Get Justice For Your Accident Injuries Today!
Pedestrian accidents occur when a motor vehicle hits a pedestrian. Due to the vulnerability of the pedestrian and the motor vehicle’s size and speed, these accidents result in severe injuries or death. Contacting a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer is the best course of action if you or a loved one is involved.
Although pedestrian-car accidents accounted for only around one in ten Los Angeles crashes in recent years, they claimed more than a third of roadway deaths. That figure may shock you, but it’s hardly a surprise to the attorneys at Haffner Law.
That’s because we’ve taken on many reckless drivers who have hurt pedestrians. We know how little regard many motorists have for the walkers, joggers, and other pedestrians who choose to travel without wheels.
If you have been the victim of a car-pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. To find out your best next steps and for help along the way, reach out to a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm.
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle collision. This often results in severe injury and death. These accidents highlight the vulnerability of pedestrians to motor vehicles’ size and speed. A pedestrian accident victim must understand the causes, legal aspects, and compensation options.
What Does a Pedestrian Accident Look Like?
Anyone who is on the road or sidewalk and is not in a car or on a bicycle is considered a pedestrian. That means Los Angeles pedestrian accidents may include walkers, runners, joggers, skateboarders, rollerskaters, and many others.
All of the above pedestrians have the right-of-way when they’re in a crosswalk, regardless of whether the crosswalk is marked by white lines, in front of a stop sign, or otherwise. However, many motorists actively resent having to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Unfortunately, this is the foundation for a large portion of pedestrian accidents.
When Pedestrians Are Hurt in Los Angeles
Pedestrian accidents can take many forms, but all have the potential to be devastating. Determining the cause of your pedestrian accident will be the cornerstone of your claim for compensation because it will also identify who should be held responsible for your injuries.
The following are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles:
- Driving Distracted – A driver who is texting instead of focusing on the road could easily overlook a sign indicating a crosswalk—as well as a pedestrian in that crosswalk.
- Driving Drunk – Intoxicated driving is one of the most serious dangers plaguing Los Angeles roads, and that danger goes double for pedestrians. That’s because pedestrians have no protection from the immense weight and speed of an out-of-control vehicle, and they often have no time to get out of the way when a drunk driver is driving unpredictably.
- Driving Drowsy – Falling asleep at the wheel can cause a driver to drift to the side of the road and up onto a sidewalk, which can injure multiple pedestrians at once. But even when drowsy drivers don’t fall asleep, their ability to react to people and objects on the road is hindered by their fatigue.
- Failing to Yield – Sometimes this is the result of road rage, and other times it’s the result of a profound misunderstanding of California traffic laws. Either way, if a driver failed to yield and hit you with his or her car as a result, you can sue.
- Speeding – Violating the speed limit is common, but it’s illegal, and it puts pedestrians and other motorists in danger.
- No Turn Signal – Most pedestrians know to look both ways before crossing the street, but they can’t tell if a driver is going to turn at an intersection unless he or she uses a turn signal. Without a turn signal to warn them, Los Angeles pedestrians might enter a crosswalk believing that the oncoming car will stop. You can hold a driver accountable for your injuries if he or she failed to use a turn signal before hitting you.
Fighting for Your Financial Future
The instant a car or truck crashes into you, everything you’ve worked for and the life you’ve come to know and love are put on the line. Your physical wellbeing is in danger of being permanently compromised, and your financial future could involve mountains of medical debt and an inability to work.
That’s why it’s so important that you are fairly compensated for pedestrian accident injuries that weren’t your fault. Your Los Angeles pedestrian injury lawyer may be able to recover the following damages for you:
- Healthcare expenses
- Lost income
- Inability to return to work
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death of your loved one
Who will be held liable in the case of a Pedestrian Accident?
If someone else’s negligence caused a pedestrian accident, they may be able to sue for damages. Negligence is failing to prevent predictable harm.
In a pedestrian accident, the plaintiff or victim must prove the following against the person at fault or defendant:
- Based on circumstances, the defendant had a legal obligation to the plaintiff.
- The defendant’s actions or inaction breached that legal obligation.
- The plaintiff’s accident or injury was caused by the plaintiff.
- The defendant’s actions are what caused the plaintiff’s harm or injury.
In pedestrian accident cases, multiple parties may share legal responsibility. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The driver who hit the pedestrian
- The entity that maintains the pedestrian-injured area, such as a sidewalk, road, or parking lot
What Do I Do After A Pedestrian Accident?
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, take the following steps:
- Contact the police:
After the accident, contact the police immediately. They can assess, help, and document the incident for insurance and legal purposes. Police reports ensure there’s an official record of the accident.
