Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
In recent years, pedestrian accidents and automobile fatalities have increased in California’s main cities.
This increase has been linked to factors such as smartphone use, speeding, and the growing number of vehicles on the road, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Unlike many vehicle collisions, pedestrian accidents can sometimes result in serious injuries. Along with physical injuries, victims may experience medical expenses, missed income, and recovery periods. Some bicycle accidents or collisions involving motorcycles may also result in injuries to pedestrians.
Although drivers have a legal responsibility to operate vehicles safely and remain aware of pedestrians, many accident victims on foot are unsure what steps to take after an incident. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker aims to provide information that may help individuals better understand their rights and options. Our California pedestrian accident lawyers are available to discuss your situation and explain potential legal options if someone else’s negligence contributed to the accident.
California’s Pedestrian and Crosswalk Laws
There are many regulations protecting pedestrians in the state of California. These regulations specify where pedestrians can legally cross roads and how drivers must behave around them. Vehicle Code 21960 states that drivers must “yield to a person crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection” before proceeding.
While this may sound straightforward, the additional language in the code can sometimes be confusing. For example, the law also states that “no pedestrian shall suddenly leave the curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of any vehicle which is so near as to present an immediate hazard.”
Because of how these laws are interpreted and the busy conditions often present in California’s urban areas, liability disputes can arise in pedestrian accident claims. Speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer may help individuals understand how these laws apply to their circumstances.
Frequent Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
Numerous elements could have a role in California pedestrian accidents. The following factors cause many pedestrian accidents:
- Using a cell phone (texting), using electronic devices, conversing with passengers, and engaging in other activities while driving can cause distraction.
- Abuse of alcohol and other drugs: Drunk and drug-impaired driving (DUI) is a significant contributor to road accidents.
- Driving too fast is another factor in collisions involving pedestrians.
- Drivers of motor vehicles frequently disregard pedestrians’ right-of-way when navigating an intersection. A large number of pedestrians injured in car accidents are struck at intersections.
- Failure to signal before turning: Another prevalent factor in pedestrian collisions is the failure of drivers of motor vehicles to signal before turning. When drivers don’t use their turn signals, pedestrians may have little warning and risk walking directly into the path of the moving car.
- Visibility and Time of Day: Nighttime is when many pedestrian accidents happen. Conditions that can increase risk include poor visibility and the presence of drivers who may be impaired by alcohol or drugs. Accidents may also increase during dawn and dusk because vehicles and pedestrians must contend with the low sun and its glare.
- Speeding, intoxicated driving, and weariness are all careless driving actions that can endanger pedestrians. According to studies, the reflexes of a drunk driver and a tired driver don’t differ significantly. Aggressive and impatient drivers can also endanger pedestrians.
You may contact our office at 800-333-0000 to learn more about your rights and options during a consultation.
Pedestrian Accidents in California: Types of Injuries
Our experience representing individuals in the Los Angeles metro area has shown that injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents are frequently serious and may require prolonged medical care and rehabilitation. Because of the crash, these individuals often suffer injuries to their upper extremities. Following these collisions, around 38% of pedestrians suffer head, neck, or facial injuries, and 27% injure their upper extremities.
The following wounds are sustained by pedestrians most frequently:
- Spinal cord damage can lead to paralysis
- Brain injury, which can result in long-term medical complications
- Damage to internal organs that may be life-threatening
- Typically non-fatal ligament tears and sprains.
- Leg, arm, hip, rib, and pelvic fractures
- Lacerations, contusions, and abrasions of the scalp
- Face and hand abrasions, contusions, and lacerations
Should I Hire A Lawyer To Handle My Pedestrian Accident Case?
If you sustained physical harm while a pedestrian in an automobile collision, you may wish to speak with a lawyer about your legal options. In some cases, individuals consult a California pedestrian accident lawyer to better understand how compensation for damages may be pursued.
In the event of a pedestrian accident, a lawyer may assist with the following:
- Assessing blame and evaluating liability.
- Reviewing financial losses related to injuries and other damages.
- Communicating with insurance providers involved in the claim.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive For My Pedestrian Accident?
There is no fixed formula for calculating damages in a pedestrian accident claim. Potential compensation may depend on factors such as medical expenses, missed wages, and the effects of injuries.
Establishing liability is an essential step when pursuing compensation for pedestrian accidents. In many situations, investigators review police reports, witness statements, and other available evidence to determine what occurred.
For example, if there is a question about whether someone was using a cell phone, phone records may sometimes be reviewed as part of the investigation. If the collision occurred at a busy intersection, witnesses may also provide statements regarding the events.
Identifying fault can be challenging in situations involving unique conditions, such as:
- Crosswalks that are not clearly indicated or poorly defined – This can raise questions about whether a pedestrian was legally crossing the street. However, even if someone is caught jaywalking, drivers are still expected to operate vehicles safely.
- Construction Zones – Other parties besides the driver who hit the pedestrian may also be considered when evaluating responsibility if the pedestrian had to cross the street because of construction or a closed public sidewalk.
It can be stressful to deal with medical bills, police reports, and phone calls from insurance adjusters, especially if you’ve sustained injuries. Speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer may help you better understand the claims process and your legal options.
Some individuals believe their case is straightforward and that they do not need a pedestrian accident lawyer. However, disputes about how the collision occurred may arise, and insurance companies may evaluate claims based on their own investigations. In these situations, individuals sometimes consult a lawyer to better understand what may constitute a reasonable settlement amount.
When Will I Receive My Pedestrian Accident Compensation?
In some cases, pedestrian accident claims may be resolved through negotiations with an insurance company. In other situations, it may be necessary to proceed with litigation depending on the circumstances of the case. The timeline for resolving a claim can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the case, the evidence available, and the extent of injuries involved.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker
- The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker has represented individuals in personal injury matters in Southern California for many years.
- The firm has handled many accident cases and assisted numerous clients in evaluating claims related to injuries.
- The legal team is available seven days a week to discuss potential claims and answer questions about the legal process.
- Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Us Today For A Consultation
If you require representation for a pedestrian accident injury claim, you may contact our office to request an initial consultation and learn more about your rights and options.
Call 800-333-0000 or submit your case online through the firm’s case submission form.
