Pedestrian Accident Attorney San Francisco

San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Attorney Protecting Your Rights

Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating types of collisions on San Francisco streets. Unlike occupants of vehicles, pedestrians have absolutely no protection — no seatbelts, no airbags, no steel frame. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the injuries are almost always severe and often life-threatening. If you or a loved one was hit by a vehicle while walking, Attorney Michael Martinovsky is here to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Types of Pedestrian Accidents We Handle

Our firm represents pedestrians injured in all types of scenarios throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area:

• Crosswalk accidents — drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks
• Intersection collisions — vehicles turning left or right without checking for pedestrians
• Parking lot accidents — drivers backing up or driving through lots without watching for pedestrians
• Jaywalking incidents — even pedestrians crossing outside a crosswalk can recover damages under California’s comparative negligence system
• Distracted driver accidents — texting, phone use, or other distractions causing a driver to strike a pedestrian
• Speeding-related pedestrian strikes — excessive speed reducing a driver’s ability to stop

California Pedestrian Right of Way Laws

Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right of way to any pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Drivers must also exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian on the roadway, regardless of whether the pedestrian is in a crosswalk.

This means that even if you were not in a crosswalk when you were struck, the driver may still bear significant liability. California’s comparative negligence system allows you to recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 15% at fault, you can still recover 85% of your total damages.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

The leading causes of pedestrian accidents in the San Francisco Bay Area include:

• Distracted driving — the number one cause of pedestrian accidents, including texting, phone calls, eating, and GPS use
• Speeding — higher speeds mean longer stopping distances and more severe impacts
• Failure to yield — drivers ignoring crosswalks, traffic signals, and pedestrian right of way
• Impaired driving — alcohol and drug use impairing a driver’s ability to see and react to pedestrians
• Poor visibility — nighttime driving, weather conditions, and obstructed views
• Aggressive driving — running red lights, rolling through stop signs, and reckless lane changes

Severe Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians have no physical protection, the injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents are typically far more severe than in vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — from the impact with the vehicle or hitting the pavement
• Broken bones and fractures — legs, hips, pelvis, arms, ribs, and facial bones
• Spinal cord injuries — potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis
• Internal injuries — damage to organs from blunt force trauma
• Severe lacerations and road rash — requiring surgery and leaving permanent scarring
• Wrongful death — fatal injuries in the most tragic cases

The severity of these injuries means that pedestrian accident cases typically involve higher damages, including extensive medical bills, long-term rehabilitation, lost wages, and significant pain and suffering.

Higher Damages in Pedestrian Cases

Due to the severity of injuries pedestrians suffer, these cases often result in substantially higher compensation than typical vehicle collision cases. Your damages may include:

• Emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospitalization
• Ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Future medical care and assisted living needs
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Why Choose Attorney Martinovsky for Your Pedestrian Accident Case

Attorney Michael Martinovsky provides dedicated, personal representation for every pedestrian accident client. With degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of Iowa College of Law (a top 20 law school), he has the legal knowledge and courtroom experience to fight insurance companies and negligent drivers. He handles all cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless he wins your case. He is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Russian, ensuring that language is never a barrier to receiving quality legal representation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents