The Fresno pedestrian accident lawyers at The Wagner Law Group are standing by to represent you and your interests in a court of law. If you were recently injured in a pedestrian accident, call us at 833.200.7111 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Pedestrians have no protection when a car hits them. No seatbelt, no airbag, no frame — just the impact. The result is often catastrophic: broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or death. If you or a family member was struck by a vehicle in Fresno, you have the right to pursue full compensation from the driver and any other responsible parties.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Fresno
Most pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving — texting, eating, or otherwise not watching the road
- Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Speeding in residential areas or school zones
- Backing out of driveways or parking lots without checking for pedestrians
- Poor road design, inadequate lighting, or missing traffic signals — in these cases, a city or municipality may share liability
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Because pedestrians have no physical protection, injuries from vehicle collisions are frequently severe:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — concussions, hemorrhages, and permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries — partial or complete paralysis, herniated discs, and chronic pain
- Broken bones and fractures — legs, hips, arms, and pelvis are commonly affected
- Internal organ damage — injuries that may not be immediately apparent after the collision
- Soft tissue injuries — tears, sprains, and ligament damage requiring surgery and rehabilitation
- Wrongful death — when a pedestrian accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Fresno Pedestrian Accident?
Liability in pedestrian accident cases may extend beyond just the driver:
- The at-fault driver — the most common defendant in pedestrian accident cases
- Employers — if the driver was operating a commercial vehicle or working at the time of the accident
- Government agencies — if dangerous road conditions, broken signals, or missing crosswalk markings contributed to the accident
- Vehicle manufacturers — if a mechanical defect contributed to the collision
We investigate every angle to identify all liable parties and maximize your recovery.
Compensation Available in a Fresno Pedestrian Accident Case
A pedestrian accident settlement can cover:
- Medical expenses — emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing care
- Future medical costs — rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care needs
- Lost wages — income lost while you were unable to work
- Reduced earning capacity — if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation
- Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Wrongful death damages — funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship for surviving family members
California Comparative Negligence in Pedestrian Cases
Insurance companies will often try to blame the pedestrian — claiming you were jaywalking, wearing dark clothing, or not paying attention. California’s comparative negligence rules do allow your compensation to be reduced if you were partially at fault, but you can still recover even if you share some responsibility.
We push back aggressively against attempts to shift blame onto victims. Our job is to make sure the fault determination is based on evidence, not the insurance company’s narrative.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
California’s statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If a government entity is involved — such as a city responsible for dangerous road conditions — you may have as little as six months to file a government tort claim. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Why Choose The Wagner Law Group
We are a Fresno-based personal injury firm representing seriously injured clients throughout the Central Valley. When you work with us:
- You pay nothing upfront — we work on contingency, meaning no fees unless we win
- You get direct access to your attorney, not just a case manager
- We handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf
- We are fully prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement is not offered
Call 833.200.7111 today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on recovery.
What should I do after being hit by a car in Fresno?
Seek medical attention immediately even if you feel okay — some serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Call 911, get a police report, photograph the scene and your injuries, get witness contact information, and call a pedestrian accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance company.
Can I file a claim if I was hit in a crosswalk?
Yes — drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. If a driver struck you in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, they are almost certainly liable. Contact us and we’ll evaluate your case.
What if I was partially at fault — for example, crossing outside a crosswalk?
You could possibly still recover compensation under California’s comparative negligence rules. Your award would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery entirely. Don’t assume you have no case — let us evaluate what happened.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in California?
Generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity is involved — such as a city with dangerous road conditions — you may have only six months to file a government tort claim. Contact an attorney immediately.
My family member was killed in a pedestrian accident. Do we have a claim?
Yes. Surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. We handle wrongful death cases with the seriousness and compassion they deserve.
The driver who hit me didn't have insurance. Can I still recover?
Possibly. You may have an uninsured motorist claim through your own auto insurance policy, or there may be other liable parties — such as an employer or a government entity — who can be pursued. We’ll explore every available option.
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.
