A pedestrian sustained significant injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Sunset Avenue in Fairfield Friday night in what authorities have identified as a DUI-related crash. The incident has once again highlighted the serious risks posed by impaired drivers to pedestrians on California roadways. This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder that impaired driving remains one of the most preventable yet persistently dangerous threats to public safety, particularly for vulnerable road users who lack the protection of a vehicle.
The collision underscores the devastating human cost of the decision to drive under the influence, with one person now facing a lengthy and uncertain recovery from significant injuries. In contrast, the driver faces serious criminal charges. Despite decades of public awareness campaigns and strict DUI enforcement efforts, incidents like this continue to occur with alarming frequency across California, leaving victims, families, and communities to cope with the preventable consequences of impaired driving.
Details of the Fairfield DUI-Related Crash
Fairfield police responded to the scene of the crash on Sunset Avenue, just north of East Travis Boulevard, at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Friday. According to police reports, a pedestrian was walking along Sunset Avenue when they were struck by a vehicle traveling in the area.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and found the pedestrian suffering from significant injuries. The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment. The extent and nature of the pedestrian’s injuries have not been publicly disclosed, though authorities have characterized them as major, suggesting potentially life-threatening or permanently disabling trauma.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the initial investigation. Following field sobriety assessments and other standard DUI evaluation procedures, police arrested the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence. The driver’s identity has not been released pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation into the Sunset Avenue Collision
The Fairfield Police Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this pedestrian accident. Investigators are working to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the collision and determine all contributing factors.
As part of their investigation, authorities are likely examining several key aspects of the crash:
Driver impairment assessment: Police will conduct blood alcohol content testing and potentially toxicology screenings to determine the driver’s level of impairment at the time of the collision. California law establishes a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% as the legal limit for drivers. However, commercial drivers face a lower threshold of 0.04%, and drivers under 21 are subject to zero-tolerance policies.
Roadway conditions and visibility: Investigators will assess lighting conditions on Sunset Avenue at the time of the crash, which occurred after dark at 10:15 p.m. They’ll also evaluate whether street lighting, crosswalk markings, and other safety infrastructure were adequate and functioning correctly.
Speed and vehicle dynamics: Accident reconstruction specialists may analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and other physical evidence to determine the vehicle’s speed at impact and whether the driver attempted to brake or take evasive action.
Pedestrian location and activity: Authorities will seek to understand where the pedestrian was walking and whether they were using a designated crosswalk or walking along the roadway shoulder. Witness statements and surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences may provide crucial information.
Driver history and record: Investigators will review the driver’s driving history to determine if there have been prior DUI offenses, traffic violations, or license suspensions that may be relevant to the case.
The investigation remains active, and police have not yet released additional details about the collision. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Fairfield Police Department.
California DUI Laws and Pedestrian Safety
Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of pedestrian accidents in California. When drivers operate vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs, their reaction times slow, their judgment becomes compromised, and their ability to detect and respond to pedestrians diminishes significantly.
California Vehicle Code Section 23152 makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers convicted of DUI face serious consequences, including:
- Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000 for a first offense, with additional penalty assessments that can increase total costs to several thousand dollars
- License suspension ranging from six months to several years, depending on the offense
- Mandatory DUI education programs lasting from three to 30 months
- Installation of an ignition interlock device on all vehicles that the offender owns or operates
- Potential jail time ranging from 48 hours to six months for a first offense, with longer sentences for repeat offenses
- Probation terms typically last three to five years
When a DUI results in injury to another person, the consequences become substantially more severe. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23153, DUI causing injury is a “wobbler” offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances and the severity of the victim’s injuries. Felony DUI with injury can result in state prison sentences ranging from 16 months to 16 years, with sentences increasing based on the number of victims injured and whether the driver has prior DUI convictions.
Pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users, lacking the protective structure of a vehicle to shield them from impact forces. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian fatalities have been increasing in recent years, with impaired driving being a significant contributing factor. In California alone, hundreds of pedestrians lose their lives each year in traffic collisions, with many more suffering serious injuries that result in permanent disabilities.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the injuries are often catastrophic due to the extreme force differential between a multi-ton vehicle and an unprotected human body. The major injuries reported in this Fairfield collision could encompass a wide range of severe trauma:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head trauma is widespread in pedestrian accidents and can range from concussions to severe brain damage. Even when pedestrians are thrown onto the vehicle’s hood or windshield rather than directly impacted, the sudden acceleration and deceleration forces can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, resulting in contusions, hemorrhaging, or diffuse axonal injury. TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, personality changes, memory problems, and physical disabilities.
