Pedestrian accidents happen all the time here in San Francisco. With busy streets packed with heavy traffic, rideshares everywhere, crowded sidewalks, and a mix of bikes, scooters, cars, and buses, it’s easy to see why walking can feel risky.
If you got hit while walking or crossing the street in the city, you deserve real support and straight answers. A San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyer can walk you through your options and fight to protect your rights after the crash.
At Siegal & Richardson, LLP, we represent people injured in pedestrian accidents across San Francisco. We help you focus on recovery while we handle the legal work.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen in San Francisco?
San Francisco is a walking city. People walk to work, school, shopping, and transit. But busy streets and heavy traffic create danger. Some common reasons pedestrian accidents happen include:
- Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks
- Cars turning without looking for pedestrians
- Distracted driving by phone or navigation use
- Rideshare vehicles stopping suddenly
- Bikes and scooters sharing the road
- Poor visibility near hills or foggy conditions
Even a momentary lapse by a driver can cause a serious crash. A San Francisco pedestrian accident attorney knows how these conditions contribute to injuries.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in San Francisco
Pedestrians have no protection like seatbelts or airbags. When a vehicle hits a person on foot, the injuries can be serious. Some common injuries include:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Broken bones
- Back and spine injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
- Permanent disability or long-term issues
Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. That’s why getting medical care early matters for both health and any injury claim.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Often Happen?
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but some places see them more often, including:
- Crosswalks with heavy traffic
- Intersections near Downtown and Market Street
- Near transit hubs like BART and Muni stops
- Tourist areas like Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square
- Parking lots and driveways
- School zones and residential crosswalks
Understanding where these accidents happen helps show how they occur and who may be responsible.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in San Francisco?
If you were hit by a vehicle while walking, these steps can help preserve your health and your claim:
- Call 911 and request medical help for injuries
- Report the accident to the police and get a case number
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, crosswalks, and any damage
- Write down details about how the crash happened
- Get names and contact info from witnesses
- Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor at first
- Save all medical records, bills, and treatment notes
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to a lawyer
Insurance companies may reach out early and ask questions that can hurt your claim. Speaking with a San Francisco pedestrian crash lawyer first can protect your rights.
How Fault Is Decided in Pedestrian Accident Cases?
Pedestrian accident claims in California often involve shared responsibility. Fault is commonly assessed by examining:
- Police accident reports
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Witness statements
- Damage to vehicles and surroundings
- Medical records
- Traffic signals and signage
Even if a driver says you were partly at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation. A San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyer can explain how fault works in your case.
How Siegal & Richardson, LLP Helps After a Pedestrian Crash?
When you work with our team, we help by:
- Investigating how the accident happened
- Gathering police reports, photos, and witness statements
- Collecting medical records and treatment notes
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Evaluating the full impact of your injuries
- Preparing a claim aimed at fair compensation
Our goal is to handle the legal work so you can focus on healing and support for your family.
What Compensation You May Be Able to Receive?
Every pedestrian accident is different, but many people hurt in these crashes may seek compensation for:
- Medical bills, past and future
- Lost income due to time off work
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Loss of normal everyday life
A San Francisco pedestrian injury claim attorney can explain which of these may apply to your situation.
When to Contact a San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
You should consider contacting a lawyer if:
- You were hit while walking or crossing the street
- Fault is unclear or disputed
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- A rideshare or delivery vehicle was part of the crash
- Insurance companies offer a quick settlement
- Your injuries affect your ability to work or care for yourself
Getting help early can make it easier to preserve evidence and build a strong claim.
Support After a San Francisco Pedestrian Injury
Pedestrian accidents can cause injuries that change your life quickly. You do not have to handle calls from insurance companies, mounting medical bills, and legal questions on your own. Our team can help you understand your options and take the next step after a pedestrian accident in San Francisco. Reach out to discuss your situation. Free Consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco Pedestrian Accidents
1. What if I was hit while crossing outside a crosswalk?
You may still have a claim. Drivers are required to watch for pedestrians and avoid collisions whenever possible. Even if you were not in a marked crosswalk, fault depends on the full situation, not just where you were crossing.
2. Can I bring a claim if the driver was making a right turn?
Yes. Right-turn accidents often happen when drivers focus on traffic instead of people crossing. These cases often involve failure to yield and are common in busy San Francisco intersections.
3. What if the driver says the light was green?
Traffic signals are only one part of the picture. Witness statements, camera footage, and timing of signals can help show what really happened. A green light does not automatically excuse hitting a pedestrian.
4. Are pedestrian accidents involving delivery drivers handled differently?
They often are. If the driver was on the job, their company’s insurance could be applied alongside their personal policy. We’ll review the driver’s work schedules, GPS tracking from their phone or vehicle, and records from the delivery app to confirm they were on duty and make sure that their company is also held accountable.
5. What if I was injured near a bus stop or transit station?
Spots like bus stops or BART stations see tons of foot traffic mixed with buses, trains, and turning vehicles, which increases the risk. Fault might land on the driver for not yielding, or even on the city official if poor markings, slippery surfaces, or bad lighting played a role. We will investigate for you
6. What if the pedestrian accident involved a hit-and-run driver?
You may still have options even if the driver left the scene. Police reports, witness statements, and nearby camera footage can help. In some cases, your own insurance coverage may also apply.
7. Why do pedestrian accident cases sometimes take longer to resolve?
Pedestrian accident cases require detailed investigation to determine fault, thoroughly document injuries, and assess long-term impacts like the need for adaptive equipment or career adjustments. Resolving too quickly risks undervaluing the claim; allowing sufficient time ensures fair compensation.