Hemet Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Protecting Injured Pedestrians Across Hemet and Riverside County

Getting hit by a car while simply walking down the street is one of the most devastating and unexpected experiences a person can endure. Pedestrians have zero protection in a vehicle accident, and even a low-speed impact can result in life-changing injuries—or worse. In Hemet, CA, where residential areas, schools, shopping centers, and major intersections are always busy, pedestrian accidents occur more often than most people think.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Hemet reported 37 pedestrian injuries and fatalities in 2021, ranking 12th out of 105 similar-sized cities in the state. Statewide, California recorded 1,108 pedestrian fatalities that same year, reflecting a 9.4% increase from the previous year. These figures highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, improved safety infrastructure, and legal advocacy to protect pedestrians.

If you or a loved one has been injured while walking in Hemet, you may be entitled to significant compensation. At Banner Attorneys our Hemet pedestrian accident lawyer fights for the rights of injured pedestrians throughout Riverside County. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take, and we’re here to help you take legal action.

Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

After a pedestrian accident, most car accident victims find themselves in unfamiliar territory—dealing with medical bills, police reports, and insurance adjusters who seem more interested in minimizing their payout than helping you recover. Many people are shocked to learn that insurance companies often try to blame the pedestrian for the accident or offer lowball settlements before injuries are even fully understood.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer who specializes in pedestrian accidents can make all the difference. Here’s what we do:

• Investigate the car accident scene and collect key evidence
• Work with accident reconstruction experts when needed
• Interview witnesses and gather surveillance footage
• Handle all communication with insurance companies
• Calculate the full scope of your damages, including future losses
• Take your case to trial if the insurer refuses a fair settlement

Our Hemet pedestrian accident attorneys have the local knowledge and legal experience to stand up to insurance companies—and win.

Driver Responsibility vs. Pedestrian Rights Under California Law

California law mandates that drivers exercise due care to ensure pedestrian safety. Under California Vehicle Code § 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. However, pedestrians also have responsibilities. For instance, California Vehicle Code § 21954 states that pedestrians crossing outside of a crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to vehicles. Despite this, drivers are still required to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway.

California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that if a pedestrian is found partially at fault for an accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally. For example, if a pedestrian is deemed 20% at fault, they can still recover 80% of the damages.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Hemet

Pedestrian accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but the causes are often rooted in driver negligence or poorly designed roadways. Some of the most common causes we see include:

• Distracted driving – Texting or using GPS instead of watching the road
• Speeding – Especially in residential areas or near school zones
• Failure to yield – Drivers ignoring crosswalks or traffic signals
• Driving under the influence – Alcohol or drugs impairing judgment and reaction time
• Left-hand turns – Vehicles turning without checking for pedestrians in the crosswalk
• Poor lighting or visibility – Unmarked or dimly lit crosswalks

In Hemet, intersections like Florida Avenue & Sanderson Avenue and areas near schools and parks are particularly dangerous for pedestrians. When a city fails to provide safe infrastructure—or when a driver is careless—the consequences can be tragic.

Injuries Common in Pedestrian Accidents

Unlike drivers, pedestrians don’t have seat belts, airbags, or protective frames to shield them. That’s why pedestrian’s often suffer severe injuries, even when the vehicle is moving slowly. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones – Especially arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, and depression

These injuries often result in lengthy hospital stays, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Our Hemet personal injury lawyers work to ensure that any settlement reflects both the current and future impact of your injuries.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

A pedestrian accident claim seeks to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Here’s what that can include:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses and bills (emergency care, surgeries, medication, rehab)
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages from time off work
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Assistive devices or home modifications

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or disability
• Loss of companionship or support (in wrongful death cases)

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct—such as a hit-and-run—punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. Every case is unique. Our goal is to understand the full picture of how your injury has affected your life and pursue fair, full compensation that reflects those losses.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Hemet

What you do in the moments following a pedestrian accident can have a major impact on your personal injury claim. Here’s what we recommend:

• Call 911 – Get emergency medical help and request a police report
• Get the driver’s info – Name, license plate, insurance, and contact details
• Document the scene – Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle, and the location
• Get witness statements – Collect names and phone numbers of any bystanders
• Avoid talking to insurers – Don’t give a recorded statement or accept any offer
• Contact a Hemet personal injury attorney – The sooner you speak with an attorney, the stronger your case can be

Even if you were partially at fault or not in a marked crosswalk, California’s comparative negligence law still allows you to recover damages in many cases.

Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in pedestrian accidents involves assessing the actions of both the driver and the pedestrian. In California, liability is based on negligence, which requires proving that:

• The driver owed a duty of care to the pedestrian.
• The driver breached that duty through negligent actions.
• The breach directly caused the pedestrian’s injuries.

Under California’s comparative negligence system, even if a pedestrian was jaywalking or crossing against a signal, they might still be eligible to recover a portion of their damages.

Case Study: Pedestrian Accident in Hemet

On July 1, 2023, a tragic incident occurred on Florida Avenue near Harvard Street in Hemet. A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and, despite immediate life-saving efforts by emergency responders, succumbed to their serious injuries. This incident underscores the dangers pedestrians face and the importance of adhering to traffic laws and exercising caution. It also highlights the need for legal support for victims and their families to navigate the aftermath of such tragedies.

How Our Hemet Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help

At Banner Attorneys, we don’t just handle personal injury cases—we help people rebuild their lives. Our team is deeply familiar with local laws, court procedures, and how insurance companies operate in pedestrian injury cases. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Local experience: We’ve represented clients in Hemet and throughout Riverside County for years
• Proven results: Millions recovered for accident victims across California
• One-on-one attention: You’ll never be just a case number
• No upfront costs: We work on contingency—if we don’t win, you don’t pay
• Resource access: From medical experts to reconstruction specialists, we build strong, evidence-based claims

We understand that every client’s story is unique. Our job is to listen, fight, and deliver results that allow you to move forward with your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contact Our Hemet Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

You didn’t ask to become a victim—but you can choose to fight back. If you or someone you love has been struck by a vehicle while walking in Hemet, CA, you deserve strong legal representation. At Banner Attorneys, we’re here to hold negligent drivers accountable and make sure you’re not left bearing the cost of someone else’s carelessness.

Contact us today by calling us or filling out our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Talk to our Hemet personal injury attorneys today. Let’s get you on the road to recovery—with confidence, compassion, and results.