Larger vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and minivans pose a greater risk to pedestrians than smaller passenger cars, especially during turning maneuvers. If you are involved in a California pedestrian accident involving an SUV, liability for the damages may fall on either the driver or you as the pedestrian, depending on the specific circumstances of the crash.
Read on to learn more about liability in a pedestrian crash involving an SUV and how to protect your rights in such cases.
How Dangerous Are SUV Crashes Involving Pedestrians?
It is no secret that larger vehicles cause more damage in a crash. But what many people don’t realize is that their design itself makes certain crashes more likely, especially crashes involving pedestrians.
Why? One likely factor is visibility. These vehicles’ wide frames, bulky front ends, and thick roof supports (A-pillars) can create dangerous blind spots, especially when turning. That momentary loss of visibility can mean life or death for a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Additionally, researchers looked at the most common types of crashes in which a single vehicle hits a pedestrian, both at intersections and in other areas. They found that larger vehicles like SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks are much more likely to be involved in fatal crashes when turning than regular cars.
At intersections:
- SUVs were twice as likely to kill a pedestrian during a left turn.
- Vans and minivans were nearly three times as likely.
- Pickup trucks were almost four times as likely.
- During right turns, pickup trucks were 89% more likely, and SUVs 63% more likely, to be involved in fatal pedestrian crashes than cars.
These turning crashes comprised over 900 of the 5,800 fatal pedestrian accidents at intersections from 2014 to 2018.
How Often Do Pedestrians Get Hit by Larger Vehicles?
In the same study, they found that pedestrians walking or jogging along the roadside, not crossing, were 25% more likely to be killed by pickup trucks and 51% more likely to be killed by SUVs in these kinds of collisions.
Rural areas, where large vehicles and open roads are more common, saw higher rates of these tragic encounters. Roughly 2,500 of the 14,000 fatal pedestrian crashes nationwide happened this way, and many involved people who were simply walking home, getting exercise, or running errands on foot.
Is a Larger Vehicle Safer than a Smaller Car?
Most people think having a larger vehicle is safer than being in a smaller one. However, new research shows the opposite.
IIHS President David Harkey mentioned in a recent study that, “People often think that bigger always means safer. But that’s no longer true, not for others on the road or even for the people inside the biggest vehicles.”
For lighter cars, adding 500 pounds can make them much safer for the people inside, but only up to a point. Once a vehicle is heavier than average, adding more weight does not make it any safer for its occupants.
However, there’s a tradeoff. Adding 500 pounds to a light car does not significantly raise the risk for others on the road. But if you add that same weight to an already heavy vehicle, it can make crashes more dangerous for people in other cars.
What to Do as a Pedestrian When an SUV Hits You
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Get to Safety and Call 911
If you’re conscious and able to move, try to get off the road to a safer area. Ask someone nearby to call 911 or do it yourself. Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline may be masking serious internal injuries. Let emergency responders evaluate you on the scene.
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Accept Medical Care, Even if You Think You’re Okay
Never downplay your pain. SUVs often cause hidden injuries, such as spinal trauma, internal bleeding, and head injuries, that may not show symptoms right away. Go to the ER or see a doctor immediately and document everything.
Your health comes first. These records will also be key evidence if you later pursue a personal injury claim.
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Gather Evidence or Ask Someone to Help
If you can, take photos of:
- The SUV and the license plate
- Your injuries
- The accident scene, including crosswalks, lights, and signage
You can also speak to witnesses and ask for their contact information. Their statements may help prove your case, especially if liability is disputed.
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Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company Alone
The driver’s insurance company may reach out quickly, sometimes within hours, to get a statement or offer a settlement. But they’re not calling to help you. They are calling, hoping you say something that can reduce your settlement.
Do not agree to give a recorded statement or accept any payment until you speak with a personal injury lawyer. Even one wrong word can hurt your case.
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Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney You Can Trust
An experienced California pedestrian accident lawyer can help investigate the SUV driver’s actions, preserve crucial evidence (like surveillance footage), negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for compensation that genuinely reflects your suffering.
When Can I File a Pedestrian Accident Claim After an SUV Crash?
When someone’s careless actions cause an accident and injure you, the law may give you the power to hold them accountable.
Negligence is at the heart of most personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents. To recover compensation, you must show that someone acted carelessly or that negligence directly led to your injuries.
But what does “negligence” really look like in everyday life?
- A driver speeds through a residential area, ignoring stop signs or children at play.
- Someone glances down at their phone instead of keeping their eyes on the road.
- A drunk driver blows through a red light, endangering everyone in their path.
- Even a pedestrian might act negligently by walking into traffic without looking.
Overall, negligence means someone failed to act reasonably and responsibly in that situation, putting others in danger.
Proving Injuries and Damages
To pursue a personal injury claim, you also need to show that you suffered actual harm because of that carelessness. Not every accident leads to a case, but if someone else’s recklessness caused you pain, you may have the right to seek justice.
Ask yourself:
- Did another person’s behavior cause the accident?
- Were you physically hurt, even if it didn’t seem serious at first?
- Have you faced real losses, like medical bills, missed work, or chronic pain?
- Do you have evidence, such as a police report, witness names, or photos from the scene?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, you may be entitled to compensation. But even if you’re unsure, that doesn’t mean your case is over. You can contact a California pedestrian accident lawyer to investigate the facts of the case and determine if you can file a claim or not.
Who Is Liable for a California Pedestrian Accident Involving an SUV?
In California, liability in a pedestrian accident isn’t automatically assigned to the driver. In fact, depending on the situation, either the driver or the pedestrian could be held accountable. Understanding how fault is determined can make all the difference in whether you are entitled to compensation or held responsible for your own injuries.
