Pedestrian accidents are known for resulting in debilitating, catastrophic injuries and death. Pedestrians often absorb the full force of the vehicle when they are hit by a car while walking, and this impact can continue to be felt for the rest of their lives. The at-fault party should cover all expenses and ensure you are compensated fairly for your damages, pain, and suffering.
Sadly, far too many liable parties go to extraordinary lengths to escape being held accountable for their actions. Your Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney will be prepared and extensively investigate the cause of the collision to identify those responsible. Let us help you make them pay.
Your Pedestrian Accident Attorney Will Investigate Extensively
Before we can determine fault in a pedestrian accident, we need to conduct an extensive investigation. We will immediately begin working to collect the evidence needed to support your case. The burden of proof in pedestrian accident and personal injury lawsuits is based on a preponderance of the evidence.
In criminal court, guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a guilty verdict. But in civil court, as long as the presented evidence convinces the jury and judge that the defendant is more than likely at fault, they can find the defendant liable for your injuries and damages. For this reason, our investigation into the cause of the accident is among the most important aspects of the pedestrian accident claims process.
As soon as possible after the accident, you should get your car accident attorney involved. Your legal advocate with Venerable Injury Law can meet you at the accident scene, the hospital, your home, in person at our law office, or via a virtual consultation at your convenience. In doing so, we may be able to access evidence that could quickly be deleted, destroyed, or lost within hours or days of the collision.
We will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life
Several Parties Are Commonly Sued in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Your pedestrian accident lawyer should have extensive experience handling cases similar to yours. Venerable Injury Law regularly advocates for pedestrian accident victims’ rights, so we can quickly recognize potentially liable parties based on the cause of your accident. Here are some of the parties most often sued for pedestrian accident damages:
Negligent Drivers
Irresponsible and reckless drivers are among the top causes of pedestrian accident injuries and fatalities. When motorists drive dangerously or have a complete disregard for themselves or the safety of others, they can cause devastating collisions. Some examples of negligent or unsafe driving could include:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Distracted driving
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to obtain necessary vehicle repairs
- Driving while fatigued
- Road rage
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield to the right of way
Throughout our investigation, we will be collecting evidence against the driver who hit you to determine whether they are solely responsible for causing the collision. We may request copies of their chemical blood alcohol test results, driving records, employment records, and copies of dash cam footage or vehicle black box data to aid in our investigation. You may be able to recover some of your damages through the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage, but any remaining damages can be sought through your personal injury lawsuit.
Irresponsible Government Agencies
It is not always the driver that hit you that is responsible for causing the accident. In some instances, motorists cannot avoid striking pedestrians. When dangerous road conditions contribute to these collisions, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and local municipalities can share the blame, depending on where the accident occurred.
If the city fails to install crosswalks, pedestrian signs, and bicycle lanes or make changes when there are repeated pedestrian accident injuries and deaths at specific intersections, they can be held accountable for the victim’s injuries. Local cities and Caltrans can also be sued if they do not respond to road safety complaints in a timely manner. These types of cases can be more complex than other types of pedestrian accident claims, so be sure to work with a skilled attorney, well-versed in claims against the government.
Money-Driven Auto Parts Manufacturers
Motor vehicles are imperfect. They can malfunction at any time for many reasons. If a defect or malfunction made it impossible for the driver to avoid hitting you, several parties could share liability, including:
- Motor vehicle parts designers
- Vehicle parts manufacturers
- Auto parts distributors and retailers
- Safety inspectors
- Motor vehicle dealerships and auction houses
- Private vehicle sellers
- Motor vehicle maintenance technicians
- Executives
Our forensics experts will analyze back box data, all involved vehicles, and evidence collected at the accident scene to determine whether defective parts caused the accident. Nearly anyone involved in the chain of distribution of these malfunctioning parts could be at fault. You can rest easier knowing our team will uncover the truth during our extensive investigation.
We will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
The At-Fault Party May Accuse You of Sharing Blame
While discussing pedestrian accident fault, it is crucial to prepare for the possibility that the defendant will blame you. They may accuse you of crossing outside of a crosswalk, failing to yield, or even being distracted while crossing the road. Our team will anticipate these accusations and prepare accordingly.
California is a pure comparative fault state. If you are partially at fault, your settlement is proportionately reduced. This could have a substantial impact on the amount of compensation you can recover.
Do not let the liable party manipulate these laws in their favor. Your pedestrian accident lawyer’s investigation should provide us with the information we need to properly identify the at-fault party. We will fight back with irrefutable evidence of culpability and protect your anticipated settlement.
Meet with California’s Highly Skilled Pedestrian Accident Law Firm
It is not uncommon for several parties to share blame for causing pedestrian accident injuries and damages. Anyone who contributed to the trauma you endured should be held accountable. Working with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer may be your best opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve and maximize your payout.
Venerable Injury Law is proud to serve catastrophic injury victims across Monterey Park, Burbank, Los Angeles, North Hollywood, and nearby communities. Are you ready to take charge of your pedestrian accident case? Fill out our quick contact form or call us to schedule your 100% free consultation as soon as today.
We believe that our experience, dedication, and personalized approach set us apart from the rest.
