What You Should Know About Pedestrian Accidents in California

Pedestrian accidents are on the rise and can be extremely devastating for those involved. These accidents occur when a motor vehicle collides with a person walking or running on foot. They can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injury, paralysis, and even death. Because pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in these types of crashes, the law is designed to protect them from negligence and hold drivers accountable for their actions.

While most people know what to do after an auto accident, they may not be aware of their rights and legal options after a pedestrian accident. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek help from an experienced lawyer who specializes in these types of cases.

At Pathway Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases throughout the state of California. We understand that these accidents tend to involve complex legal and financial matters, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and obtaining the fair compensation you deserve. We will do everything in our power to help you and your family recover from this traumatic experience.

Laws Regarding Pedestrian Accidents in California

In California, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing intersections and major roads. This means that drivers must always yield to pedestrians and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. As per the law, drivers must also slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching an intersection or crosswalk.

Furthermore, cars cannot pass through a crosswalk while a pedestrian is still crossing it. If they fail to abide by these laws and someone is injured; as a result, they may be held liable for any damages caused.

When Should I Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important that you contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will be able to review your case and advise you on the best course of action. A lawyer can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to make sure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for damages.

It is also important to note that many states have statutes of limitations relating to personal injury claims – so time is of the essence when seeking legal help after a pedestrian accident. At Pathway Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping victims of pedestrian accidents in California. We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for you and your family, and we are here to provide support, guidance, and legal counsel.

Types of Compensation Available After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, then you may be eligible for compensation for your losses. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, this could include physical damages (such as medical bills), emotional damages (such as pain and suffering), punitive damages (which are intended to punish wrongdoers), and other losses related to the incident.

A qualified lawyer can help ensure that all potential sources of compensation are explored so that victims receive maximum financial recovery for their injuries and other losses incurred due to the crash.

Calculating Damages

When you are involved in any kind of accident, especially one that involves a pedestrian and a motor vehicle, the damages can be extensive. A professional pedestrian accident lawyer in California will help ensure that all of your damages are calculated properly and that all applicable laws are followed so that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Determining Liability

In order to receive compensation for damages caused by an accident involving a motor vehicle, it is necessary to determine who exactly is liable for the incident. This can be extremely complicated if there is more than one party involved. It takes an experienced lawyer who knows how to investigate the facts of the case and establish who was at fault for the accident – the driver or another party such as a city municipality or auto manufacturer.

In California, the liability falls on the driver who was deemed to be negligent and caused the pedestrian accident. The elements of negligence must be proved in order to establish liability and receive compensation. These elements include the duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

Navigating Insurance Companies

Insurance companies have their own agenda when it comes to settling cases related to motor vehicle accidents. They want to pay out as little money as possible, so they often offer victims very low settlements that do not even come close to covering the actual costs associated with an injury or death caused by an automobile collision.

A good pedestrian accident lawyer will negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies so that they cannot take advantage of you in this difficult time.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in California

There are many common causes of pedestrian accidents in California, such as:

Distracted driving
Speeding
Poor road conditions
Poor visibility due to weather or darkness
Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians at intersections or crosswalks

Additionally, drunk driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents due to impaired judgment and reaction time.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in California, it’s important that you seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries appear minor at first. This is because some injuries may not show symptoms until days or weeks later, which could complicate any legal action taken against the responsible party later on.

It’s also important that you gather evidence, such as witness statements and photos of the scene, if possible, before leaving the area so that this information can be used during any future court proceedings should they arise.

Finally, it’s highly recommended that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in pedestrian accidents and can advise you on your legal rights during this difficult time.

Conclusion

Whether it’s through negligence or recklessness on the part of another driver or simply an unfortunate turn of events, no one expects themselves or their loved ones to be involved in a pedestrian accident. Unfortunately, they do occur every day across the United States, including California, where many people are out walking for both exercise and transportation purposes alike.

If you or someone you love has been injured due to a negligent driver, then it’s important that you understand your legal rights so that justice can be served appropriately, as well as ensure that all medical bills are taken care of after such an unfortunate incident occurs.

Don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today with expertise dealing with pedestrian accidents throughout California. The team at Pathway Law Firm is knowledgeable, compassionate, and ready to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

Pedestrian Accidents in California – What You Should Know