Spinal cord injuries: The impact from a vehicle collision can fracture vertebrae or damage the delicate spinal cord tissue, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Depending on the location and severity of the spinal injury, victims may face paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). These injuries often require lifetime medical care and assistance with daily activities.
Internal organ damage: Blunt force trauma to the torso can cause damage to vital organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Internal bleeding from ruptured organs or damaged blood vessels can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent following the collision. Emergency surgical intervention is often necessary to repair organ damage and control hemorrhaging.
Orthopedic injuries: Broken bones are nearly universal in serious pedestrian accidents. Victims commonly suffer fractures to the legs, pelvis, arms, and ribs. Compound fractures, where the broken bone pierces through the skin, carry additional risks of infection and may require multiple surgeries to repair. Pelvic fractures are severe and can damage blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs.
Soft tissue injuries: Muscles, ligaments, and tendons can be torn or severely strained in pedestrian collisions. Road rash and lacerations from contact with the vehicle or pavement can be extensive and may require skin grafts. Damage to major blood vessels can result in significant blood loss and potentially lead to limb loss if circulation cannot be restored.
The recovery process from major pedestrian accident injuries is often lengthy, painful, and expensive. Victims may require emergency surgery, extended hospitalization, months or years of physical therapy and rehabilitation, ongoing medical care for permanent injuries, assistive devices and home modifications for disabilities, and psychological counseling to address trauma and adjustment to life-altering injuries.
Legal Rights of Pedestrian Accident Victims in California
Pedestrians injured by impaired drivers in California have substantial legal rights and may be entitled to significant compensation for their injuries and losses. Understanding these rights is crucial for victims and their families as they navigate the aftermath of a devastating collision.
Right to file a personal injury claim: Injured pedestrians can pursue a civil claim against the impaired driver for damages resulting from the collision. This is separate from any criminal prosecution the driver may face for DUI. California operates under a fault-based system for traffic accidents, meaning the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for compensating victims for their injuries.
Compensation available to victims: Pedestrian accident victims may recover various categories of damages:
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses, including all past and future medical expenses, from emergency treatment through long-term care; lost wages during recovery periods; reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to previous employment; and costs of rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, and ongoing care needs.
Non-economic damages address subjective losses that don’t have a clear monetary value, including pain and suffering from the injuries; emotional distress and psychological trauma; loss of enjoyment of life and inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities; disfigurement and scarring; and loss of consortium for spouses whose relationships have been affected by the injuries.
Punitive damages may be available in cases involving DUI. Unlike compensatory damages that aim to make the victim whole, punitive damages are designed to punish particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. California law allows punitive damages when the defendant’s actions involved “oppression, fraud, or malice.” Driving under the influence, particularly when a driver has prior DUI convictions or an extremely high BAC, may meet this threshold.
California’s statute of limitations: Injured pedestrians generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. However, there are important exceptions to this rule. If the victim was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they reach the age of 18. Suppose the victim’s injuries were not immediately discovered. In that case, the statute may begin running from the date of discovery rather than the date of the accident, although this exception is applied narrowly. Missing the statute of limitations deadline typically results in permanent loss of the right to pursue compensation through the courts.
Comparative negligence considerations: California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning victims can recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, their percentage of fault will reduce their recovery. For example, if a pedestrian was jaywalking when struck by a drunk driver, they might be found 20% at fault for the accident, reducing their total recovery by 20%. However, in cases where the driver was clearly impaired, pedestrian fault is often minimal or nonexistent.
Dealing with insurance companies: After a pedestrian accident, victims will typically deal with the at-fault driver’s automobile liability insurance. California requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person for injury or death, and $30,000 per accident for injury or death to multiple people. Unfortunately, these minimum limits are often grossly inadequate to cover the full extent of injuries in serious pedestrian accidents. When the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient, victims may need to explore other sources of compensation, such as their own underinsured motorist coverage (if they have an auto policy) or the personal assets of the at-fault driver.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Pedestrian DUI Cases
Pedestrian accidents involving impaired drivers present complex legal challenges that require experienced representation to navigate effectively. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts even in clear-fault situations, and victims focusing on their recovery may not be equipped to fight for full compensation while dealing with serious injuries.
