Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
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Rich Barnes
President
At The Barnes Firm, we understand how overwhelming a pedestrian accident can be. Our team is dedicated to providing experienced, compassionate legal guidance to injured pedestrians and their families. Whether you were hurt in a crosswalk or while walking along a neighborhood street, an Oakland personal injury lawyer from our team can help you understand your rights, pursue compensation, and move forward with confidence. Contact The Barnes Firm today for a free, no-obligation case review.
Our attorneys at The Barnes Firm know Oakland’s streets, crosswalks, and high-risk intersections, and we’ve helped countless clients injured in pedestrian accidents in the region. The Barnes Firm has resolved more than 150,000 cases, and our legal team brings over 500 years of combined experience to every client we represent.
We put clients first by offering the following advantages:
When you choose The Barnes Firm, you partner with one of America’s largest injury firms with a strong local presence in Oakland. We understand the fear, frustration, and pain that come with an injury, and we’re here to help.
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in Alameda County, leaving many people and families facing serious consequences yearly. These incidents often happen in places where people should feel safe, such as intersections, crosswalks, and school zones. Distracted driving, speeding, unsafe turns, drivers who fail to yield, and other factors all contribute to the risk.
California law provides important pedestrian protections. Generally, pedestrians have the right of way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks, and drivers must yield when someone is crossing legally. While crossing against a “Don’t Walk” signal or stepping suddenly into traffic can affect a claim, pedestrians still maintain significant legal rights and safeguards under state law.
The moments after a pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming. However, you can take certain steps to protect both your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do after an accident:

I am quite pleased with the professionalism shown by the Barnes Firm while handling my personal injury case. Especially by the focus on important details by my lawyer Corinne Brophy, the paralegal assistant, Teresa Carillo and others connected to this case. I have no complaints and recommendations at this time and do not know how I could have dealt with this problem without their help.
Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection, exposing them to serious harm. These injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing care. They also often affect a person’s ability to work, care for their family, or enjoy the activities they once loved.
Common injuries we see in Oakland pedestrian accident cases include:
Pedestrians have important protections under California law. The state follows a system called pure comparative negligence, which means that even if you were partly at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation.
Insurance companies often try to use this rule to their advantage, arguing that pedestrians are at fault because they crossed outside a crosswalk or didn’t see an oncoming vehicle. At The Barnes Firm, we know these tactics and how to push back. Our goal is to protect your rights and ensure that blame is placed where it truly belongs.
Shouldering a pedestrian accident claim alone can feel like an uphill battle. That’s where The Barnes Firm comes in. Our attorneys handle every detail of your case so you can focus on healing. Here’s how we help:

My personal attorney, Alan Olghasen, was professional and very conscientious of how insurance companies play the game, which he warned me to be patient and it will work itself out!!! Thanks again, Alan!!!👍👍
After a pedestrian accident, victims often cope not only with painful injuries but also with overwhelming medical bills and unexpected financial strain. California law gives victims the right to seek compensation for both the financial impacts and the personal hardships they’ve endured.
Economic damages may include past and future medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and even property damage. Non-economic damages address less tangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of daily life.
In especially reckless cases, such as when a driver is impaired, courts also may award punitive damages to hold the wrongdoer accountable and help prevent similar harm to others.
“We take great pride in bettering the commnuities we serve by helping clients acheve the best results possible.”
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Rich Barnes
Founding Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000With The Barnes Firm, you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we win your case.
Drivers always have a duty to watch for pedestrians and avoid collisions when possible. While jaywalking can affect how liability is determined, it does not automatically make you responsible for the accident.
Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim. Some exceptions may shorten this timeline, so it’s important to act quickly.
Under California’s comparative negligence law, you may still recover damages even if you share some responsibility. However, your compensation will be reduced by your share of the blame.
The Barnes Firm is here to help injured pedestrians and their families throughout California fight for the respect and compensation they deserve. Our Oakland and Bay Area office is located at 555 12th St., Suite #1470, but we proudly serve clients across California.
You can count on us for 24/7 support, relentless advocacy, and a determination to protect your rights and fight for the best result possible.
Call (800) 800-0000 today, complete our online contact form, or chat with a team member.
We are always available to discuss your case. Give us a call at (800) 800-0000.
Fill out our form and we will contact you shortly to discuss your case
Our attorneys will come to your home, office or hospital at your convenience.
We are available anytime, including after hours and
weekends.
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