When Is the Driver of the SUV Liable?
SUVs are bigger, heavier, and often come with large blind spots. This makes it even more critical for drivers to stay alert and follow traffic laws. When they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they can and should be held accountable.
Say a pedestrian is using a marked crosswalk, and an SUV driver, distracted by their phone, does not notice the person crossing. If that driver runs a red light or fails to yield, and the pedestrian is hit, the driver is likely liable.
Common examples of driver negligence include:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding in pedestrian zones or neighborhoods
- Driving distracted, whether texting or using GPS
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Not turning on headlights in low-light conditions
- Making wide or fast turns without checking for pedestrians
These careless actions become even more dangerous when you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle that can cause greater harm due to its size, such as an SUV.
When Might a Pedestrian Be Liable?
Just like drivers, pedestrians have a legal duty to act responsibly on the road. If your actions, even unintentionally, put you in harm’s way and directly caused the accident, you may not be eligible for compensation.
For instance, imagine you are crossing a mid-block street outside the crosswalk. You see an SUV coming, but believe you can make it across in time. Investigators may find you at fault if the driver had no reasonable chance to stop and you were struck.
Other examples of pedestrian negligence include:
- Walking in a bike lane when sidewalks are available
- Ignoring a “Don’t Walk” signal at an intersection
- Darting out between parked cars, surprising oncoming drivers
- Texting while walking and not noticing traffic
- Walking under the influence of alcohol or drugs
These actions, while common, can carry heavy consequences. If you’re found responsible for the collision, your right to pursue compensation may be limited or lost.
Proving that a driver is at fault after a pedestrian accident can feel impossible, especially when you’re injured, in pain, and trying to recover. How are you supposed to collect evidence or navigate legal procedures while dealing with medical appointments and emotional stress?
Fortunately, California pedestrian accident attorneys can investigate the crash, gather critical evidence, and fight to prove the driver’s negligence. While you focus on healing, they will focus on getting you justice.
Can I Get Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault?
Accidents are not always black and white. If you were partially to blame for the SUV crash, you might wonder whether you still have a right to compensation. In California, the answer is yes.
Under the state’s pure comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility. If you were 20% at fault, for example, you could still recover 80% of your losses. However, the other party can also seek compensation for their share of damages based on your level of fault.
This is why having a skilled lawyer for California pedestrian accident matters is crucial. Your attorney will work to limit your share of fault, maximize the compensation you receive, and push back when insurance companies try to shift more blame onto you than you deserve.
Why Do I Need a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Apart from physical harm, a pedestrian accident can leave you emotionally shaken, financially stressed, and unsure of what comes next. In the midst of pain and confusion, you might ask: Do I really need a lawyer?
If you want justice and fair compensation, the answer is: Yes.
Here’s how the right lawyer can help you receive a fair settlement:
- Clarity When Everything Feels Unclear. Pedestrian accident cases can be complex. Was the driver careless, distracted, reckless, or worse? Your lawyer will analyze every detail, identify who’s at fault, and build a strong legal strategy to protect your rights.
- Getting the Real Story. Drivers don’t always tell the truth. Witnesses forget, and critical evidence can disappear. A dedicated pedestrian accident attorney will act fast, collecting police reports, surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and expert analysis to uncover the facts and prove your case.
- Shielding You from Insurance Tactics. Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts. They may offer a quick settlement that doesn’t even come close to covering your future medical care, lost income, or emotional trauma. Your lawyer knows the real value of your case and will fight to make sure you get it.
- Taking the Legal Burden Off Your Shoulders. There’s enough on your plate. A California pedestrian accident lawyer handles the paperwork, phone calls, legal filings, and negotiations, so you can focus on healing, not fighting.
- Support That Goes Beyond the Case. A truly great lawyer doesn’t just represent you; they stand with you. They listen. They care. They give you the strength and clarity you need when your world feels uncertain.
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have stood beside thousands of injured pedestrians across California, and we’re ready to stand with you, too. We’ll fight for your rights, your future, and the compensation you deserve.
Call 800-333-0000 today for a free consultation. Let us move forward together.
If you’re struggling after a collision, our auto accident attorneys can help. Free case evaluations available.
What Our Clients Say About Us
While many personal injury lawyers may accept your case and build a legal defense, none will champion your cause as fiercely as we do. Our California car accident attorneys are exceptionally well-equipped to create a flawless claim, as affirmed by our previous clients:
“Mitchell Beck at the Law Offices of Larry Parker will go to battle for you. He did for me. I never expected to have to hire a Lawyer or be in the position to get one, but I’m very grateful to Mitchell Beck for going to work for me.” -Rosa T.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accidents may be upsetting and complicated, leaving everyone involved with questions about their rights, obligations, and legal alternatives. Understanding the aftermath of an accident is crucial for protecting your rights and obtaining proper compensation, regardless of whether you are the driver, passenger, or pedestrian.
If you have further questions, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about road accidents.
- Who is Liable for a Nighttime Pedestrian Accident?
- The Importance of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney if You Have Been the Victim of a Pedestrian Accident
- What is the Difference Between Hit-and-run and Leaving the Scene of the Accident?
- Do You Have Questions About California Pedestrian Injury Cases? We Have the Answers You Need
References
comparative negligence | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). Law.Cornell.Edu. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/comparative_negligence
Supersizing vehicles offers minimal safety benefits — but substantial dangers. (2025, February 5). Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/supersizing-vehicles-offers-minimal-safety-benefits–but-substantial-dangers
SUVs, other large vehicles often hit pedestrians while turning. (2022, March 17). Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/suvs-other-large-vehicles-often-hit-pedestrians-while-turning
