SAN FRANCISCO PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
Advocating for Safer Streets in the Bay Area
San Francisco is one of the most dangerous cities in the nation when it comes to pedestrian accidents. Every year, about 30 people are killed and almost 600 are seriously injured while walking on San Francisco streets.
At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we represent victims of all types of pedestrian accidents throughout the Bay Area, from crosswalk accidents to hit-and-run accidents.
Since 1980, our San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyers have built a strong reputation among our clients and peers through sincere dedication and an unparalleled understanding of the law.
Have you been injured by a negligent motorist? As a pedestrian, you have rights. We’re here to help you exercise them—and there are no fees unless we win your case.
In the Community
We are proud sponsors of Walk SF, San Francisco's pedestrian advocacy organization dedicated to safer streets and stronger pedestrian protections across the city. Our commitment to pedestrian safety doesn't end in the courtroom; it's part of who we are.
Don’t wait to get started. Contact us online or by calling (415) 940-7176 today to get your free consultation with a San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyer.
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot is struck by a vehicle, bicycle, or other moving object. In a city like San Francisco, with its high pedestrian traffic, steep streets, and busy intersections, the risk of pedestrian accidents is significant.
These incidents can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and even fatalities. Victims often face long recovery periods, time away from work, and significant medical expenses. That’s why having a San Francisco pedestrian accident attorney on your side is imperative.
Many collisions happen in places that pedestrians travel every day, such as near Muni stops, around schools, or in busy corridors like Market Street and Geary Boulevard. After an impact, people are frequently transported to nearby facilities such as Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital or other trauma centers, where they may begin a long course of treatment. During this time, a pedestrian accident attorney can help protect important evidence, communicate with insurers, and position the claim so injured people are not forced to choose between focusing on their recovery and dealing with legal issues.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Injuries in San Francisco
More and more commuters, truckers, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are simply not paying attention to the road and causing serious accidents as a result. Distracted driving is not the only cause of pedestrian accidents, however.
Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding/driving too fast for conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to use headlights while driving at night
- Failing to check blind spots, especially while turning
- Making unsafe turns while pedestrians are crossing
- Running or rolling through stop signs and red lights
California Pedestrian Laws
California law provides specific protections for pedestrians, but it also outlines responsibilities for both drivers and walkers.
Some important pedestrian rights in CA include:
- Right of way at crosswalks – Whether marked or unmarked, pedestrians generally have the right of way in crosswalks.
- Vehicle duty of care – Drivers must exercise due care for the safety of pedestrians and take steps to avoid collisions, even if the pedestrian is jaywalking.
- No overtaking at crosswalks – Vehicles may not overtake others stopped at a crosswalk, as it may conceal a pedestrian crossing.
Pedestrian responsibilities:
- Obey signals and signage.
- Avoid suddenly leaving a curb or walking into the path of a vehicle.
- Use sidewalks where available.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
In practice, these rules often come into play after serious crashes at busy intersections, such as those near downtown or around the Civic Center area, where both drivers and pedestrians may dispute who had the signal. A pedestrian accident attorney in San Francisco can evaluate police reports, traffic-camera footage, and witness statements to help clarify how these laws apply to your situation. By understanding your rights and obligations under state law, you are better prepared to make informed decisions about whether to pursue an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining fault is a critical part of a pedestrian accident claim. Liability could rest with:
- The vehicle driver – for negligence, speeding, or distracted driving
- A public entity – for poorly maintained roads, lack of signage, or defective traffic signals
- Rideshare companies – if a driver for Uber or Lyft caused the accident while on duty
- Bicyclists or scooter operators – in cases of non-vehicle collisions
In some situations, multiple parties may share liability. Our legal team at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn will perform a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and work with expert witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.
What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident In San Francisco
In the moments and days after a pedestrian crash, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Your health should always come before anything else, which means seeking medical attention right away, even if you are not sure how badly you are hurt. Once your immediate medical needs at a local facility such as Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital or another emergency department have been addressed, it is important to preserve information about what happened by saving photos, contact details for witnesses, and any documents you receive from the police or insurance companies.
