Shared mobility devices, when operated irresponsibly, also cause pedestrian injuries.

Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Often Occur in SF?

San Francisco is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in California for pedestrians. High-risk areas include:

• Market Street Corridor
• Tenderloin District
• Mission Street & Valencia Street intersections
• Sunset District arterial roads
• Van Ness Avenue
• Fisherman’s Wharf and Embarcadero
• Financial District during rush hours
• Near Muni stops, BART stations, and cable car lines

These areas see heavy traffic and large volumes of foot traffic, increasing the likelihood of pedestrian-vehicle collisions.

Liability for Pedestrian Accidents

Determining who is responsible for a pedestrian accident is crucial to securing compensation. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Negligent Drivers: Most pedestrian accidents occur because a driver wasn’t paying attention, failed to yield, or violated traffic laws.
• Rideshare Drivers: Uber and Lyft drivers are often distracted or rushing to pick up riders, increasing risk.
• Commercial Drivers: Delivery vans, trucks, and fleet vehicles can cause severe pedestrian injuries.
• Government Entities: The City of San Francisco may be liable if unsafe road design, faulty signals, or poor lighting contributed to the accident.
• E-Scooter or Bicycle Operators: Reckless riders can be held liable for pedestrian injuries on sidewalks or bike paths.

Our San Francisco pedestrian accident attorney will conduct a comprehensive investigation, gather evidence, and identify all parties responsible.

Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians

A pedestrian injured by a negligent party may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Lost wages
• Future loss of income
• Prescription and medical equipment costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Punitive Damages

In cases involving extreme recklessness—such as DUI—punitive damages may be available.

Bostwick & Associates fights aggressively to pursue the full value of your claim.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in California?

Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities have much shorter deadlines—often just six months.

What if I was partially at fault?

California uses comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible.

What if the driver fled the scene?

Hit-and-run cases may still be compensated through uninsured motorist insurance or other sources.

Do I need a pedestrian accident attorney?

Yes. Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians. A lawyer protects your rights and strengthens your case.

Maximize Your Recovery: Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident caused by the negligent action or inaction of another, you may have the right to seek financial compensation for the resulting injuries. This compensation should at least cover costs associated with diagnosis, treatment and recovery, and will also address the loss of income from work, and predicted future economic and non-economic damages.

As a U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” Tier 1 firm, Bostwick & Associates understands what it takes to secure compensation for victims and families. We have recovered over $1 billion for victims of medical malpractice and personal injury, and are prepared to see how we may be able to help you.

Call or contact us online to request a free review of your case.