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If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Bakersfield, California, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but understanding your rights and options is crucial.

Why You Should Seek Legal Help

Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries and emotional distress. Whether you were struck by a vehicle, involved in a hit-and-run, or faced any other pedestrian-related incident, seeking legal representation can help you secure the compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you get the support and resources you need to recover.

What to Do After an Accident

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical professional should evaluate your condition to rule out any serious issues.
  2. Gather Evidence: Document the scene of the accident, including photographs and witness information. This evidence can be vital in building a strong case.
  3. Contact an Attorney: An experienced attorney specializing in pedestrian accidents can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of compensation can I expect? Compensation for pedestrian accidents can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The amount varies depending on the specifics of the case.

How long do I have to file a claim? In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to file your claim within this timeframe to ensure your rights are protected.

Pedestrian accidents have become an increasingly serious issue in Bakersfield, with a notable rise in fatalities over recent years. In 2020, the Bakersfield Police Department reported approximately 45 deaths resulting from pedestrian and vehicle collisions. This concerning trend continued in 2022, when the number of fatalities surged to 65.

Why Are Pedestrian Accidents Increasing?

Several factors contribute to this alarming increase in pedestrian accidents. One major reason is the return of many employees to their workplaces and the resumption of in-person schooling, which has led to higher foot traffic and more vehicles on the road. The Bakersfield Police Department has expressed concerns that this trend might continue to worsen in the coming years.

What Can Be Done to Address This Issue?

To mitigate these accidents, it is essential for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise increased caution. Enhanced traffic safety measures, public awareness campaigns, and improved road infrastructure can play significant roles in reducing the number of pedestrian fatalities.

Wrongful Death Pedestrian Accidents In Bakersfield

Pedestrian accidents are very dangerous and could lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Bakersfield, you have the right to file a wrongful death action by stepping into the shoes of your loved one and filing a claim against the responsible party. Family members can hold the negligent parties responsible for the injuries that their loved ones suffered, along with their loved ones passing. It is a wrongful death action that allows family members to recover a variety of compensation, including the family member’s loss of income, the family members’ emotional distress, along the emotional toll that the death took on other members of the family. Give us a call today to discuss your wrongful death potential lawsuit in Bakersfield. We know that losing a loved one could be devastating, especially if your loved one was a pedestrian at the time of the incident and was not responsible.

Pedestrian Accidents In Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield has earned a troubling reputation as one of the deadliest cities in the United States for pedestrians. The frequency of pedestrian accidents is a significant concern nationwide, but Bakersfield stands out due to its alarmingly high rate of fatal incidents involving pedestrians.

Why is Pedestrian Safety in Bakersfield So Critical?

Pedestrian accidents are a pervasive issue across the country. However, in Bakersfield, these accidents are more likely to result in fatalities compared to many other cities. This elevated risk has prompted the Bakersfield Police Department to actively seek out and implement various solutions aimed at reducing pedestrian accident fatalities.

What Measures Are Being Taken to Improve Pedestrian Safety?

The Bakersfield Police Department is exploring a range of strategies to enhance pedestrian safety. These measures include increased enforcement of traffic laws, improved crosswalk visibility, and community awareness campaigns. The goal is to create a safer environment for pedestrians and reduce the number of tragic accidents.

Rehiring Retired Officers to Enhance Pedestrian Safety

In an effort to improve pedestrian safety, police departments are now focusing on rehiring retired public employees. This initiative aims to leverage the experience and expertise of former officers to develop and refine policies and procedures concerning pedestrian laws.

Enhancing Safety Through Experienced Perspectives

Retired police officers bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, which is invaluable when creating effective safety protocols. Their deep understanding of law enforcement and urban planning helps in crafting policies that address current pedestrian safety issues. The goal is to ensure that these policies are both practical and effective in reducing pedestrian accidents.

Increasing Citations for Red Light Violations

In addition to developing new safety policies, police officers are also intensifying efforts to enforce traffic laws. One significant area of focus is increasing the number of citations issued to drivers who fail to stop at red lights. This move is aimed at deterring traffic violations and enhancing road safety.

Q: Why is the focus on rehiring retired officers?

A: Retired officers possess a unique blend of experience and historical knowledge of law enforcement practices. Their insights are crucial for designing effective pedestrian safety measures and updating existing traffic laws.

Q: How will increasing citations for red light violations improve safety?

A: By issuing more citations, authorities aim to create a stronger deterrent against traffic violations. This increased enforcement helps in reducing the number of accidents caused by red light running, ultimately making roads safer for pedestrians.

What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Bakersfield?

