Whether they are crossing busy intersections near Galleria Boulevard or walking through shopping centers around Roseville Parkway, pedestrians in Roseville face serious risks every day. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have little protection when a collision occurs, making even low-speed accidents capable of causing catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle, you may be entitled to significant compensation for any out-of-pocket expenses you have accrued.
At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact a pedestrian accident can have on victims and their families. In fact, our legal team is committed to helping injured pedestrians pursue the financial recovery they need while holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. By hiring us, you can rest easy knowing your case is in the right hands.
Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are Common in Roseville
Roseville is one of the fastest-growing cities in Northern California, with major retail centers, entertainment venues, and residential developments attracting thousands of residents and visitors every day. Areas such as Douglas Boulevard, Sunrise Avenue, Foothills Boulevard, and Eureka Road frequently experience heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic, which increases the likelihood of accidents.
Some of the most common causes of Roseville pedestrian accidents include:
Distracted driving
Speeding
Failure to yield at crosswalks
Running red lights or stop signs
Impaired driving
Unsafe left-hand turns
Poor visibility during nighttime hours
Drivers backing out of parking lots without checking for pedestrians
While California Vehicle Code 21950 generally requires motorists to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, many drivers fail to exercise the caution necessary to prevent collisions.
Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Roseville
While pedestrian accidents can happen virtually anywhere, certain locations tend to present greater risks. For instance the following locations see the most pedestrian accidents throughout Roseville.
Shopping Centers and Retail Districts
Areas surrounding the Westfield Galleria at Roseville, The Fountains at Roseville, and major commercial corridors experience significant pedestrian traffic, and drivers searching for parking spaces or navigating crowded lots may fail to notice pedestrians walking nearby. While this may seem like a careless mistake, it can be a costly one that causes a lot of damage.
Busy Intersections
Intersections along Douglas Boulevard, Roseville Parkway, and Sunrise Avenue often see high traffic volumes and this can become particularly dangerous when motorists fail to yield or become distracted.
School Zones
Roseville is home to numerous schools, parks, and recreational facilities where children frequently walk near roadways. Drivers who fail to slow down in designated school zones may cause devastating accidents to children and their families.
Residential Neighborhoods
Pedestrians walking dogs, exercising, or crossing local streets can be injured when drivers speed through neighborhoods or fail to pay attention to their surroundings. Despite the amount of signage that tells drivers to slow down, many may tend to ignore them thinking no one is around.
Common Injuries in Roseville Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians lack the protection afforded to vehicle occupants, injuries are often severe and life-changing. Victims may suffer severe life threatening injuries such as internal organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, and severe lacerations.
Many pedestrian accident victims may require surgery, ongoing medical care, and extensive physical therapy. However, should accident victims survive the incident, the chances of them suffering a chronic or long lasting injury such as back pain, paralysis, or any cognitive disorders is very likely and may never fully recover from their injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining liability is one of the most important aspects of a pedestrian accident claim, because it can ultimately determine who you can recover compensation from. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be responsible, including:
Negligent Drivers- Motorists who speed, text while driving, drive under the influence, or otherwise violate traffic laws can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Employers- If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may also share responsibility under California law.
Government Entities- Dangerous roadway conditions, malfunctioning traffic signals, inadequate lighting, or poorly designed intersections may contribute to pedestrian accidents. In some cases, a city, county, or other government agency may bear partial responsibility.
Property Owners- Private property owners may be liable when unsafe conditions on their property contribute to pedestrian injuries.
As determining liability is one of the most important aspects of filing a personal injury claim, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced accident attorney who can help with the legal process.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful pedestrian accident claim may allow victims to recover compensation for any out-of-pocket costs they have accrued and for any physical pain and emotional suffering they have experienced. With that in mind, any of the following damages can be recovered in a pedestrian accident lawsuit:
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability
Disfigurement
Rehabilitation costs
Loss of enjoyment of life
Families who lose a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident may also be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim and recover for practical expenses such as funeral and burial costs, leftover medical bills, and loss of future income.
What If I Was Partially At Fault?
If you were partially at-fault for a pedestrian accident, it won’t mean you are automatically barred from recovering compensation. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% responsible, you could still recover $80,000. However, it is important to note that insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto injured pedestrians in an attempt to minimize their costs. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and challenge unfair allegations.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
In most cases, California law gives injured pedestrians two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, shorter deadlines may apply if a government entity is involved as per California Government Code 911.2.
While it is understandable to wait to file a claim, waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation, making it important to consult an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Contact a Roseville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Roseville, you should not have to bear the financial burden caused by someone else's negligence. At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
With over 30 years of representing clients throughout Roseville and beyond, our team of accident attorneys understand what is at stake for clients and are committed to fight for their rights.
Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the recov