Pedestrian Accident Attorney in San Francisco
No win, no fee: You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Being hit by a vehicle can turn a simple walk in the Bay Area into a life-changing event. Pedestrians have no protection against speeding cars or distracted drivers, and the injuries that follow are often devastating.
What makes matters worse is that victims don’t have long to protect their legal rights and hold the at-fault party responsible. California law typically gives 2 years to file a personal injury claim, but critical evidence can disappear much sooner.
Therefore, you’ll want to take action as quickly as possible.
Why Choose Our San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?
When you work with Stoll & Haynes, a pedestrian injury attorney can:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly and build a solid claim
- Provide legal guidance throughout the claims process
- Help you understand who’s liable for an accident
- Use the latest accident reconstruction technology
- Maximize your chances of receiving fair and full compensation
- Represent you in court when necessary
Located at 220 Montgomery Street in the Financial District, our team has:
- Years of experience: We’ve supported pedestrian accident victims in the Bay Area since 1994.
- Proven results: We’ve won substantial settlements for people injured in pedestrian accidents.
- No attorney’s fees: We work on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
Our team has extensive experience in this area of personal injury law. Here are just a couple of our success stories:
Pedestrian struck by MUNI bus
Compensation amount: $3.1 million
Our experienced legal team secured a $3.1 million settlement from the City and County of San Francisco after an 83-year-old man was hit by a MUNI bus at the intersection of Geary and Fillmore Street, suffering catastrophic leg injuries. This included $1.6 million for medical bills and $1.5 million in cash damages. We uncovered evidence that the bus driver was negligent and that the City knew the intersection was dangerous at the time of the accident.
Pedestrian struck by semi-truck
Compensation amount: $750,000
After an elderly pedestrian was hit by a semi-truck at a marked crosswalk, the San Francisco Police Department initially determined that the pedestrian failed to yield the right of way. However, we determined that the truck driver’s speed and inattention were the primary causes of the accident.
Wonder how much compensation you might receive? We can estimate what your claim may be worth based on the average pedestrian accident settlement in California.
Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney Team
Learn more about our San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyers:
Albert G. Stoll, Jr.
Al has more than 30 years of personal injury legal experience and holds an AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Walter A. Haynes IV
Co-founder of the San Francisco Lawyers Network, Walt provides representation for injury victims in pedestrian accident cases.
Joseph Cagigas
Joseph fights for injury victims across the Bay Area. He can recover compensation for your pedestrian accident injury.
Michael Seville
Michael is a San Francisco personal injury attorney who holds responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in San Francisco
Pedestrian accident claims are often treated differently from typical car accidents and bicycle accidents. We’ve seen insurance companies argue that pedestrians were careless or distracted, even when a driver clearly broke the law.
This is unacceptable.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in San Francisco:
- Negotiates with insurers on your behalf so that you can focus on recovery
- Challenges any attempt to blame you for the accident
- Proves the full extent of your injuries and their financial impact
- Understands that drivers have a duty of care toward pedestrians
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in San Francisco
In 2024, 24 people were killed by vehicles while walking on our city’s streets, the highest number since 2007. Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Drivers backing up in busy neighborhoods, including the Mission District, North Beach, and Union Square
- Traffic violations like running red lights and failing to yield
- Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone
- Unsafe driving conditions, including steep hills that obscure visibility
We’ve represented clients who have been struck while crossing the road or walking on sidewalks. These accidents were almost always preventable. In one instance, our attorneys helped an injured pedestrian recover over $3 million, even though police initially said the driver wasn’t at fault and our client had crossed at a red light.
Injuries Seen in Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrians often absorb the full force of a collision. These can result in serious injuries.
Some of the most common we come across include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Damage to the lungs and other organs
- Permanent disabilities
Not all injuries in pedestrian accidents are physical. Even if someone walks away with just a few scratches, they may later experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, or sleep disturbances.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit By a Car While Walking
Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident can lead to a more successful outcome:
Seek medical care
First things first, get yourself checked over by a doctor. Sometimes, minor injuries can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Report the collision
File a police report quickly so you have an official record of the accident.
Gather evidence
Take photos of the scene, collect contact details from witnesses, and keep medical records in a safe place. You might need all this information to support your claim for damages. The quicker you start gathering evidence, the better.
Contact a lawyer
Getting a pedestrian accident attorney involved is the best way to protect your rights. They can provide guidance and help you decide what to do next.
What Pedestrian Accident Compensation Is Available?
Under California law, you have the legal right to seek compensation for various losses caused by your accident. These include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced or lost future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
In rate cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages by the court if a driver acted with malice or extreme recklessness.
Sadly, some people don’t file a pedestrian accident claim because they think their injuries are too minor or the legal process is too complicated. Others might be unsure who’s to blame or don’t want to deal with intrusive questions from insurers. Our advice is this: don’t let fear stop you from pursuing compensation that could be rightfully yours.
Pedestrian Accident Attorney FAQs
In California, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. In the event of a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim, which typically must be filed within 2 years of the person’s death.
The right lawyer may be able to help you recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Under California’s comparative negligence rules, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Pedestrians may be involved in accidents with Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicles in our city. These scenarios are often complicated because of insurance coverage; however, an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation.
Every situation is different. However, recoverable losses can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Talk to Stoll & Haynes to see what you might be entitled to.
Read more frequently asked questions about personal injury law.
Contact a San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to get legal advice. The sooner you involve an attorney, the sooner you could receive compensation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need advice about your specific situation, please contact Stoll & Haynes directly.