Pedestrian accidents are far too common in Southern California. When a negligent or reckless driver causes injury to a pedestrian, the victim has a right to file a lawsuit to obtain compensation. At SoCal Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience in handling pedestrian accident claims.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys know that pedestrians always have the right of way in California. We know how to hold drivers accountable for pedestrian accidents and will help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. When you become our client, we will work tirelessly to make sure all your medical and financial needs are met. We offer free consultations and you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we win compensation for you.
How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth?
Although each personal injury case is unique, you may be entitled to damages such as:
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Medical expenses (present and future)
- Permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the driver’s conduct was reckless or egregious (e.g. speeding, driving under the influence), you may also be awarded punitive damages. In any case, there are a number of factors involved in determining the driver’s responsibility, such as:
- Were you in a crosswalk?
- How fast was the driver traveling?
- Was the traffic light for the driver green, yellow or red?
- Was the driver’s visibility impacted by sun glare, rain or fog?
- Did the accident occur at daytime, dusk or night?
When necessary, we will collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists to examine the accident scene and collect evidence. We have the skills and experience to prove the driver’s negligence and to help you obtain just compensation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Southern California
Pedestrian accidents are frequently caused by driver errors, including:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
It is important to remember that pedestrians in Southern California are also required to exercise reasonable care for their own safety. In particular, pedestrians should wait for the walk signal at a traffic light, use marked crosswalks, avoid walking alongside the road, and use a sidewalk when provided.
You should know that the state’s rule of comparative negligence applies to pedestrian accident cases. This means that you can still recover damages if you contributed to the accident, but the amount of damages you recover will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you.
As an example, if the amount of your damages is assessed at $100,000, but a court or insurance claims adjuster determines you were 30 percent at fault for not using a crosswalk, the amount of damages awarded to you will be reduced to $70,000. Ultimately, it takes a skilled pedestrian accident attorney to prove the driver’s liability and to win you the maximum amount of damages.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents in Southern California can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Permanent disabilities
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
Some pedestrian accident victims may need lifelong care, which can be an emotional and financial burden not only for the victim but for loved ones as well. The pedestrian accident attorneys at SoCal Injury Lawyers can help to lift that burden by fighting for meaningful compensation. If a loved one has been killed in a pedestrian accident by a negligent or reckless driver, we will help you find justice by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Southern California
The first thing to do is contact the police and seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel that you have been injured. Failing to obtain medical treatment may cause your injuries to worsen and undermine your personal injury claim. Also, if you are able to do so, get the contact and insurance information of the driver and take pictures of the accident scene. If you cannot do these things, ask someone for assistance.
After you begin to recover, contact SoCal Injury Lawyers. Our pedestrian accident attorneys will handle all the details of your claim, deal with the insurance company, and make sure you are treated fairly. We are well aware that insurers typically seek to settle claims for as little money as possible. If the insurance company fails to make a reasonable offer, we will take them to court. We are committed to helping you win just compensation inside or outside of the courtroom.
Contact our Experienced Southern California Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be frightened and not know what to do. That’s the time to contact SoCal Injury Lawyers. Our legal team is dedicated to keeping the roads safe for pedestrians and holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. We have a proven history of winning significant settlements and jury awards, having recovered millions of dollars for injury victims. We will stand by you every step of the way and fight for compensation you deserve. We speak both Arabic and Spanish and have a proud history of representing underserved communities. Please contact our office today to speak with our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys.