Reno’s Trusted Pedestrian Injury Lawyers

Pedestrian accidents can leave victims facing life-changing injuries, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming stress, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. At Friedman & Throop Law, you’ll find a team of compassionate pedestrian injury lawyers committed to protecting injured pedestrians across Reno and Northern Nevada. The legal team at Friedman & Throop Law—Julie Throop, John Boyden, and Terry Friedman, the firm combines over six decades of experience, a deep understanding of Nevada law, and a client-first approach that has earned them a trusted reputation throughout the Reno area. 

Legal Support for All Types of Pedestrian Injury Claims

Pedestrian accidents can occur in many different ways, and every situation requires careful investigation and experienced legal guidance. Our attorneys handle a wide variety of pedestrian injury cases throughout Northern Nevada, giving us a deep understanding of how these incidents happen and what it takes to secure the best outcome for our clients. From distracting driving collisions to hit-and-run crashes, each type of pedestrian accident presents unique challenges, and our team is prepared to address them all.

Crosswalk Accidents
Nevada law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Crosswalks are meant to provide safe passage, yet distracted or careless drivers often fail to yield. These types of crashes can cause catastrophic injuries to pedestrians even at low speeds.   

Hit-and-Run Incidents 
While victims may feel helpless in hit-and-run accidents, pedestrian injury accident attorneys can work with law enforcement, investigate footage, and gather witness statements to find the driver and hold them accountable for their actions. 

Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lots may seem like a low risk area, but the reality is that these areas are common locations for pedestrian injuries due to poor visibility, heavy foot traffic, and inattentive drivers. 

School Zone Injuries
School zones are meant to protect children and adults during some of the busiest times of the day. Drivers are required by law to abide by reduced speed limits and exercise extreme caution in designated school zones. When a child or adult is struck in these zones, not only are innocent children injured, but serious legal consequences can follow.  

Sidewalk or Shoulder Collisions
Vehicles that veer onto a sidewalk or shoulder of the road due to impairment, fatigue, or distraction create dangerous situations for pedestrians. When a driver crosses out of their lane and injures someone nearby, they can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause.

Distracted-Driver Accidents 
Texting while driving, GPS use, and other distractions play a huge role in pedestrian crashes in Nevada. Proving that a driver was distracted at the time of a collision can be challenging, but a skilled pedestrian injury accident attorney will be able to gather evidence such as phone records and surveillance footage to strengthen your claim. 

Drunk/Impaired Driving Accidents 
When a drunk or impaired driver hits a pedestrian, the consequences are often life-altering. Injured victims have the right to hold impaired drivers accountable and seek compensation for the physical, financial, and emotional harm caused. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Collisions involving accidents happen in an instant, but the factors that lead to them are almost always preventable. The pedestrian injury lawyers at Friedman & Throop have handled numerous cases involving pedestrian crashes throughout Reno and Northern Nevada, giving us firsthand insight into how these incidents occur. Common causes of pedestrian accidents includes: 

• Speeding
• Driving under the influence
• Texting and driving
• Distracted driving or distracted walking
• Failure to obey the rules of the road
• Failure to yield
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Weather conditions 
• Road construction
• Arterial roads

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents  

Pedestrians have none of the safety protections that vehicle occupants rely on such as airbags, seatbelts, or reinforced frames. As a result, victims often face long recovery periods, extensive medical treatment, lasting health complications, and in the most tragic cases, fatal injuries. Common injuries include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken or fractured bones
• Internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Lacerations and road rash
• Psychological trauma  

Types of Compensation

Pedestrian accidents often leave victims facing overwhelming challenges—physically, emotionally, and financially. Medical bills can accumulate quickly, missed time from work can create financial strain, and the emotional trauma of the accident may affect daily life for months or even years. A pedestrian injury lawyer can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve under Nevada law. This includes not only your immediate expenses, but also the long-term effects the collision may have on your health, livelihood, and overall well-being. Depending on the details of your case, available compensation may include: medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. 