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:
Conducting an independent investigation: While police investigate the criminal aspects of a DUI collision, a personal injury attorney can conduct a parallel civil investigation focused on building the strongest possible case for compensation. This may include hiring accident reconstruction experts to analyze the collision mechanics, obtaining surveillance footage from nearby businesses before it’s deleted, and interviewing witnesses. At the same time, their memories are fresh, and they are consulting with medical experts to document the full extent of their injuries and future care needs.
Accurately valuing your claim: Determining the actual value of a pedestrian accident claim requires accounting for both current and future losses. Attorneys work with medical professionals, life care planners, economists, and vocational experts to project lifetime costs of care, calculate lost earning capacity, and quantify non-economic damages. Without this comprehensive evaluation, victims often settle for far less than their claims are worth.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may employ various tactics to reduce claim values, including making quick, lowball settlement offers before the full extent of injuries is known, questioning the severity of injuries or the necessity of treatment, or arguing that the pedestrian shares fault for the collision. An attorney can handle all communications with insurance companies, countering their tactics and negotiating for fair compensation.
Pursuing all available compensation sources: In addition to the at-fault driver’s insurance, there may be other sources of recovery, including the victim’s own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, third parties who may share liability (such as establishments that overserved alcohol to the impaired driver), and the personal assets of the at-fault driver. Identifying and pursuing all available compensation sources maximizes recovery for victims.
Litigation when necessary: While many pedestrian accident cases settle through negotiation, some require filing a lawsuit and potentially going to trial to achieve fair compensation. Experienced trial attorneys can effectively present evidence, examine witnesses, and advocate before a jury when insurance companies refuse to make reasonable settlement offers.
Handling the case on contingency: Reputable personal injury firms, including GJEL Accident Attorneys, work on a contingency fee basis. This means victims pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless and until compensation is recovered. Legal fees are then paid as a percentage of the recovery, ensuring that quality legal representation is accessible regardless of a victim’s financial situation. This arrangement also aligns the attorney’s interests with the client’s—the attorney only receives payment when the client gets compensation, motivating the attorney to make maximum effort to achieve the best possible outcome.
Sunset Avenue Safety Concerns
The stretch of Sunset Avenue where this collision occurred, just north of East Travis Boulevard, is a significant roadway in Fairfield that carries considerable traffic. As investigators examine this particular accident, the community may also want to consider broader pedestrian safety measures for the area.
Effective pedestrian safety strategies that communities can implement include:
Enhanced lighting: Adequate street lighting is crucial for nighttime pedestrian visibility. Dark roadway sections significantly increase the risk of pedestrian accidents, as drivers have less time to detect and react to people walking near or crossing the road. Communities should conduct regular lighting audits and upgrade illumination in areas with pedestrian activity.
High-visibility crosswalks: Well-marked crosswalks with reflective paint and additional warning signage alert drivers to potential pedestrian crossing points. Raised crosswalks, which elevate the crossing surface to sidewalk level, force drivers to slow down while also making pedestrians more visible.
Pedestrian refuge islands: Mid-block crossing islands provide pedestrians with a safe place to wait if they cannot cross the entire roadway in one traffic cycle. These islands also reduce the distance pedestrians are exposed to traffic at any one time.
Traffic calming measures, such as narrowed traffic lanes, speed humps, and curb extensions, physically slow vehicle traffic, providing more time for drivers to detect and respond to pedestrians. Lower vehicle speeds dramatically improve pedestrian survival rates in the event of a collision.
Dedicated pedestrian signals: Pedestrian countdown signals that provide adequate crossing time and leading pedestrian intervals (which give pedestrians a head start before vehicles receive a green light) can significantly improve pedestrian safety at intersections.
DUI enforcement: Regular sobriety checkpoints and increased DUI patrols, particularly during evening and nighttime hours when impaired driving is most common, help deter drunk driving and remove impaired drivers from the roadways before they cause harm.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we have extensive experience representing pedestrian accident victims throughout California, including those injured by impaired drivers in Solano County and the Fairfield area. Our legal team understands the devastating impact these collisions have on victims and families, and we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable while securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Our approach to pedestrian accident cases includes:
Comprehensive case evaluation: We provide free consultations to discuss your accident, explain your legal rights, and offer an honest assessment of your case’s value and prospects. We take the time to understand not just your injuries, but how they’ve affected every aspect of your life.
