Legal Insights
Walking is a way of life in San Francisco, but pedestrians face serious risks every day. A moving bicycle, scooter, or motor vehicle can cause catastrophic harm when it collides with a person on foot. Even at slower speeds, the impact can result in life-changing injuries.
Understanding your rights as a pedestrian and knowing what to do after an accident can make all the difference in protecting your health and securing fair compensation.
Serious crashes often occur during low-light commute hours, even when driver impairment is not suspected. Many accidents happen because drivers, cyclists, or scooter riders simply don't see pedestrians in time.
Always assume a driver may not see you and give yourself space from moving traffic and riders.
California law clearly establishes pedestrian rights, but also outlines pedestrian responsibilities. Knowing these laws helps you stay safe and strengthens your legal claim if you're injured.
California Vehicle Code § 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians within:
Drivers must slow down and use due care to keep pedestrians safe.
Important: The same statute says a pedestrian should not suddenly leave a curb or safe place and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to create an immediate hazard.
California Vehicle Code § 22350 (the basic speed law) requires drivers to travel at a reasonable and safe speed for conditions, which includes:
Visibility
Traffic
Pedestrian Activity
Bicycles and e-scooters are increasingly common in San Francisco, and riders have legal obligations to pedestrians:
Riders must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, just like motor vehicle drivers.
Riders must travel at safe speeds for conditions and surroundings.
A rider who fails to yield or travels too fast for conditions can be held liable for injuries caused to pedestrians.
Stay Safe
Wear visible clothing at night; consider carrying a small light or wearing reflective items to help drivers see you.
Use crosswalks and do not rely solely on a green light. Look for turning vehicles, cyclists, and e-scooters.
Avoid walking in bike lanes; use sidewalks when available to reduce conflicts with cyclists.
Skip noise-canceling earbuds and limit distractions. Keep your awareness sharp to react to hazards.
Watch for uneven sidewalks, potholes, and other walking surface hazards that could cause trips and falls.
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries because there's no protection between the person and the vehicle:
Head trauma from impact with vehicle or ground
Legs, arms, ribs, hips, and pelvis injuries
Paralysis and permanent mobility loss
Organ damage and internal bleeding
Severe cuts and skin abrasions
Loss of limbs in severe collisions
Critical Steps
The actions you take immediately after being hit can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
Even if you feel okay, get examined. Some injuries don't show symptoms right away but can be serious.
Keep your shoes and clothing unwashed. They may contain critical evidence like paint transfer, tire marks, or debris.
Note nearby cameras on buildings, buses, or traffic signals. Ask businesses or transit agencies to preserve video footage immediately.
Obtain the incident or police report number. Collect contact information and statements from witnesses.
Speak with an experienced attorney before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company. What you say can be used against you.
Video footage is often deleted or recorded over within days. Witnesses' memories fade. Physical evidence can be lost or destroyed. Taking action immediately gives you the best chance of building a strong case.
If you're injured as a pedestrian in San Francisco, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, medications, and future medical needs
Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity if you can't return to your previous work
Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
Permanent disability, scarring, and lifestyle adjustments
Understanding Complex Laws: California pedestrian law involves multiple statutes and liability rules that require legal expertise.
Fighting Insurance Companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts or blame pedestrians. An attorney protects your rights.
Gathering Critical Evidence: Attorneys know how to quickly secure video footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.
Maximizing Compensation: We calculate the full value of your claim, including future costs that insurance companies often ignore.
If you've been injured as a pedestrian, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who understands pedestrian law and will fight to recover compensation for medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering.
Learn how an experienced attorney helps you get maximum compensation
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