Maison Law can help you if you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Redding. Walking around Redding—whether it’s downtown, near Turtle Bay, or on your way to the grocery store—shouldn’t be dangerous. But pedestrian accidents happen, and they can leave you or a loved one with serious injuries. If you’re unsure what to do next, we can help you understand your options in a free consultation.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
It’s not all that surprising that pedestrian accidents in Redding are usually pretty serious. You have no protection against a moving car–even at a slow speed. So, while you aren’t required to get a lawyer, that doesn’t mean you don’t need one. We’ll help you with
- Understanding your options
- Going over what happened
- Explaining your next steps
- Gathering the facts to figure out who’s at-fault
- Protecting your claim against any tricky moves from the insurance company
- Taking care of the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations so you can focus on getting better
Every accident is different. Talking with our Redding team gives you practical, clear guidance tailored to your situation.
What Evidence Will I Need For a Pedestrian Accident?
Being hit while walking in Redding can be a terrifying experience. It’s not just the physical pain—you’re suddenly thrown into a world of hospital visits, insurance calls, and uncertainty about the future. And because these accidents are so serious for victims, it’s hard to even be able to do anything–let alone get information that you’ll need months down the line. Still, there’s certain pieces of information and evidence that can help your claim:
- Medical records that connect your injuries directly to the accident. These help show the severity of what happened and can cover both immediate and long-term treatments.
- Pictures/videos of the accident scene. In Redding, this might mean intersections like Cypress Avenue and Hilltop Drive, downtown crosswalks, or busy spots near Turtle Bay. These visuals help show exactly where the accident happened and the conditions at the time.
- Driver information, including their name, license plate, insurance details, and vehicle make and model. Having these details immediately after the accident is important.
- Witness statements from people nearby—bystanders, shop owners, or anyone who saw what happened. Their accounts can provide an outside perspective on how the accident happens.
- How the accident is impacting your daily life, including lost work, trouble getting around, or emotional and mental health struggles. Your claim isn’t just about medical bills—it’s about the real impact on your life.
- Torn clothing, broken glasses, or a broken phone. These may seem small, but they show the full cost of the accident.
Even small details, like a malfunctioning crosswalk signal on Cypress Avenue or a streetlight out near Plano Street, can be critical. They might show that city maintenance—or the lack of it—played a role in what happened, which could influence who is held responsible.
How Does the Claims Process Work With a Pedestrian Accident?
Life changes quickly after a pedestrian accident. One day, you’re walking down Cypress Avenue to grab a coffee or heading home from work near Turtle Bay, and the next, you’re dealing with hospital visits, insurance calls, and lost income. The claims process exists to help people in situations like yours get support, but it can be complicated—and stressful when you’re trying to recover. In general, there are two main ways to pursue a claim:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Insurance claims are usually quicker, so you can get money in your pocket sooner. The downside is that the process is controlled entirely by the insurance company, which usually aims to pay as little as possible.
A personal injury lawsuit is more formal and takes longer, but it’s a fairer process. A judge ensures both sides follow the rules, and a jury may ultimately decide the settlement amount. That said, lawsuits can settle at any point before trial, which can speed things up.
Regardless of which option you go with, the goal is the same: to get damages—financial support for what you’ve lost. This usually covers:
- Medical bills, including both immediate treatment and long-term care.
- Lost wages or reduced ability to earn, if your injuries affect your job.
- Pain and suffering, for the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
- Emotional distress, which often accompanies traumatic accidents.
- Loss of enjoyment of daily life, such as being unable to exercise, socialize, or perform normal routines.
- Wrongful death expenses, in cases where a loved one was fatally injured.
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. That might seem like plenty of time, but things can change quickly. Being proactive is important for another reason: figuring out who pays for your damages.
Who Has to Pay for My Damages?
No matter what the circumstances are around your pedestrian accident, the answer to who pays for your damages comes down to fault—and in California, fault is tied to negligence. This means that someone didn’t take reasonable steps to keep you safe, and with a pedestrian accident, this is usually going to fall on the driver that hits you.
But it’s not always that cut-and-dry. Depending on what actually happened, others can share some of the liability:
- Other drivers that were involved outside of the collision with you.
- The city or county, if road conditions, broken signals, malfunctioning streetlights, or confusing signage were involved.
- Vehicle or equipment makers if faulty brakes or other defects caused or worsened the accident.
- California also follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning if you were partially at fault—like crossing outside a marked crosswalk—your recovery could be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Ultimately, who pays and how much depends on the full picture: the drivers, conditions, and circumstances that led to the accident. By reviewing all the details, we can make sure everyone who is responsible is held accountable and that your damages are properly covered.
Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Redding?
Even careful pedestrians face risks because accidents aren’t just about one person’s choices—they also involve road conditions, driver behavior, and visibility. In Redding, common accident locations include:
- Busy intersections, like Cypress Avenue and Hilltop Drive, where stop-and-go traffic makes it easy to misjudge gaps.
- School zones, including areas around Shasta Elementary, Redding High, and local campuses, where children are especially vulnerable.
- Shopping areas and parking lots, such as Costco, WinCo, and downtown businesses, where near-misses are common.
- High-speed roads, like I-5 interchanges, where drivers often overlook pedestrians or motorcycles.
- Neighborhoods, including streets near Turtle Bay, the Sundial Bridge, and parks, where people walk every day for errands or exercise.
These spots aren’t just locations—they’re parts of the Redding community where people live, work, and spend their time. When drivers aren’t paying attention or road conditions aren’t safe, pedestrians are at serious risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being hit?
First, make sure you’re safe and get medical attention, even if injuries feel minor. Then, take photos of the scene, collect the driver’s information, and note any witnesses nearby. Early steps like this can make a big difference in your claim.
Will I have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases settle with the insurance company. A lawsuit is usually a backup if a fair settlement can’t be reached. Even if it goes to trial, a Redding judge and jury will review all the evidence to determine your damages.
How do insurance companies decide what to pay?
Insurance adjusters often start low to protect their bottom line. They’ll consider medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, but they may undervalue pain and suffering. Our team can make sure you have a strong claim.
Work With Our Redding Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
At Maison Law, we know how overwhelming a pedestrian accident can be. Pain, bills, and uncertainty are stressful enough without dealing with insurance claims and the legal process on your own.
If you were hit while walking in Redding, we’re here to help. Our team can guide you step by step, explain your options in plain language, and handle the complicated parts of your claim so you can focus on getting better. Set up your free consultation today.