Thorough investigation: Our team begins investigating immediately, preserving crucial evidence, identifying witnesses, and working with experts to build the strongest possible case. We don’t rely solely on police reports but conduct our own independent investigation to uncover all facts supporting your claim.
Maximum Compensation Pursuit: We aggressively pursue full compensation for all your losses, including both economic and non-economic damages. This includes not just your current medical bills and lost wages, but future medical needs, long-term disability, diminished quality of life, and pain and suffering.
Contingency fee representation: You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This means you can access quality legal representation without upfront costs or financial risk, and you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Compassionate client service: We recognize that you’re going through one of the most difficult times in your life. Our team provides responsive communication, regular case updates, and empathetic support throughout the legal process. You’re not just a case number—you’re a person who deserves dignity, respect, and justice.
Our track record includes numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for pedestrian accident victims, and we’ve recovered over $1 billion for our clients over our firm’s history. We have the resources, experience, and commitment necessary to take on insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Settlement Values
Many pedestrian accident victims wonder what their case might be worth. While every case is unique and values depend on specific circumstances, understanding the factors that influence settlement values can help set realistic expectations.
Severity of injuries: Cases involving catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or permanent disabilities typically result in higher settlements because they involve greater medical costs, longer-term care needs, and more significant life impacts. The Fairfield collision involved “major injuries,” suggesting substantial potential compensation depending on the specific nature and permanence of the pedestrian’s trauma.
Medical expenses: Both past and future medical costs are significant components of settlement values. Cases requiring extensive hospitalization, multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, or lifetime care needs command higher settlements. Medical expense documentation should include not just hospital and doctor bills, but also costs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, home modifications, and projected future care needs.
Lost income and earning capacity: When injuries prevent victims from working during recovery or permanently reduce their ability to earn income, these economic losses are compensable. Economists and vocational experts can calculate the present value of lost future earnings, taking into account factors such as the victim’s age, occupation, education, work history, and career trajectory.
Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and similar non-economic losses, often constitute a substantial portion of pedestrian accident settlements. California does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases (caps apply only to medical malpractice cases), allowing juries to award amounts they deem appropriate based on the evidence.
Insurance coverage available: The practical reality is that settlement values are often limited by available insurance coverage. When an impaired driver has only minimum liability limits of $15,000/$30,000, recovering full compensation may require tapping other insurance sources or pursuing the defendant’s personal assets, which may not be substantial.
Strength of liability evidence: In DUI pedestrian accident cases, liability is typically clear-cut, which strengthens the victim’s negotiating position. When the driver is arrested for DUI and there is strong evidence of impairment, insurance companies recognize the high risk of losing at trial. They are more likely to make reasonable settlement offers.
Venue and jurisdiction: Settlement values can vary based on where the case is filed, as different jurisdictions have different jury verdict histories. Solano County juries have awarded substantial verdicts in severe injury cases, which influences settlement negotiations in the area.
While no attorney can guarantee a specific settlement amount, experienced pedestrian accident lawyers can provide estimates based on similar cases and their knowledge of how insurance companies and juries in the jurisdiction typically value various types of injuries and losses.
Moving Forward After a DUI-Related Crash
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by an impaired driver, taking the proper steps in the aftermath can protect both your health and your legal rights:
Prioritize medical treatment: Follow all your doctors’ recommendations and attend all scheduled appointments as directed. Insurance companies can use gaps in treatment or failure to follow medical advice to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed.
Document everything: Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, lost work time, and how your injuries affect your daily life. Please take photographs of your injuries as they heal and keep a journal documenting your pain levels, limitations, and emotional struggles.
Preserve evidence: If you have any photographs from the accident scene, the clothing you were wearing, or other physical evidence, preserve these items as they may be critical to your case.
Avoid giving recorded statements: Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after the accident, requesting a recorded statement. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney. Statements made before you fully understand your injuries and legal rights can be used to minimize your claim.
Don’t accept quick settlement offers: Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are typically far below the actual value of serious injury claims. These offers are designed to resolve claims quickly and cheaply before victims understand the full extent of their injuries and future needs. Consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement to ensure the offer is fair.
Consult with an experienced attorney: Pedestrian accident cases involving DUI drivers present opportunities for substantial compensation, but realizing that potential requires experienced legal representation. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in learning about your rights and options.
