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Pedestrian Accidents

SAN FRANCISCO PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Advocating for Safer Streets in the Bay Area

San Francisco is one of the most dangerous cities in the nation when it comes to pedestrian accidents. Every year, about 30 people are killed and almost 600 are seriously injured while walking on San Francisco streets.

At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we represent victims of all types of pedestrian accidents throughout the Bay Area, from crosswalk accidents to hit-and-run accidents.

Since 1980, our San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyers have built a strong reputation among our clients and peers through sincere dedication and an unparalleled understanding of the law.

Have you been injured by a negligent motorist? As a pedestrian, you have rights. We’re here to help you exercise them—and there are no fees unless we win your case.

Don’t wait to get started. Contact us online or by calling (415) 940-7176 today to get your free consultation with a San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyer.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot is struck by a vehicle, bicycle, or other moving object. In a city like San Francisco, with its high pedestrian traffic, steep streets, and busy intersections, the risk of pedestrian accidents is significant.

These incidents can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and even fatalities. Victims often face long recovery periods, time away from work, and significant medical expenses. That’s why having a San Francisco pedestrian accident attorney on your side is imperative.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Injuries in San Francisco

More and more commuters, truckers, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are simply not paying attention to the road and causing serious accidents as a result. Distracted driving is not the only cause of pedestrian accidents, however.

Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Speeding/driving too fast for conditions
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Failing to use headlights while driving at night
  • Failing to check blind spots, especially while turning
  • Making unsafe turns while pedestrians are crossing
  • Running or rolling through stop signs and red lights

California Pedestrian Laws

California law provides specific protections for pedestrians, but it also outlines responsibilities for both drivers and walkers.

Some important pedestrian rights in CA include:

  • Right of way at crosswalks – Whether marked or unmarked, pedestrians generally have the right of way in crosswalks.
  • Vehicle duty of care – Drivers must exercise due care for the safety of pedestrians and take steps to avoid collisions, even if the pedestrian is jaywalking.
  • No overtaking at crosswalks – Vehicles may not overtake others stopped at a crosswalk, as it may conceal a pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrian responsibilities:

  • Obey signals and signage.
  • Avoid suddenly leaving a curb or walking into the path of a vehicle.
  • Use sidewalks where available.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining fault is a critical part of a pedestrian accident claim. Liability could rest with:

  • The vehicle driver – for negligence, speeding, or distracted driving
  • A public entity – for poorly maintained roads, lack of signage, or defective traffic signals
  • Rideshare companies – if a driver for Uber or Lyft caused the accident while on duty
  • Bicyclists or scooter operators – in cases of non-vehicle collisions

In some situations, multiple parties may share liability. Our legal team at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn will perform a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and work with expert witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.

Financial Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Injured pedestrians may be entitled to financial compensation for:

  • Lost wages from time off work
  • Medical expenses, from medication to surgery
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering

If the pedestrian accident resulted in a fatality, surviving loved ones may be able to recover wrongful death damages.

This may include compensation for their own financial losses and pain and suffering, financial losses experienced by the decedent’s estate, and pain and suffering experienced by the decedent up until their death.

Proven Success in Pedestrian Accident Claims

Our firm has recovered over $500 million for victims of negligence and wrongdoing, including those injured in pedestrian accidents. Some of our most notable results include:

  • $18 million for a student who suffered severe brain injuries in a crosswalk accident
  • $13.1 million for a 31-year-old pedestrian who suffered brain injuries and quadriplegia
  • $3 million for a woman who suffered a crush injury in a pedestrian accident
  • $2.5 million for a pedestrian who suffered brain injuries, a collapsed lung, and was left in a coma
  • $2.25 million for the loved ones of a pedestrian struck and killed at a crosswalk
  • $2 million for the loved ones of a pedestrian killed after being struck by a dump truck

Past results do not ensure success in future cases. However, our track record does demonstrate our skill in representing injured pedestrians against negligent drivers, companies, public entities, and others.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential to understand your rights and take the right steps to protect yourself. Our team at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn has extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases in San Francisco. We can provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Contact us today at (415) 940-7176 to let our SF pedestrian accident lawyers help you.

Real Stories. Real People.

See what our clients have to say
    “June and her team worked tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned,”

    I had the pleasure of working with June Bashant, and she truly exceeded all expectations. After my devastating accident, June and her team worked tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned to secure the best possible outcome. She is a powerhouse of tenacity and determination, relentlessly pursuing justice with an innovative, out-of-the-box approach that led to life-changing results, including care that will last a lifetime.

    From the very start, June’s communication skills were exceptional—she kept me well-informed and supported throughout the entire process. Her professionalism was evident, but it was her genuine compassion and care that made me feel like a priority. She wasn’t just an attorney; she was a fierce advocate, fighting on my behalf every step of the way.

    June’s strategic mindset, intelligence, and sheer determination set her apart. She far exceeded my expectations in every area and had a remarkable network of professionals to help with every facet of my case. Her personal touch, combined with her incredible expertise, made me feel confident that I had the best team behind me.

    If you’re facing a medical malpractice or personal injury case, June Bashant is the attorney you want in your corner. She is a force to be reckoned with in the legal world—unmatched in her dedication, skill, and drive. Her reputation for delivering powerful, life-altering results speaks for itself. I couldn’t have asked for a more unstoppable attorney.

    - Client of RFTM
    “Thank you Sir once again!”
    Thank you Sir once again! This time for helping my son Leon McDermand attain the services of June Bashant, who he has himself said many times, that she did a magnificent job for him. This is the third family member, including myself, that you and RFTM have helped. Thank you once again Tim, and please thank June and Robert, who helped my Daughter Elena.
    - Robert
    “I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence and professionalism and human kindness you and your team displayed throughout this case.”
    “I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence.”
    - Michelle
    “Best Law Firm in San Francisco!”
    “I am very grateful for all the hard work all the staff did. GREAT STAFF!”
    - Guadalupe Hernandez
    “You all did a wonderful job.”
    “I valued the clear communication, prompt replies, and frank interaction.”
    - Jackie Q.
    “Rouda Feder Tietjen McGuinn always put the client first.”
    “They work tirelessly to uncover the evidence necessary to obtain the very best result for the injured people they represent.”
    - Heidi Taylor, Law Offices of Heidi Taylor
    “They approach each case with creativity and care and provide their clients with extraordinary representation. I can’t think of a higher compliment.”
    “They approach each case with creativity and care.”
    - Michael J Ney, McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Brothers LLP
    “I cannot say enough about the compassion, professionalism and expertise they bring.”
    “I cannot say enough about the compassion, professionalism, and expertise.”
    - Steve B

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Why Choose Us?

Serving clients since 1980
  • Largest Settlements In The Bay Area
  • 150+ Years of Collective Experience
  • No Attorneys' Fees Unless We Win
  • Nationally Accredited Counsel
  • Top-Rated by U.S. News–Best Lawyers®
  • Over $500 Million Recovered