Drivers don’t always uphold their duty to ensure pedestrian safety, leading to accidents with devastating consequences. With little protection, pedestrians often suffer severe injuries when struck by vehicles. Instead of dealing with insurance companies while you recover, let a San Luis Obispo pedestrian accident attorney prioritize your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Ernst Law Group, our dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t settle for less—schedule a free consultation with our team today to start your case.
Dedicated advocacy with compassionate client care
Dedicated advocacy with compassionate client careWhen you are injured because of someone else’s carelessness, you should not have to shoulder financial burdens or physical injuries. Ernst Law Group fights against that unfairness by advocating for injury victims’ rights. We stand for justice.
Our approach goes beyond exceptional legal advocacy. Our San Luis Obispo personal injury lawyers value the attorney-client relationship, treating you as a person, not just a case number. We listen to your concerns, respect your input, communicate regularly, and offer support to get through a particularly difficult time. We are here to help you rebuild and move toward a peaceful, financially secure future.
Your legal rights as an injured pedestrian in San Luis Obispo
Representatives for the party who caused your injuries aim to protect themselves, not honor your rights as an injury victim. Ernst Law Group knows your rights and is here to help uphold them:
1. Right to a safe walking experience
Drivers owe pedestrians a duty of care, including honoring the pedestrian’s right of way and avoiding unsafe driving behaviors.
2. Right to seek damages
If you’ve been injured due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to fight for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
3. Right to legal representation
The most effective way to fight for damages is with representation from a skilled San Luis Obispo pedestrian accident lawyer who can advocate for your best interests.
4. Right to go to trial
Many injury cases settle through negotiations, but Ernst Law Group attorneys are skilled trial lawyers ready to take your case to court if necessary.
Our San Luis Obispo pedestrian accident lawyers provide comprehensive legal support
No matter the type of pedestrian accident you’ve experienced, you can trust an Ernst Law Group attorney to handle your case efficiently.
Backup accidents
Collisions often occur when a driver backs out of a driveway or parking space without checking for pedestrians. While backup cameras have reduced these accidents, distracted drivers may still fail to heed their surroundings.
Turning-vehicle accidents
Drivers often focus on other vehicles when turning and may not notice pedestrians crossing the road. This is especially common at intersections where drivers may only look for oncoming traffic.
Multiple-threat accidents
On multi-lane roads, a vehicle in one lane may stop for a pedestrian, while drivers in other lanes fail to do so. Poor visibility or distraction often contributes to these accidents.
Crosswalk accidents
Crosswalks are designed to protect pedestrians, but drivers may fail to yield or misjudge the timing of traffic lights, leading to collisions.
Pickup and drop-off accidents
Rideshare pickup and drop-off points can create risks for pedestrians as drivers stop unexpectedly or in unsafe locations.
The far-reaching impact of pedestrian accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, including:
- Serious bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal injuries
Injuries can lead to long-term physical and emotional suffering, including depression, loss of independence, and changes in family roles. Financial stress compounds these challenges, as victims may face mounting medical bills while being unable to work.
How Ernst Law Group fights for maximum compensation
A San Luis Obispo pedestrian accident attorney from Ernst Law Group will evaluate your losses thoroughly and negotiate aggressively with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If negotiations fail to yield a fair settlement, we are ready to represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Key legal factors in California pedestrian accident cases
California statute of limitations
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, injury victims generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim. Acting promptly ensures your attorney has time to investigate and build a strong case.
Comparative negligence
California’s comparative negligence law (California Civil Code Section 1714) allows you to recover damages even if you share fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Pedestrian safety laws
California laws place significant responsibility on drivers to avoid collisions with pedestrians. Adherence to these laws is critical in establishing liability.
We provide experienced, knowledgeable, and fearless representation
Ernst Law Group is committed to providing the representation you need to achieve the best possible outcome. Call (805) 541-0300 or contact us online to schedule your free case review. Whether through negotiation or at trial, we fight fearlessly for your best interests.
We answer common questions about pedestrian accidents in San Luis Obispo
How does vehicle speed affect a pedestrian victim’s potential injuries?
Vehicle speed significantly impacts the severity of injuries in pedestrian accidents. Research shows that as speed increases, so does the likelihood of severe injury or death:
- 13% of pedestrians suffer serious injury or death when struck by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph.
- 40% of pedestrians suffer serious injury or death when struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 mph.
- 73% of pedestrians suffer serious injury or death when struck by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph.
Faster speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the force of impact, making speed a critical factor in pedestrian safety. At Ernst Law Group, we work diligently to hold negligent drivers accountable, especially those who fail to adjust their speed in pedestrian-heavy areas.
What if my loved one is killed in a pedestrian accident?
If your loved one is tragically killed in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, certain family members, such as a spouse, child, or dependent, can pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
The attorneys at Ernst Law Group understand the overwhelming grief accompanying such a loss. We are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and dedication, ensuring that justice is served.
How much compensation can I expect to collect?
There is no standard settlement or trial award for pedestrian accident cases because every situation is unique. Factors that influence compensation include:
- The severity of injuries: More severe injuries often result in higher compensation.
- Medical expenses: Past, current, and future medical costs are significant.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages reflect emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery or due to long-term disability.
- Degree of fault: Under California’s comparative negligence law (California Civil Code Section 1714), your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
At Ernst Law Group, we meticulously evaluate your losses to demand the maximum compensation. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, our team is committed to achieving the justice you deserve.
Local resources for pedestrians in San Luis Obispo
Medical
- Adventist Health Sierra Vista: Emergency Room
- 1010 Murray Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Public Services
- San Luis Obispo Police Department
- 1042 Walnut St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Legal Help
- Ernst Law Group
- 1020 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
- Phone: (805) 541-0300