- Remain at the accident scene until help arrives:
Unless it’s dangerous, stay at the accident scene until help arrives. Prematurely leaving the scene can have legal repercussions. Staying lets you give the police and other parties information.
- Collect the witnesses contact information:
If there are witnesses, gather their contact information. Witnesses can aid in insurance claims or legal proceedings. Keep their names and phone numbers handy in case you need to contact them later.
- Refrain from talking to anyone:
Avoid talking to other drivers and insurance agents after an accident. Statements made in anger can be misconstrued or used against you. It’s advisable to wait for the police and give them a truthful account.
- Seek medical help:
Prioritize your health and safety if you get injured in the accident. Call the ambulance for life-threatening injuries. A doctor should treat all injuries, no matter how minor, because some injuries may not be obvious. Prompt medical attention enables effective diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of your injuries.
Remember, the information given is broad and may vary depending on your jurisdiction and situation. Consult legal professionals or authorities to follow local procedures.
What are the Types of Pedestrian Injuries?
Pedestrian accidents can cause many types of injuries. Some common types include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians can suffer from fractures and broken bones due to the impact of a collision with a vehicle.
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, or other head injuries can result from pedestrian accidents. These may require long-term medical treatment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A pedestrian accident can cause severe spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or loss of motor functions.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Pedestrians may get soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, or contusions. These injuries cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Internal Injuries: Pedestrian accidents can cause organ damage, hemorrhage, or other internal trauma. These injuries need emergency medical attention.
Why is Seeking Medical Attention Important in Pedestrian Injuries?
Seeking medical attention is crucial for pedestrian injuries for several reasons:
- Proper Diagnosis: A doctor can assess your injuries accurately. Internal bleeding or soft tissue damage may not be apparent. Prompt medical attention ensures proper diagnosis, documentation, and treatment of injuries.
- Early Intervention: Timely medical intervention can prevent complications and speed healing. Head trauma and spinal cord injuries can be mitigated by prompt treatment.
- Documentation of Injuries: Medical treatment documents your injuries. When seeking compensation, this documentation is crucial in establishing the accident and your injuries.
- Legal Considerations: Medical care and documentation strengthen your case. It proves you took your injuries seriously and sought treatment, adding credibility to your claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Los Angeles for Pedestrian Accidents?
Los Angeles pedestrian accident personal injury claims have a two years statute of limitations. You have two-year to sue the responsible party for your injuries and damages.
The statute of limitations depends on the case and the parties involved. In cases of wrongful death or if a minor is involved, time limit may be extended
Why Do I Need a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
A pedestrian accident can be emotionally devastating. Pain, debt, and uncertainty can leave you feeling lost and vulnerable. A compassionate and competent pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and seek justice in tough times.
An LA pedestrian accident lawyer can assist you in the following ways:
- Emotional Support: A pedestrian accident lawyer can provide compassionate support throughout your case. Your concerns, questions, and voice will be heard.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A skilled lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, witness testimonies, and surveillance footage. This careful approach establishes liability and strengthens your case.
- Legal Knowledge: Experienced pedestrian accident lawyers know California’s personal injury and pedestrian accident statutes. They will use this knowledge to evaluate your case, find compensation options, and create a strong legal strategy.
- Negotiations with Insurance Companies: Insurance company negotiations can be difficult. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance agents on your behalf to preserve your rights and obtain fair compensation.
- Trial Representation: A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer will represent you in a trial. They will persuade, cross-examine, and argue for your rights and compensation.
- Comprehensive Damage Assessment: A pedestrian accident lawyer will evaluate your injuries and damages. This appraisal ensures you receive fair compensation for existing and future losses. This includes the following for evaluation:
- urgent medical bills
- long-term rehabilitation costs
- lost wages
- pain and suffering
- future medical expenses.
Call our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Now!
After you’re injured in a pedestrian accident that wasn’t your fault, two simple facts are true: You need compensation, and the person responsible for your injuries should be held accountable. The attorneys at Haffner Law can work to make sure both of those things happen.
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles can provide invaluable assistance not only in pedestrian accident cases but also in a variety of personal injury cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents.
An attorney’s knowledge of personal injury law allows them to navigate the complexities of these cases, investigate the incidents thoroughly, gather essential evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation on behalf of their clients.
Whether you’ve been injured as a pedestrian or in another type of accident, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles can be a trusted ally, guiding you through the legal process and fighting for your rights and well-being.
Give us a call at 1-844-HAFFNER (423-3637) or fill out the contact form below to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer.
