Walking in the city can be a dangerous activity if you encounter a reckless or negligent driver. Collisions between vehicles and pedestrians frequently occur on busy streets such as Blackstone Avenue and Shaw Avenue, and often result in serious injuries. While understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Fresno will help you stay safe while walking, accidents do still happen.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in an accident while walking, an experienced pedestrian collision attorney at Dunnion Law can help you explore your legal options. Since 1975, our dedicated and compassionate team has worked with injured people to recover their damages, and we can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Contributing Factors in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian safety is an important issue that many organizations have worked to improve for years. While the city has implemented initiatives such as the Vision Zero and Safe Streets for All (SS4A) action plans and safety upgrades at notorious intersections like Friant and Shepherd, pedestrians are still at risk of injury due to unsafe drivers.

Many collisions between pedestrians and motor vehicles in Fresno are the result of common causes, including:

  • Distracted driving
  • Excessive speeding
  • Failure to yield
  • Failure to see pedestrians at crosswalks or while turning
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Pedestrians not paying attention to traffic while crossing

Other, less common causes include confusing road infrastructure, inadequate or missing sidewalks, lack of streetlights, and poorly marked crosswalks. Environmental factors, such as flooding or dense fog, may also contribute to this type of accident.

Determining Liability After a Pedestrian Collision Incident

Before you can file a claim for injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident in Fresno, your attorney must establish the cause of the collision and identify all liable parties. To do this, they may review police reports, video surveillance footage, and witness statements describing both your and the driver’s actions at the time of the accident.

While motorists are typically at fault for collisions involving pedestrians, other parties, including the victim, government or municipality, or other road users, may also share liability.

What Damages Can a Filing Pedestrian Accident Claim Recover?

If you suffered serious injuries in an accident caused by a negligent driver while walking in Fresno, you can pursue a compensation claim to recover damages. Common damages include:

  • Medical expenses, including treatment and physical therapy
  • Costs for damaged or lost property
  • Loss of income
  • Inconvenience
  • Disfigurement
  • Physical impairment or disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

To determine your final settlement, the court will consider the severity of your injuries, your total damages, and your share of fault (if any) for the accident. If you were partially responsible, the court may reduce your settlement by your percentage of fault.

Speak With a Fresno Attorney To Learn the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

While understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Fresno can help you stay safe while walking in the city, accidents do still happen. Reckless or negligent drivers often cause collisions that result in serious injuries, leaving victims facing expensive medical bills and unable to meet family obligations.

At Dunnion Law, our compassionate team has been helping injury victims recover their damages for over 50 years. We understand how a serious injury can affect your life, and we work to bring the stability and financial security you need to move forward. Contact us today to discuss your case.