Nevada County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Experienced Pedestrian Accident Representation in Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Truckee

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in Nevada County, the experienced team at Phillips Personal Injury is here to help. Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death due to the vulnerability of pedestrians when struck by vehicles. Our dedicated attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families.

Pedestrian Accidents in Nevada County: Understanding the Risks

Pedestrian accidents in Nevada County present unique challenges due to our distinctive regional characteristics:

• Historic downtown areas in Nevada City and Grass Valley with narrow streets and limited sidewalks

• Rural roads without proper shoulders throughout Nevada County

• Tourism areas with high pedestrian traffic in downtown Truckee and Nevada City

• Winter weather conditions creating additional hazards for pedestrians

• Poorly lit rural intersections throughout the county

• Highway 49, Highway 20, and I-80 crossing through populated areas

• School zones in Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Truckee

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Nevada County

Our team frequently handles pedestrian accident cases caused by:

• Distracted driving in downtown areas

• Failure to yield at crosswalks

• Speeding in residential neighborhoods

• Driving under the influence (particularly near local restaurants and bars)

• Poor visibility due to mountain weather conditions

• Improper turning at busy intersections

• Running red lights or stop signs

• Backing up without checking for pedestrians in parking areas

How Phillips Personal Injury Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims

At Phillips Personal Injury, we provide comprehensive legal representation for pedestrian accident victims throughout Nevada County:

• Thorough investigation of accident scenes, including securing surveillance footage from local businesses when available

• Expert accident reconstruction to demonstrate how the collision occurred

• Gathering witness testimony from local residents and businesses

• Consulting with medical experts familiar with catastrophic injuries common in pedestrian accidents

• Calculating full damages including current and future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering

• Skilled negotiation with insurance companies who often attempt to blame pedestrians

• Litigation experience in Nevada County courts when fair settlements cannot be reached

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Claims

Tragically, pedestrian accidents in Nevada County sometimes result in fatal injuries. When a family loses a loved one due to a driver's negligence, our compassionate wrongful death attorneys help families seek justice and financial security during an unimaginably difficult time.

Our wrongful death representation for pedestrian accident cases includes:

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California

Under California law, the following individuals may file a wrongful death claim:

• Surviving spouse or domestic partner

• Children of the deceased

• Grandchildren (if the deceased's children are also deceased)

• Others who would be entitled to the deceased's property under California intestate succession laws

Damages Available in Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Cases

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Loss of the deceased's financial support and future income

• Loss of gifts or benefits the heirs would have expected to receive

• Loss of companionship, guidance, and support

• Loss of household services the deceased would have provided

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims

In California, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation, making it critical to consult with our Nevada County wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible.

Local Resources for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Nevada County

Medical Facilities

• Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital - Grass Valley

• Tahoe Forest Hospital - Truckee

• UC Davis Medical Center - Sacramento (for severe trauma cases)

• Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center - Carmichael (trauma center)

Rehabilitation Services

• Sierra Nevada Physical Therapy - Grass Valley

• Tahoe Forest Therapy Services - Truckee

• Nevada County Physical Therapy - Nevada City

Support Services

• Nevada County Victims Services - Support for crime victims

• Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation - Financial assistance programs

• Brain Injury Support Group - Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital

• California Walks - Pedestrian safety advocacy organization

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Claims

What should I do immediately after being hit by a vehicle in Nevada County?

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor

2. Report the accident to local law enforcement (Nevada County Sheriff, Grass Valley Police, Nevada City Police, or Truckee Police)

3. Obtain contact and insurance information from the driver if possible

4. Get contact information from any witnesses

5. Document the scene with photos if you're able

6. Avoid discussing fault or giving statements to insurance companies

7. Contact Phillips Personal Injury for a free consultation

Can I still recover compensation if I was crossing outside a crosswalk?

Yes. While California law does require pedestrians to use crosswalks when available, this doesn't automatically absolve drivers of responsibility. California follows "comparative negligence" rules, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys excel at minimizing your assigned percentage of fault to maximize your recovery.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Nevada County?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if your accident involved a government entity (such as a city or county vehicle), you may have as little as six months to file an administrative claim. Consulting with our attorneys promptly ensures you don't miss crucial deadlines.

What compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?

Pedestrian accident victims in Nevada County may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (both current and future)

• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity

• Physical pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Disfigurement and scarring

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Property damage

How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer at Phillips Personal Injury?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you. This ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of financial circumstances.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?

If you were struck by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still have options for recovery:

• Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if you have auto insurance)

• Medical payments coverage from your auto policy

• Health insurance

• In some cases, claims against third parties who may share liability

Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate all potential sources of compensation.

How are pedestrian accidents different from other vehicle accidents?

Pedestrian accidents typically result in more severe injuries than vehicle-to-vehicle collisions due to the pedestrian's lack of protection. Additionally, insurance companies often attempt to blame pedestrians for these accidents. Our specialized experience with pedestrian accidents in Nevada County allows us to effectively counter these tactics and advocate for your rights.

Contact Phillips Personal Injury: Your Nevada County Pedestrian Accident Advocates

If you or a family member has been injured as a pedestrian in Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee, or anywhere in Nevada County, don't face the complex legal system alone. The experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Phillips Personal Injury are dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call us today at 530-265-0186 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

• Evening and weekend appointments available

• Home and hospital visits for seriously injured clients

• No recovery, no fee guarantee

• Experienced local attorneys who understand Nevada County roads and courts