San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident Attorney

When a negligent driver strikes a pedestrian in a crosswalk, it is the pedestrian who pays the price. At 7,342 pedestrian fatalities reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2021, this number translates to one pedestrian fatality across the country roughly every 71 minutes.

At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we hold negligent drivers accountable. We have successfully recovered more than $175 million for our injured clients in San Bernardino and throughout the state of California.

Holding an Avvo rating of 10.0 (“Superb”), Attorney Scott J. Corwin has also been named a Southern California Super Lawyer, placing him in the top 5 percent of attorneys. Scott has been named a Top 100 Super Lawyer. He has also been named a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California.

For professional legal representation, call (310) 683-2300 now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident is an incident where a pedestrian (a person traveling on foot) is struck by a vehicle or an object associated with vehicular traffic. These accidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities due to the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to the size and speed of motor vehicles.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions can fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street.
• Speeding: High vehicle speeds reduce the driver's reaction time and increase the severity of injuries in the event of a collision.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers sometimes do not yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections, leading to accidents.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Vehicles that run through traffic signals or stop signs may hit pedestrians crossing the road legally.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents often occur in conditions of low visibility, such as at night, during heavy rain, fog, or when pedestrians wear dark clothing.
• Alcohol or Drug Impairment: Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of hitting pedestrians.
• Left Turns: Drivers making left turns may focus on oncoming traffic and fail to notice pedestrians crossing the road.
• Backing Up: Drivers reversing their vehicles may not see pedestrians, especially if their view is obstructed.
• Crossing Outside Crosswalks: Pedestrians crossing the road at places other than designated crosswalks are at higher risk as drivers may not expect to see them.
• Right Turns on Red: Drivers turning right on a red light might not notice pedestrians crossing the street, especially if they are looking for oncoming traffic from their left.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Areas lacking sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and proper street lighting increase the risk of accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Behaviors such as tailgating, rapid lane changes, and road rage can lead to situations where pedestrians are struck by vehicles.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather such as rain, snow, or ice can make it difficult for both drivers and pedestrians to see and react appropriately.
• Jaywalking: Pedestrians crossing streets outside of designated crosswalks or against traffic signals increase the likelihood of accidents.

Determining Liability After a San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident

In California, pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, regardless of where the crosswalk is located or whether it is marked. Even if you are struck while crossing a street outside of a crosswalk, the driver may incur significant liability if they could have or should have seen you.

Regardless of the circumstances of your accident, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Our law firm will act promptly to collect and preserve evidence of liability, such as witness statements and photographs of vehicle damage.

Pedestrian Accidents on University Campuses

Many of the pedestrian accident cases we work on have come from locals who have been hurt while walking through a local San Bernardino university or college. On many university campuses, some paths are used by pedestrians and motorists alike, which increases the risk of a pedestrian accident. When such an accident unfolds, pinpointing liability can be a little difficult. Was the driver instructed or permitted to use that walkway? Or was the pedestrian not paying attention to nearby traffic, including traffic in the form of golf carts and smaller vehicles? We will have to investigate and answer all of these questions to make the most of your case.

Representing San Bernardino Students and Faculty

Our lawyers represent students, professors, and others who were in pedestrian accidents at:

• California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)
• Chaffey College
• Community Christian College
• Loma Linda University‎
• San Bernardino Valley College
• University of Redlands
• University of California, Riverside
• and all other local schools and universities.

Contact Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation (310) 683-2300 or contact us online as soon after you were injured in a pedestrian accident in San Bernardino as possible. Scott has fought for more than 3,000 clients over his 30-plus year legal career. Let him utilize his extensive experience to secure the legal compensation you deserve.