Maison Law helps people in Porterville that have been injured in accidents. Taking a walk in Porterville should be safe. Whether you’re crossing Main Street downtown, jogging near Veterans Park, or walking your kids to school, you expect drivers to look out for you. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. When a car and a person collide, there’s no contest—the pedestrian always comes out with the worst injuries. We can help you through what comes next. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer?
It’s a fair question. Sometimes injuries are minor and can be handled with quick medical care and an insurance claim. But too often, pedestrian accidents lead to broken bones, head injuries, or worse. Medical bills, time away from work, and long-term recovery aren’t things most people can shoulder on their own.
That’s when you need a lawyer and our team will be there to help you with:
- Understanding what you can do and how the process usually works.
- Gathering medical records and any other evidence you’ll need.
- Handling the back-and-forth with insurance companies.
- Making things easier for you and your family.
Every pedestrian accident is different–even though they happen for many of the same reasons. Sitting down with us gives you clear advice for your situation. And since we work on a contingency fee, there are no upfront costs. That’s a huge help when you’re facing all the problems that come with these kinds of accidents.
What Evidence Can Strengthen My Claim?
Being in a situation where you’re hit by a car while walking is pretty traumatic–not to mention painful. That makes it difficult to be able to think clearly. And while your top priority is always your health, there’s certain pieces of evidence that’s going to give your claim a strong foundation:
- Medical records that tie your injuries to the accident itself.
- Pictures and/or videos of the accident scene—intersections like Olive Avenue, busy areas near schools, or crosswalks downtown.
- The driver’s information (name, insurance, license plate, vehicle details).
- Witness statements from bystanders, shop owners, or others nearby.
- How the accident is impacting your daily life, such as missed work, mobility issues, or emotional struggles.
- Damaged property like torn clothing, broken glasses, or a destroyed phone.
Even small details—like a streetlight that was out near Plano Street or a malfunctioning crosswalk signal—can make a big difference in how things play out. And it’s helpful for another reason: figuring out who’s at-fault.
Who’s At-Fault For a Pedestrian Accident?
While it’s true that the vast majority of pedestrian accidents come back to driver negligence—things like failing to yield at a crosswalk or looking down at a phone instead of the road–there’s still a lot that goes into figuring out who’s at-fault. Legally, it’s about showing negligence–or that somebody didn’t take the proper care and caused the accident in question. But even that depends on the circumstances and what actually happened. So with that, the people that usually end up being at-fault in these kinds of accidents are:
- Drivers who hit you, or even another driver who caused a chain reaction.
- Passengers who distracted the driver.
- The city or county if poor road design, missing signage, or malfunctioning crosswalk signals played a role.
- Car manufacturers if faulty brakes or equipment factored into the accident.
California also follows a comparative negligence rule. That means if you were partially at fault—for example, crossing outside a marked crosswalk—your recovery could be reduced by your percentage of fault. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. We’ll look at the full picture to see where accountability really lies.
How Does the Claims Process Work With a Pedestrian Accident?
After being hit while walking in Porterville, life can feel upside down. One day you’re running errands downtown or walking home from work, and the next you’re dealing with hospital visits, calls from insurance adjusters, and the stress of missing paychecks. It’s a lot to take in, especially when you’re trying to get better. But that’s why there’s a claims process, and though it can be challenging, it’s how you get financial support to take care of your losses.
Generally, there’s two ways to go about it:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Both options have their positives and negatives. Insurance is usually quicker, so you can get money in your pocket sooner. But the tradeoff is that the process is totally controlled by the insurance company. They decide how much your claim is worth and what to give you. And most of the time, they’re trying to pay out as little as they possibly can.
A lawsuit is more formal and takes longer, but it’s also a fairer process. It’s overseen by the judge that makes sure both sides are doing things properly. Plus, your lawsuit can still settle at any point. If it does go all the way to trial, though, a jury will decide your settlement amount based on the evidence.
No matter which option you choose, it’s all about getting that financial support for your “damages.” Typically, this includes costs for things like:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages or reduced ability to earn
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of daily life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file. That might sound like a long time, but building a strong case requires evidence, and it’s best to start while details are still fresh.
Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Porterville?
The layers of factors that lead to pedestrian accidents in Porterville–distracted driving, speeding, poor visibility, or unsafe road design–are always there when you’re on foot. Even when you’re careful and follow the rules, accidents still happen because drivers and road conditions don’t always measure up. And while this goes a long way in telling you how these accidents happen, it’s also important to look at where they happen:
- Busy intersections like Henderson Avenue and Main Street, where stop-and-go traffic creates risks for people crossing.
- School zones near Porterville High, Olive Street Elementary, and other campuses, where children are especially vulnerable.
- Shopping areas and parking lots—Walmart, Target, and downtown businesses see frequent near-misses and collisions.
- High-speed roads like Highway 65 and 190, where drivers often go too fast to react in time.
- Neighborhood crossings near parks and residential streets, such as around Veterans Park or along Plano Street.
These aren’t just dots on a map—they’re the places where people in Porterville live, shop, and walk every day. When drivers fail to pay attention, it puts everyone in these community spaces at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my claim take?
There’s no easy answer here. Some claims wrap up quickly, while others take weeks or months. Generally, though, the more evidence and information you have that shows what happened, the quicker your claim will wrap up.
Do I need to file a police report if the accident seems minor?
Yes. Always report the accident to the Porterville Police Department or the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Even if injuries don’t show up until later, having a report helps protect you.
What if I was hit in a parking lot?
You can still file a claim. Drivers are responsible for safe driving everywhere—whether it’s a lot near Walmart, a downtown shop, or a school parking area.
Work With Our Porterville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
At Maison Law, we know how overwhelming a pedestrian accident can be. You’re dealing with pain, bills, and uncertainty—all because someone else wasn’t paying attention. If you were hit while walking in Porterville, we’re here to help you understand your options and guide you through the next steps. Set up a free consultation today to get the process started.