As you begin to process what occurred, you may also have to deal with calls from adjusters who want recorded statements or quick settlements. Before agreeing to sign anything, it can be helpful to consult with a pedestrian accident attorney so you understand the full scope of your injuries, how your recovery might affect your work, and whether future treatment costs have been considered. Keeping a simple journal of your symptoms, medical appointments, and ways the injury disrupts your daily activities can support your claim and give your legal team a clearer picture of how your life has changed.
In the weeks that follow, staying organized will reduce stress and help you make thoughtful decisions. Keep all bills, explanations of benefits, and correspondence from insurers in one place so they can be reviewed together. If your crash happened near a major corridor like Van Ness Avenue, near a construction zone, or in an area with complex traffic patterns, there may be several potential sources of insurance coverage. Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer San Francisco residents rely on for complex cases can help you navigate these overlapping issues while you focus on healing.
Financial Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Injured pedestrians may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Lost wages from time off work
- Medical expenses, from medication to surgery
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
If the pedestrian accident resulted in a fatality, surviving loved ones may be able to recover wrongful death damages.
This may include compensation for their own financial losses and pain and suffering, financial losses experienced by the decedent’s estate, and pain and suffering experienced by the decedent up until their death.
Every claim is different, and the compensation available will depend on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the length of recovery, and the amount of insurance coverage involved. In San Francisco, many cases also involve complex questions about future medical needs, home modifications, or reduced earning capacity, especially when a pedestrian can no longer perform the same work they did before. By working with a pedestrian accident lawyer San Francisco residents trust, you can gain a clearer picture of what a fair settlement might look like and how to document losses in a way that insurers and, if necessary, juries can understand.
Real Stories. Real People.
See what our clients have to say
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A knowledgeable and compassionate team, the lawyers at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn are a true pleasure. And, most importantly, they deliver results; we got the outcome we were after and felt cared for every step of the way. With this team behind you,- Lisa
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- Client of RFTM
I had the pleasure of working with June Bashant, and she truly exceeded all expectations. After my devastating accident, June and her team worked tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned to secure the best possible outcome. She is a powerhouse of tenacity and determination, relentlessly pursuing justice with an innovative, out-of-the-box approach that led to life-changing results, including care that will last a lifetime.
From the very start, June’s communication skills were exceptional—she kept me well-informed and supported throughout the entire process. Her professionalism was evident, but it was her genuine compassion and care that made me feel like a priority. She wasn’t just an attorney; she was a fierce advocate, fighting on my behalf every step of the way.
June’s strategic mindset, intelligence, and sheer determination set her apart. She far exceeded my expectations in every area and had a remarkable network of professionals to help with every facet of my case. Her personal touch, combined with her incredible expertise, made me feel confident that I had the best team behind me.
If you’re facing a medical malpractice or personal injury case, June Bashant is the attorney you want in your corner. She is a force to be reckoned with in the legal world—unmatched in her dedication, skill, and drive. Her reputation for delivering powerful, life-altering results speaks for itself. I couldn’t have asked for a more unstoppable attorney.
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Thank you Sir once again! This time for helping my son Leon McDermand attain the services of June Bashant, who he has himself said many times, that she did a magnificent job for him. This is the third family member, including myself, that you and RFTM have helped. Thank you once again Tim, and please thank June and Robert, who helped my Daughter Elena.- Robert
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“I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence.”- Michelle
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“I am very grateful for all the hard work all the staff did. GREAT STAFF!”- Guadalupe Hernandez
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“I valued the clear communication, prompt replies, and frank interaction.”- Jackie Q.
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“They work tirelessly to uncover the evidence necessary to obtain the very best result for the injured people they represent.”- Heidi Taylor, Law Offices of Heidi Taylor
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“They approach each case with creativity and care.”- Michael J Ney, McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Brothers LLP