The pedestrian injured on Sunset Avenue in Fairfield faces a long road to recovery. While the criminal justice system will address the driver’s DUI offense through prosecution, the civil legal system provides the mechanism for the victim to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from this preventable collision.
Pedestrian DUI-Related Accident Settlement Calculators
Understanding the potential value of a pedestrian accident claim involving an impaired driver can be challenging for victims who are already dealing with the physical and emotional trauma of their injuries. Pedestrian DUI-related accident settlement calculators serve as valuable tools to help victims gain a preliminary understanding of what their case might be worth based on key factors specific to their situation.
These calculators typically work by gathering information about the accident circumstances, the severity of injuries sustained, medical expenses incurred and projected, lost wages and future earning capacity impacts, the degree of the driver’s impairment, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. By inputting data such as total medical bills, rehabilitation costs, time away from work, permanent disability ratings, and the emotional toll of the injuries, these calculators use established formulas and historical settlement data to generate an estimated settlement range.
For DUI-related pedestrian accidents specifically, the calculators often account for the heightened liability that comes with impaired driving, which can significantly increase settlement values due to the apparent negligence involved and the potential for punitive damages. The tools may apply multipliers to medical expenses—commonly ranging from 1.5 to 5 times the medical costs, depending on injury severity—with DUI cases often justifying higher multipliers due to the egregious nature of impaired driving.
While these calculators provide helpful baseline estimates and can help victims understand the various components that contribute to settlement value, it’s essential to recognize their limitations: they cannot account for unique case circumstances, the skill of legal representation, the specific insurance coverage available, local jury verdict trends, or the nuanced interplay of factors that experienced attorneys consider when valuing a claim. Settlement calculators should be viewed as educational starting points rather than definitive valuations.
Victims are strongly encouraged to consult with experienced pedestrian accident attorneys who can provide personalized case evaluations that account for all the specific details of their situation. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we offer free case evaluations where our legal team can review your particular circumstances, explain how various factors affect your claim’s value, and provide a realistic assessment based on our extensive experience handling pedestrian DUI accident cases throughout California, ensuring you understand the full scope of compensation you may be entitled to recover. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“When someone makes the reckless decision to drive under the influence and strikes a pedestrian, the consequences are devastating and life-altering. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in this Fairfield accident or a similar DUI-related pedestrian collision, please know that you don’t have to face this difficult journey alone. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden of major injuries can feel overwhelming, but California law provides important protections and pathways to compensation for victims of impaired driving. You have the right to hold the negligent driver accountable and to recover full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Time is critical in these cases—evidence needs to be preserved, witnesses need to be interviewed, and insurance companies will begin their investigations immediately. I encourage anyone affected by this tragedy to contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible for a free consultation. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Your focus should be on healing and recovery—let us handle the legal fight to secure the justice and financial resources you deserve. Don’t wait to protect your rights.” — Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident involving an impaired driver in Fairfield or anywhere throughout California, the experienced legal team at GJEL Accident Attorneys is ready to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. We understand that serious injuries create enormous financial strain at the worst possible time—medical bills pile up, income stops, and the future feels uncertain.
That’s precisely why we handle all pedestrian DUI accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing upfront, no retainer fees, no hourly charges, and no out-of-pocket expenses while we work on your case. Our attorneys are only paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, and our fee is a percentage of that recovery—aligning our interests completely with yours.
This arrangement ensures that every accident victim, regardless of their financial situation, has access to the exact high-quality legal representation that we provide to all our clients. You can focus entirely on your medical treatment and recovery. At the same time, we handle every aspect of your legal claim, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to trial.
Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking the legal help you need and deserve. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation where we’ll review your case, explain your legal rights, answer all your questions, and provide honest guidance about the best path forward. With over $1 billion recovered for our clients and a proven track record of success in pedestrian accident cases, we have the experience, resources, and commitment to maximize your compensation.
Remember, you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your case. At GJEL, we ensure that all evidence is properly preserved and that all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated, allowing families to focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Contact us at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Fresno office to secure your future and compensation.
Resources for Fairfield Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Fairfield or elsewhere in Solano County, numerous local resources can provide assistance:
Fairfield Police Department
1000 Webster Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
Non-Emergency: (707) 428-7300
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.fairfield.ca.gov/government/departments/police
Contact for accident reports, investigation updates, victim assistance resources, and information about the status of DUI charges. The Traffic Division handles accident investigations and can provide copies of collision reports needed for insurance claims and legal cases.
