Corte Madera is a suburban community with a lot of through-traffic and daily commuting. That combination creates patterns we see in pedestrian cases:
- Turning and merging conflicts: Many crashes occur when drivers enter turning lanes or change course and fail to yield to pedestrians who are legally in a crosswalk or at a lawful crossing.
- Visibility and lighting issues: Morning and evening commutes can mean glare, shadows, and limited sightlines—especially near corners, landscaping, or where lighting is inconsistent.
- Construction and road changes: Work zones and temporary lane configurations can make it harder for drivers to notice pedestrians in time.
- “I didn’t see you” disputes: In suburban settings, drivers often argue they were focused on traffic flow—so the question becomes what the driver reasonably could and should have seen.
These factors don’t just influence fault; they also shape what evidence matters most and how early investigation needs to happen.


