Walking should be one of the safest ways to get around. Yet every year, drivers strike thousands of California pedestrians in crosswalks, parking lots, and neighborhood streets. With no metal frame or airbag for protection, people on foot often suffer life-changing injuries. If a careless driver hit you or someone you love, a pedestrian accident attorney Bakersfield families trust can help you understand who should pay and how to protect your claim.
Pedestrian Accidents Remain a Serious Threat
The numbers show how dangerous the roads can be for people on foot. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, vehicles struck and killed 1,106 pedestrians in California in 2023. Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 7,080 pedestrians died and more than 71,000 suffered injuries in 2024.
Bakersfield’s wide arterial roads, fast-moving traffic, and long distances between crosswalks add to the risk. Many crashes happen after dark, when drivers have a harder time seeing people on foot. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities face especially high risks. Kids can dart into the street without warning, while older pedestrians may need more time to cross wide intersections. Drivers must watch carefully for both groups, particularly near schools, parks, and senior communities.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Crashes
Most pedestrian accidents trace back to driver error. Frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving, especially texting or using navigation apps.
- Speeding through neighborhoods and school zones.
- Failing to yield at crosswalks or while turning.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Backing out of driveways and parking spaces without looking.
- Running red lights or stop signs.
For a refresher on who must yield, read our guide to Bakersfield right-of-way laws.
Proving Fault With Help From a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Bakersfield
Under Vehicle Code section 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections. The law also requires drivers to use due care for pedestrians at all times.
Insurers frequently argue that the pedestrian caused the crash by crossing mid-block or stepping into traffic. California law has changed on this point, too. Since 2023, Vehicle Code section 21955 limits when officers may stop pedestrians for crossing outside a crosswalk. Even when a pedestrian shares some blame, California’s comparative fault rule still allows recovery, reduced by the pedestrian’s share of fault.
Evidence such as surveillance video, witness statements, vehicle damage, and accident reconstruction can show what really happened.
Who Pays for Your Injuries?
Several insurance policies may come into play after a pedestrian accident:
- The driver’s liability insurance is usually the primary source of compensation.
- Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply if the driver had no insurance or too little coverage. In many cases, this protection follows you even while walking.
- Medical payments coverage on your own auto policy may help with early medical bills, regardless of fault.
- Your health insurance can cover treatment, although it may seek repayment from any settlement.
- A commercial policy may apply if the driver was working at the time of the crash.
Policy language varies, so a careful review of every available policy matters. An attorney can identify each source of coverage and coordinate payments.
When the Driver Flees the Scene
Hit-and-run crashes cause a significant share of pedestrian injuries. If a driver left the scene, call 911 right away and share any details you remember, such as the vehicle’s color, make, or partial plate number. Nearby cameras often capture key evidence. Our hit-and-run page explains how uninsured motorist coverage can help even when police never identify the driver.
Injuries Pedestrians Commonly Suffer
Pedestrians absorb the full force of a vehicle. As a result, they often face injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
- Spinal cord damage.
- Broken legs, hips, and pelvises.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Severe cuts, road rash, and scarring.
Many of these injuries require surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Some lead to permanent disability and lasting emotional distress. Tragically, some crashes take a life, and families may pursue a wrongful death claim.
Steps to Take Before You Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Bakersfield
If you can, take these actions after a crash:
- Call 911 and request medical help and a police report.
- Get medical care promptly, even if you feel fine.
- Photograph the scene, including crosswalks, signals, lighting, and your injuries.
- Collect witness names and phone numbers.
- Keep your clothing and shoes in their current condition.
- Avoid recorded statements to the driver’s insurance company.
California generally allows two years to file an injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. Claims involving a public agency, such as a city bus or a dangerous road design, typically require notice within six months.
How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Bakersfield Can Help
Our team handles the legal work so you can focus on recovery. We can:
- Obtain police reports, video footage, and witness statements.
- Work with reconstruction experts to establish fault.
- Identify every available insurance policy.
- Document your medical care, lost income, and future needs.
- Negotiate with insurers and, when necessary, take your case to court.
Cost should never stand between you and good advice. We offer a free consultation, and we collect no fee unless we win your case. That arrangement gives injured pedestrians access to experienced help without paying anything upfront.
Talk With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Bakersfield Residents Trust
No one should have to fight an insurance company while recovering from a serious injury. At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we listen with compassion and fight for the full recovery you deserve. Learn more about our Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyer services, or read what our clients say.
Call (661) 616-1177 or contact us online. We answer the phone 24/7.