Solano County Sheriff’s Office
530 Union Avenue, Suite 100
Fairfield, CA 94533
Non-Emergency: (707) 784-7050
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/sheriff/
Provides law enforcement services in unincorporated areas of Solano County and assists with traffic accident investigations on county roads.
California Highway Patrol – Solano Area Office
2900 Solano Avenue
Napa, CA 94558
Non-Emergency: (707) 428-2100
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.chp.ca.gov/
Investigates accidents on state highways and freeways in Solano County and provides traffic collision reports.
NorthBay Medical Center
1200 B Gale Wilson Boulevard
Fairfield, CA 94533
Emergency Department: (707) 646-3336
Main Hospital: (707) 646-5000
Website: https://www.northbay.org/
Major trauma center providing emergency and ongoing care for serious accident injuries. The hospital’s trauma team specializes in treating catastrophic injuries from pedestrian accidents.
Solano County District Attorney’s Office – Victim Services
600 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 784-6855
Victim-Witness Assistance: (707) 784-6800
Website: https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/da/victim_services/
Provides support, information, and advocacy for crime victims, including those injured by impaired drivers. Services include court accompaniment, assistance with victim impact statements, help applying for victim compensation, crisis intervention, and information about the criminal justice process.
California Victim Compensation Board
P.O. Box 350
Sacramento, CA 95812-0350
Toll-Free: (800) 777-9229
Website: https://victims.ca.gov/
State program that may help cover medical expenses, mental health counseling, lost wages, funeral and burial costs, and other expenses for crime victims, including DUI-related injuries. Victims can apply online and may receive up to $70,000 in compensation.
Solano County Health and Social Services – Behavioral Health Division
275 Beck Avenue, Building A
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 784-8400
Crisis Line: (707) 428-1131 (24/7)
Website: https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/h3/behavioral_health/
Provides access to mental health services, trauma counseling, support groups, and other resources for accident victims and families dealing with the psychological impact of serious injuries.
Solano Transportation Authority
One Harbor Center, Suite 130
Suisun City, CA 94585
Phone: (707) 399-3200
Website: https://sta.ca.gov/
Coordinates transportation planning and safety initiatives in Solano County. Citizens can report dangerous road conditions, request pedestrian safety improvements, and access information about traffic safety programs.
California Department of Motor Vehicles – Solano Field Office
1425 Chadbourne Road
Fairfield, CA 94534
Phone: 1-800-777-0133
Website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/
Maintains driving records and can provide information about a driver’s history. Accident victims and their attorneys can request driver records as part of civil litigation.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – California
Victim Services: 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435)
Website: https://www.madd.org/california/
Provides emotional support, victim advocacy, and assistance navigating the criminal justice system for those affected by drunk driving crashes. MADD victim advocates can attend court proceedings with victims and help them understand their rights.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/
Federal agency providing pedestrian safety information, drunk driving statistics, and resources for accident victims. The website includes data on vehicle safety ratings and recall information.
Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC)
UC Berkeley
Website: https://safetrec.berkeley.edu/
Provides California traffic safety data, crash statistics by location, and resources for community members interested in improving pedestrian safety in their neighborhoods.
Legal Aid of Solano County
1810 Capitol Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
Phone: (707) 643-0054
Website: https://lasclaw.org/
Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents in civil matters. While personal injury cases are typically handled by private attorneys on contingency, Legal Aid can assist with related issues such as housing, disability benefits, and other concerns that may arise after a serious accident.
California Department of Rehabilitation
2945 Ramco Street, Suite 100
West Sacramento, CA 95691
Phone: (916) 375-5300
Toll-Free: 1-800-952-5544
Website: https://www.dor.ca.gov/
Provides vocational rehabilitation services to help injured individuals return to work or find new employment if their injuries prevent them from returning to their previous occupation.
Social Security Administration – Fairfield Office
2700 Camrose Avenue, Suite 100
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/
Assists with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications for those whose injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
These resources can provide critical assistance as you navigate the physical, emotional, and legal challenges following a serious pedestrian accident. Don’t hesitate to reach out to any of these organizations for help—many services are free and confidential, and connecting with support resources early can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to protect your legal rights.
