Fresno Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Fresno is a vibrant city, but its busy streets can be dangerous for pedestrians. In an instant, a collision between a person and a vehicle can lead to serious and catastrophic, life-altering injuries. The risks are especially high for vulnerable populations, including those over 65 and children under 15. In 2021, 34 people from these groups were injured or killed in Fresno pedestrian accidents.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in Fresno, understanding your rights and legal options is crucial. The Dominguez Firm is dedicated to helping victims of pedestrian accidents in Fresno and throughout Southern California. Call us for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818.

Please keep reading for essential information about Fresno pedestrian accident claims, the compensation available, and how The Dominguez Firm can help you.

Why Are Pedestrian Accidents Common in Fresno?

Fresno’s bustling streets and intersections can pose significant risks to pedestrians. Drivers often fail to pay attention, even at marked crosswalks, leading to accidents.

The city’s urban design also presents several hazards for pedestrians:

• Wide, High-Speed Streets: Many of Fresno’s major roads, such as Blackstone Avenue, are multi-lane thoroughfares designed for fast-moving traffic, making it difficult and dangerous for pedestrians to cross safely.
• Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure: Some areas lack adequate sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals, forcing people to walk in or near traffic lanes.
• Disconnected Street Grid: Parts of Fresno have a disconnected street network, which can lead to longer walking distances and encourage more car use, increasing pedestrian-vehicle interactions.
• Limited Bike Lanes: The scarcity of dedicated bike lanes in some areas means cyclists often share the road with vehicles or use sidewalks, creating potential conflicts with pedestrians.

These factors, combined with driver inattention, contribute to Fresno’s high rate of pedestrian accidents. A study by the urban planning advocacy organization, Smart Growth America ranked Fresno as the 7th most dangerous city for pedestrians in America, with 307 pedestrian deaths between 2013-2022.

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

If you find yourself involved in a pedestrian accident in Fresno, taking immediate steps can protect your rights and strengthen your claim:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting medical help promptly ensures your well-being and creates a medical record that can support your claim.
• Report the Accident: Contact the police to file an official report. This report serves as an important piece of evidence when pursuing a claim.
• Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, note all witness details and save any relevant documents. Evidence like this can be crucial in proving fault and establishing the extent of your injuries.
• Contact an Attorney: Call a pedestrian accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process. An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you navigate complex legal procedures and advocate for your best interests.

What Compensation Could You Be Entitled To?

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Fresno, you can seek compensation for the damages suffered. California law recognizes two primary types of damages: economic and non-economic damages. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand the compensation you could be entitled to.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the financial losses you suffer due to your accident. These are tangible costs that can be calculated and documented, including:

• Medical Expenses: This covers all medical bills related to the accident, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical care you might need.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income during your recovery period.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future or force you to change careers, you may be compensated for this loss.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: This includes costs like hiring help for daily activities you can no longer perform due to your injuries, such as housekeeping or childcare.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological losses caused by your Fresno pedestrian accident. These are more subjective and can include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Emotional Distress: This includes anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities or hobbies you once loved, this can be included in your claim.
• Loss of Consortium: The negative impact your pedestrian injuries had on your relationship with your spouse and/or family.

California places no cap on non-economic damage amounts. This reflects the profound impact pedestrian accident injuries can have on a life, beyond their financial losses.

Punitive Damages

In some rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not intended to compensate for losses but to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or malicious behavior. An example would be a driver who hits a pedestrian in a fit of road rage.

Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can ensure that all aspects of your damages are evaluated, and you receive fair compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.

Can I File a Pedestrian Accident Claim if I Am an Undocumented Immigrant?

In California, undocumented immigrants can file personal injury claims if they are hurt due to someone else’s negligence. Your immigration status cannot be used against you in court. Your status is not admissible as evidence, and defendants cannot inquire about it during the discovery process.

This legal protection allows you to pursue compensation for injuries sustained in accidents without fear of deportation or other negative immigration consequences. The law focuses solely on the facts of your case and the damages suffered, allowing you to seek recovery for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Furthermore, damages are calculated according to what they cost in the U.S., not your country of origin.

At The Dominguez Firm, we understand the unique challenges undocumented immigrants face when considering legal action. Our experienced legal team handles these cases with sensitivity and confidentiality. We are committed to ensuring your rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.

Don’t let fear prevent you from seeking justice. Let our Fresno pedestrian accident attorneys and bilingual legal staff assist you with your personal injury claim.

I Lost a Loved One in a Pedestrian Accident. Can The Dominguez Firm Help Me?

Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is an unimaginable tragedy, and while no amount of money can replace their presence, seeking justice through a wrongful death claim can provide financial peace of mind and closure. If you are the legal next of kin of the deceased, you can pursue compensation for your loss.

In California, the legal order of beneficiaries typically includes, in order:

• The surviving spouse
• Children
• Grandchildren
• Parents
• Siblings

If none of these exist, other family members or dependents may be eligible.

The Dominguez Firm is here to support you through this difficult time with compassion and expertise. We understand the profound impact such a loss can have on your life, especially if the deceased was a primary provider or left behind children who depended on them.

Through a wrongful death claim, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

• Funeral and Burial Expenses: Covering the costs associated with laying your loved one to rest.
• Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for any medical care provided before your loved one’s passing.
• Lost Income and Benefits: Compensation for the financial support your loved one would have provided.
• Emotional Pain and Suffering: Acknowledging the emotional distress and loss of companionship you endure.

The wrongful death attorneys at The Dominguez Firm have the experience to handle wrongful death claims successfully. We are committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve during this challenging time.

Call the Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at The Dominguez Firm Today

The Dominguez Firm provides exceptional legal representation to victims of pedestrian accidents in Fresno and throughout Southern California. Our experienced litigation attorneys understand the challenges you face and are here to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

Whether you are recovering from a serious pedestrian accident injury or mourning the loss of a loved one, our dedicated team is ready to guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.