The Law Office of Nikolaus W. Reed helps accident victims across San Pablo, and there are none more devastating than those involving pedestrians. Looking at the underlying data of these accidents shows how prevalent they are, and is crucial for understanding your legal options. Contact us today to set up a free consultation if you or a loved one have been hurt in a San Pablo pedestrian accident.
Accidents Involving Pedestrians in San Pablo
Any understanding of pedestrian accidents in San Pablo has to start by looking at just how common they are. The California Highway Patrol’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) gathers and compiles this type of data statewide. In 2023 alone, there were:
- 14 accidents that involved either injuries or fatalities in San Pablo.
This number is in line with pedestrian accidents throughout the city over the last several years. TIMS data also showed the following number of accidents over the last five years:
- 2019 – 22
- 2020 – 29
- 2021 – 9
- 2022 – 17
- 2023 – 14
Although they aren’t as common as car or even motorcycle or bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents carry a higher probability of injuries for those involved. It’s not complicated to see why: there’s virtually no protecting a person from a moving vehicle. As such, victims can expect the following range of injuries and other damage:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Head injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Damage to personal belongings
- Emotional and psychological trauma
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in San Pablo
Injuries are bad enough in pedestrian accidents, but what makes them even more frustrating is that–most of the time–they can be prevented. As you might expect, most of them happen when drivers in and around San Pablo simply aren’t paying attention or worse.
Of the 14 accidents in 2023, according to TIMS:
- 6 involved actions of the driver
- 4 involved a driver failing to yield the right of way
- 1 involved speeding
- 1 involved illegal backing into a highway
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to do a few things when you’re involved or injured in an accident.
- First and foremost, prioritize safety and medical care.
- Seek immediate help if injured and report the incident to local police.
- Collect contact info and document the scene.
- Follow medical advice closely.
- Avoid discussing the accident with insurance until consulting with our pedestrian accident lawyers to safeguard your rights and explore options.
Even though every accident is different, these actions should be applicable to your situation. However, another important thing to be aware of is when these accidents are more likely to happen.
When Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in San Pablo?
A pedestrian accident can happen at any time. But like any other type of accident, there’s times and conditions where these accidents are more likely to happen. Over the last five years, San Pablo pedestrian accidents have happened most prevalently according to the TIMS data:
- On Tuesdays (16)
- Between 6:00 and 9:00 PM (17)
Broken down by day of the week, this shows:
- Monday – 10
- Tuesday – 16
- Wednesday – 8
- Thursday – 5
- Friday – 13
- Saturday – 10
- Sunday – 4
As you might expect, most of these accidents occurred between 6:00 PM and 11:59 PM. In fact, of the 66 pedestrian accidents between 2019 and 2022, 27 occurred in this time frame. This equals out to:
- 4% of all pedestrian accidents in San Pablo.
Location
Another important aspect of pedestrian accidents in San Pablo is where they happen. Looking at the same underlying data, it shows that pedestrian accidents happened most frequently at:
- San Pablo Avenue – 17
- Rumrill Boulevard – 11
- 23rd Street – 8
While these are three of the busiest roadways in the city, it’s not surprising that they were more prevalent at intersections. Of the 66 reported accidents:
- 37 happened at intersections
- 22 happened outside of intersections
- 7 weren’t listed
This is important, because it stands to reason that most pedestrian accidents happen at intersections. While it’s more difficult for drivers to react to pedestrians outside of crosswalks and intersections, they’re much more likely to encounter them there. As such, there’s more of a chance of those types of accidents at intersections, where there’s more pedestrians present.
Legal Options After a Pedestrian Accident
When it comes to your legal options, a pedestrian accident isn’t all that different from others in the eyes of the law. You generally have two options: filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer and team can help you decide which is the best option for you, but you’re not required to have a lawyer.
Still, your damages will be very important. In these types of cases, you can potentially recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death expenses if your injuries are fatal
It’s important to remember that the amount of damages you can get depends on the circumstances and how strongly you present your case. Our team will support you all the way and make sure you’re treated fairly.
Free Consultations For San Pablo Pedestrian Accident Victims
Walking in San Pablo should be enjoyable, but it’s important to know that pedestrian accidents are always a possibility in both the city itself and the surrounding area.
If you or someone you care about is in such an accident in San Pablo, it’s crucial to know what to do next. At the Law Office of Nikolaus W. Reed, we have a proven track record of handling these cases effectively. We’re here to explain your legal choices and help you through the process of recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out more.