Driver Responsibilities Under Nevada Law 

Nevada law clearly outlines the rules designed to protect pedestrians and prevent serious accidents on the state’s roadways. These laws place specific duties on drivers and pedestrians to ensure everyone’s safety, especially in high-traffic areas like crosswalks, intersections, and school zones. Understanding these rights is essential for anyone injured in a pedestrian collision, as violations often play a major role in determining liability. By law, drivers have a duty to abide by the rules of the road and must follow these rules at all times: 

• Drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians at all times.
• Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Drivers must yield at all times to a blind or visually impaired pedestrians using a white cane, walking stick, or service animal.
• Vehicles must stop when pedestrians are crossing in school zones.
• Drivers cannot pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. 

These legal protections for pedestrians are crucial when determining who is at fault in an accident, as any violation of these rules may be used as strong evidence of driver negligence. 

Pedestrian Rules According to Nevada Law

While Nevada law provides strong protections for pedestrians, it also requires pedestrians to follow certain safety rules to help prevent accidents. These responsibilities ensure that both drivers and pedestrians play a role in keeping roadways safe. Failing to follow these rules as a pedestrian may affect liability in the event of a collision. If you are on traveling on foot, you must abide by the following laws to keep yourself and others safe: 

• Pedestrians must use the sidewalk whenever one is available, and should use the nearest crosswalk, pedestrian bridge, or pedestrian tunnel whenever possible.
• Pedestrians must obey all official traffic-control devices, including signals, signs, and crossing indicators.
• Pedestrians must stay in the right-hand half of the crosswalk when crossing the street, whenever possible, to allow safe passage for others.
• If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic for increased visibility and safety.
• Pedestrians must not suddenly enter the path of an oncoming vehicle in a way that makes it impossible for the driver to yield or stop in time.
• Pedestrians may not cross an intersection diagonally unless a traffic-control device specifically allows or directs them to do so.

Determining Liability in a Pedestrian Accident  

In Nevada, determining liability in a pedestrian accident begins with evaluating whether any party acted with negligence—meaning they failed to use reasonable care under the circumstances. Courts and insurance companies look closely at the actions of both the driver and the pedestrian to decide who contributed to the crash and to what extent. To reach a fair determination, courts closely examine evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic-camera footage, skid marks, phone records, any available surveillance video, and accident reconstruction analysis to determine fault. 

Oftentimes, liability hinges on whether a driver failed to follow Nevada’s pedestrian safety laws. Actions such as failing to yield at a crosswalk, speeding, driving under the influence, texting while driving, or passing a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian are strong indicators of driver negligence. Any violation of these statutes can weigh heavily against the driver when courts determine fault. 

At the same time, Nevada courts also recognize that pedestrians have legal duties. If a pedestrian crossed outside a crosswalk, ignored traffic signals, suddenly stepped into the roadway, or walked in an unsafe manner, the court may decide that the pedestrian shares a portion of the blame. The modified comparative negligence rule allows an injured pedestrian to recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If a pedestrian shares responsibility, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. If you’ve been involved in an accident as a driver or pedestrian, Friedman & Throop Law will help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and build a strong case to help you recover compensation. 

What to Do If You’re a Pedestrian That’s Been in a Car Accident

In the moments following the accident, it can be difficult to think clearly, but the steps you take next can significantly impact both your health and your legal case. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, there are five steps you should take immediately following the incident. 

