Injuries and fatalities involving pedestrians occur most frequently in three groups of people: young children (between the ages of 5 and 9), older adults (those 70 andolder), and persons impaired by alcohol. Fatal pedestrian motor vehicle collisions occur most often between 6:00 p.m. and midnight, and are more likely to occur on Friday,Saturday, and Sunday. Approximately half of the pedestrian deaths and injuries during these times are alcohol-related, either on the pedestrian’s behalf or more likely on the driver’s part.  Crosswalk accidents and injuries are extremely common.

The driver of a motor vehicle must always be on the lookout for pedestrianswalking along the side of the road or crossing the street. A driver who is distracted by talking on a cell phone, eating, changing the station on the radio, and other factors islikely not to see the pedestrian until it is too late.

When an automobile hits a pedestrian, the damages to the pedestrian are often substantial, if not fatal. Broken legs, arms, and ribs are not uncommon when a pedestrian is hit by a car, SUV, truck, bus, etc. In many cases the pedestrian may be partially at fault, but this is usually not a bar to his or her recovery for that portion of damages attributable to the negligence of the vehicle driver.

If you have been injured by a motor vehicle while a pedestrian, you should discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, so that the lawyercan begin an immediate investigation into the cause of the accident and obtain maximum recovery for you. Don’t make the mistake of blindly assuming that it was all your fault; the driver of the car may be the one who is completely or partially at fault, and you deserve to be compensated for his or her carelessness (“negligence”).

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Crosswalk Accidents and your legal rights

Pedestrian Killed in San Francisco Crosswalk Accident

Witnesses say that Kong was in the yellow crosswalk and was struck by the white van twice before being thrown nearly 20 feet. Kong was immediately taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Kong died a short while afterward.

This is the 23rd pedestrian death in San Francisco this year alone. While an investigation continues into the causes and factors of this crash, it is important to recognize that San Francisco is only 2nd to pedestrian fatalities in the country. New York has the highest. There are many unusual intersections here in San Francisco where pedestrians may be put into harms way.

If you have lost a loved one as a result of a crosswalk accident in San Francisco, visit our San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyers website for more information on your legal rights. An experienced law firm will conduct a complete and thorough investigation, preserve evidence and determine who was responsible and what factors played in causing the accident. If the intersection is deemed to be unsafe or dangerous, a claim against the city or county may be necessary. In California, there is a 6-month statute of limitations for government entity claims. Don’t jeopardize your rights.