San Francisco Pedestrian Laws

We cross the street every day of our lives. Children do it when going to and from school, adults do it when heading to their office or visiting a neighbor. Just because we never give the act a second thought does not mean it is any less dangerous.

The sad reality is that the simple act of crossing the street proves fatal for thousands of people every year across the United States. Accidents lead to approximately 5,000 fatalities and countless more injuries every calendar year. Somewhere in the United States, a pedestrian is killed in an accident every 113 minutes and injured every eight minutes. Pedestrian accidents can occur above ground with a bus or other motor vehicles or with a subway. The most common cause of San Francisco pedestrian accidents is driver negligence, although pedestrian negligence is also a major factor.

If you or a loved one has suffered a San Francisco pedestrian death or injury, the Law Offices of Michael and Michelle Mandel can help. Our law firm is family-owned and we care about our clients.

Pedestrian laws in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco pedestrian laws protect people navigating the streets by foot from the negligence of those in vehicles.

In California, motorists must stop for pedestrians who have entered a crosswalk. California pedestrians always have the right of way at uncontrolled crosswalks. However, pedestrians may not just cross the street whenever they want. They must wait for a safe window in which to attempt to cross a road or intersection. These laws greatly impact liability for pedestrian injuries in San Francisco.

In California, and across the country, a pedestrian crosswalk may either be explicit or implicit. The Department of Motor Vehicle tells us that: every intersection where streets meet at right angles has a crosswalk for pedestrians to cross the street. [...] Many pedestrian crosswalks are marked by solid white lines. Some crosswalks, especially in residential areas, are not marked.

Given how tragic the consequences can be, it is unfortunate that a vehicle-pedestrian hit in San Francisco is often the result of ignorance of these very simple laws. All too often, California drivers ignore crosswalks and charge right through them. Such negligence can leave a driver liable for the medical bills and pain and suffering for an injured California pedestrian.

San Francisco pedestrian law attorneys

At the Law Offices of Michael and Michelle Mandel, we offer compassion and experience. We want you to understand your rights in cases of serious pedestrian injuries in San Francisco, and your prospects for a successful settlement.

If you have been injured by a neglectful driver, business, or healthcare provider, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. We are a family-owned law firm and care about our clients. Take the first step toward justice by contacting the San Francisco attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael and Michelle Mandel today for a free initial consultation.