Summary
After a pedestrian accident, victims can suffer serious injuries, financial hardship, and emotional trauma. Learn how compensation works in California—including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer can help you secure the full amount you’re entitled to while dealing with the insurance companies.
Table of Contents
Being struck in a pedestrian accident on J Street or near Sacramento State can turn your life upside down in seconds. Emergency care, follow-up treatments, and lost time from work add up quickly.
Compensation will depend on factors, such as injury severity, liability, and insurance coverage. Every case is unique, so having an experienced legal team assess your situation is crucial.
This guide breaks down the types of compensation available and why hiring an experienced Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer matters.
Medical Expenses: From ER to Long-Term Care
Vehicle crashes involving pedestrians often result in catastrophic injuries, including fractures, head trauma, or internal injuries. Compensation for medical expenses may include:
- Emergency room and ambulance fees
- Surgery, rehab, and physical therapy
- Follow-up doctor visits and prescriptions
- Future medical treatment for chronic injuries
TIP: In some cases, these costs stem from severe outcomes such as spinal injuries, brain injuries, or the need for prosthetics. Document everything. Keep all bills, prescriptions, imaging results, and specialist referrals.
Related: What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
If your injury causes you to miss work, you may be able to claim:
- Lost wages for missed days, weeks, or months
- Loss of future earnings if your ability to work is permanently affected
Your legal representation will work with medical and vocational experts to quantify how your injury affects your current job and long-term career.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Not all damage is physical or financial. You can also pursue non-economic damages, such as:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
Pain and suffering are harder to quantify but very real, and our lawyer can help build a case that reflects your whole experience.
Wrongful Death Claims for Families
In the tragic event that a loved one dies in a pedestrian accident, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. This can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Emotional pain and suffering
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian fatalities remain high in California, particularly in motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrian traffic in densely populated areas. According to their data, 7,314 pedestrians died and over 68,000 were injured in pedestrian accidents in 2023.
These wrongful death claims require strong advocacy and a deep understanding of personal injury law. That’s why having an expert personal injury attorney by your side helps you increase the chance of getting justice for your loved one.
How Insurance Companies Handle Pedestrian Accident Claims
Dealing with the insurance company is rarely easy. Common tactics include:
- Downplaying injuries or delaying claims
- Offering quick, lowball settlements
- Disputing liability, especially in crosswalk, traffic safety, or nighttime incidents
Without injury attorneys, it’s easy to accept less than you deserve. If a negligent driver caused the accident, legal action might also include claims involving contributory negligence or even product liability if faulty vehicle components played a role.
Why Legal Help Maximizes Compensation
Hiring a Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer improves your odds of recovering full compensation. Here’s how they help:
- Investigate and collect evidence (e.g., witness statements, dashcams, police reports)
- Work with doctors and experts to support your personal injury claim
- Handle negotiations with insurers
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
California has strict pedestrian laws requiring drivers to yield in crosswalks (Vehicle Code 21950) and follow traffic laws. Violations can lead to liability for accidents.
Possibly. Under the new Freedom to Walk Act, jaywalking is no longer a crime in California. Your claim may still be valid even if you share fault due to contributory negligence. Let your lawyer assess your case.
Yes. Non-economic damages like trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress are recoverable in many personal injury law cases.
You may still be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Every Case is Unique—Let Us Fight For You
A pedestrian accident can leave you with more than just physical injuries—it can create a financial and emotional burden that lasts for months or years. Whether you’re struggling with medical expenses, missed work, or trauma, you don’t have to go through it alone. Remember, every case is unique, and the amount you may recover will depend on the circumstances, evidence, and the insurance policies involved.
At Farahi Law Firm, we fight for full and fair compensation. Our Sacramento legal team can guide you through every step, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company.