1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention Immediately
   Your first priority after a pedestrian accident should be your safety and well-being. Always call law enforcement right away, even if the driver urges you not to or injuries seem minor. First responders will be able to attend to any injuries and make sure you get the appropriate care. Police officers at the scene will also create an accident report. This entails documenting the crash, gathering statements, and creating an official report. This record is extremely important when determining liability and is often one of the first documents insurance companies and attorneys review.
2. Gather Evidence
   If you are physically able and can do so safely, collect as much information as possible. Take photos of the vehicle, the license plate, the area where you were struck, traffic signals, your visible injuries, and anything else that might help explain what happened. If witnesses saw the collision, ask for their names and phone numbers—they may later provide statements that strongly support your claim. If the driver flees the scene, try to remember as many details as possible, such as the vehicle’s make, model, or color.
3. Avoid Discussing Fault 
   In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, it’s natural to feel shaken or unsure of what to say. However, it’s crucial to avoid discussing fault with the driver, witnesses, or anyone else at the scene. Even simple comments like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see the car” can be misunderstood as accepting blame. Provide factual information to law enforcement only, and avoid offering opinions about who caused the crash.
4. Do Not Give a Statement to Insurance Companies
   In the hours or days following the accident, insurance companies may contact you for a recorded statement or attempt to settle quickly. Their goal is to minimize what they pay, not to look out for your best interests. Politely decline to give a statement or answer detailed questions until you’ve spoken with a pedestrian injury lawyer.
5. Contact a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer 
   Reaching out to a pedestrian injury accident attorney as soon as possible is one of the most important steps you can take after a collision. By contacting Friedman & Throop early, you gain an advocate who will step in right away to preserve time-sensitive evidence, investigate the circumstances of the crash, communicate directly with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you need.

Tips for Staying Safe as a Pedestrian

Here are some practical safety tips to keep in mind when traveling on foot. While drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles responsibly, pedestrians can also take simple steps to reduce risks and stay alert. 

• Use Designated Sidewalks and Crosswalks
  Whenever possible, walk on sidewalks and cross at marked crosswalks. These areas are specifically designed to increase pedestrian visibility and improve safety by guiding both foot traffic and vehicle traffic. Crosswalks give pedestrians the legal right-of-way, and drivers are more likely to expect people crossing at these designated points. If a sidewalk or marked crosswalk isn’t available, choose the safest, most visible place to cross and take extra time to ensure the road is clear.  
• Do Not Jaywalk
  Jaywalking refers to crossing a street outside of a designated crosswalk or intersection, or crossing against traffic signals. It is illegal in the state of Nevada and pedestrians can be fined or cited. Jaywalking reduces your visibility and increases the likelihood that a driver won’t see you in time to stop.
• Make Eye Contact With Drivers
  Before crossing the street, try to make eye contact with approaching drivers. This simple step helps confirm that the driver has noticed you, understands your intention to cross, and is prepared to stop. Making eye contact with the driver can reduce the chances of a misunderstanding or a preventable collision.
• Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
  Just like distracted driving is dangerous, distracted walking can increase the risk of an accident. Avoid looking down at your phone, wearing headphones at high volume, or multitasking when crossing the street.
• Wear Visible or Reflective Clothing
  It’s more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians at night or the early morning hours. Wear bright colors or reflective clothing to help drivers spot you sooner and significantly reduce the risk of an accident.
• Follow Traffic Signals and Signs
  Always obey pedestrian crosswalk signals, look for turning vehicles, and wait until it’s safe to cross the road before stepping off the curb, even when you have the right-of-way.
• Stay on the Left Side of the Road if There is No Sidewalk
  If you must walk in the roadway, walk facing traffic. This allows you to see approaching vehicles and react if necessary.
• Be Extra Cautious in Bad Weather
  Rain, fog, and snow can reduce visibility and make it harder for vehicles to stop. Give yourself extra time and distance when crossing in these conditions.
• Teach Children Safe Walking Habits
  Kids are among the most vulnerable pedestrians. Teach children to use crosswalks, never to run into the street, always look both ways before crossing, and to stay close to an adult when near traffic.

Schedule a Consultation With a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer 

The aftermath of an accident is stressful. You may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what steps to take next. During such a difficult time, having the right legal guidance can make all the difference. At Friedman & Throop Law here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and guide you through every stage of the legal process. 

Our team approaches every case with compassion, personalized attention, and a deep commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for each client. We understand how life-changing a pedestrian accident can be, and we work tirelessly to ensure you receive the support and compensation you need to move forward. 

Best of all, you don’t pay anything upfront. Friedman & Throop operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal challenges on your behalf. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, schedule a free consultation with one of our pedestrian injury accident attorneys today and the first step toward protecting your rights and holding negligent parties accountable.