According to the Bakersfield police department, below are the top most common causes of pedestrian accidents in the city:

  • Speeding: when drivers speed at high rates, they may not be able to stop, and me lose control of their vehicle. When they lose control of their vehicle, they could collide with the pedestrian, or fail to see the pedestrian.
  • Failing to stop at red lights: all drivers in California must follow California Vehicle Code when it comes to yielding to pedestrians. Drivers must yield to pedestrians. Drivers must stop at a red light. When a driver runs a red light, they could collide with a pedestrian.
  • Pedestrians jaywalking: jaywalking was just made legal. But, prior to this law, jaywalking was considered illegal and many were fined. Jaywalking could lead to serious repercussions, such as a collision with a bicyclist or vehicle. 
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: when you drive under the influence of drugs, your senses could be impaired, and you may not be able to notice pedestrians.

Where are pedestrian accidents most likely to occur in Bakersfield?

Pedestrian accidents can happen at any location and at any time. However, certain areas are more prone to such incidents, with pedestrian fatalities being notably high in some specific spots.

High-Risk Locations for Pedestrian Accidents

Union Avenue in Bakersfield, California, stands out as a particularly hazardous area for pedestrian accidents. This part of Bakersfield is known for its lower-income demographics, which correlates with the scarcity of sidewalks. The lack of pedestrian infrastructure significantly increases the risk of accidents, leading to higher rates of fatalities and injuries.

According to a recent KTLA report, areas with inadequate pedestrian facilities are more likely to see severe accidents. This underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in such high-risk zones.

Recent Efforts to Enhance Pedestrian Safety

In response to the alarming statistics, there has been a concerted effort to raise awareness about pedestrian safety. This includes educating the community about pedestrian laws, jaywalking regulations, and driver safety. These educational campaigns aim to reduce accidents by informing both pedestrians and drivers of their responsibilities and rights.

FAQs About Pedestrian Safety

Q: What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
A: Accidents often result from factors such as inadequate crosswalks, poor lighting, driver inattention, and jaywalking. Educating both drivers and pedestrians about these risks is crucial for reducing accidents.

Q: How can communities improve pedestrian safety?
A: Communities can enhance safety by investing in better infrastructure, such as sidewalks and crosswalks, and by implementing educational programs about pedestrian and driver safety.

Bakersfield Pedestrian Laws

Under Bakersfield Municipal Code 10.72.080, safety laws are outlined.  The municipal code states:

A. Pedestrians may cross the street at any midblock location within the parking mall after having yielded to traffic traveling down the driving lane.

B. Pedestrians crossing the intersections within the parking mall shall have all the rights of a pedestrian crossing at any other crosswalk and shall be required to obey all controls of traffic at that intersection.

C. No person shall cross at an angle within any intersection within the parking mall.

If a pedestrian fails to follow this municipal code in Bakersfield, and they are involved in a accident, their damages may be decreased. Give us a call today to discuss. 

What if I was partially responsible for my pedestrian accident in Bakersfield?

California’s comparative negligence laws allow a pedestrian to continue to recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for their accident. As mentioned above, jaywalking is a very common cause of accidents in Bakersfield. When a pedestrian jaywalks, they could increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident. If you were jaywalking at the time of the accident, and it has been determined that you are partially responsible for your injuries, you could still file a Bakersfield lawsuit.

However, the compensation that you seek to recover is decreased based on your responsibility and liability. For example, if jaywalking was determined to be 20% of the cause of the accident, then you may only recover 80% of your compensation. If you have $100,000 in damages, you may only recover up to $80,000 in damages from the other party.

How much does a Bakersfield pedestrian accident attorney cost?

Our Bakersfield accident attorneys are contingency fee attorneys. Contingency fees allow our lawyers to take on your case without you having to worry about paying our attorneys upfront. We take $0 upfront and instead, only recover attorney’s fees when we win compensation for you. Give us a call today to discuss how you could have a contingency fee agreement with our top-rated accident lawyers. 

Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Various injuries could result from a accident in Bakersfield, including:

When an accident victim has a prior medical history, they could suffer more severe injuries. But, in the event of an accident, an accident victim could recover compensation even if they were immunocompromised or had a history of injuries. Give us a call today to see how you could recover compensation by holding the negligent party responsible.

You could recover compensation for your injuries, such as medical expenses and medical bills used to treat the injury. You could also recover lost wages, such as the past last wages and any future lost income caused by the injuries. For a more in-depth approach to your accident case, call us today. 

Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Call our accident lawyers to schedule a one-on-one case evaluation and to discuss how you could get compensated. Our highly experienced personal injury lawyers in Bakersfield are available 24/7 and have the expertise and top-rated legal resources to make sure that you get the compensation you need. A pedestrian accident could be a very traumatizing event, especially because a pedestrian is not protected and collisions with vehicles could be disastrous.

Heidari Law Group Bakersfield Practice Areas