Pedestrians injured in traffic accidents often experience severe injuries. In some cases, victims may need an extensive and expensive medical treatment plan to recover. However, if a motorist’s negligence caused the accident, you may file a compensation claim.
Our injury law firm is dedicated to supporting victims and their families through the financial recovery process. A personal injury lawyer from our team will fight alongside you for a fair settlement.
The Problem With California Drivers and Highways
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) helps us put pedestrian accidents in perspective:
- A pedestrian is injured every two hours in the United States.
- Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a traffic collision than motor vehicle drivers or passengers.
- Persons 65 years old or older account for 19% of all fatal accidents.
- One in every five children under 14 killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
- Alcohol or drug impairment is involved in 49% of all auto and pedestrian collisions resulting in injury or death.
California Vehicle Code 21950(a) requires drivers to exercise ALL DUE CARE to pedestrians walking in designated crosswalks and at unmarked walkways within intersections.
All motor vehicle drivers owe a duty to pedestrians to exercise all safeguards, reduce driving speed, and yield the right of way to individuals crossing the road in a marked crosswalk.
Despite this, California has consistently ranked as the state with the highest traffic fatalities related to pedestrians on or near roadways.
Population Size
California maintains the highest population of any state and has three of the country’s top ten largest cities (by population).
Also, Los Angeles is the largest county in the country (with a population of 10.17 million as of 2015). Our population size means that there are a lot of commuters on our roads every day, and with all those commuters comes traffic, and lots of it.
Traffic
Every Los Angeles resident knows the pains of traffic and vehicle gridlock; however, if you have forgotten about it at its worst, picture Ventura Blvd. at rush hour.
With all those cars on the road, thousands of pedestrians are also crossing the street, walking to work, traveling to the metro station, or walking for pleasure.
Driver Distractions
Add the distractions of cell phones (texting, emails, and GPS being the main culprits), road rage, traffic fatigue, alcohol, medical marijuana, and recreational marijuana (legalized in 2016), and you have a recipe for disaster.
Pedestrian Accidents Can Lead to Severe Injuries
Being hit by a vehicle can seriously impact your life. That’s because you are particularly vulnerable to the force of a car collision; even low-speed impacts can cause traumatic injuries and long-lasting health problems.
Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): The impact of being hit by a car can cause pedestrians to hit their heads. As a result, victims may lose consciousness or exhibit signs of cognitive impairment depending on the damage severity.
- Spinal cord injuries: An injury to the spinal cord can hinder the transmission of neurological messages from the brain. This can cause the loss of sensation or function under the injury level.
- Broken bones: When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the impact can be significant, leading to fractures in various body parts, such as the arms, legs, hips, and spine.
- Internal organ damage and other internal injuries: The collision’s impact can cause internal organs to rupture, leading to significant bleeding and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Crush injuries: This type of injury can cause significant damage to the affected area, including severe bruising, swelling, and potentially even the loss of the affected limb.
In severe cases, victims can also suffer from catastrophic injuries, leading to permanent disabilities. Therefore, immediate medical care after an accident is essential in diminishing the risk of further health complications.
We will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If a negligent driver caused your injury, you could file a claim. However, the steps you take immediately after the accident are crucial to your recovery. You should:
- Ensure your safety: Your priority should be ensuring you are out of harm’s way. If you can, move to a safe location, away from the traffic.
- Call the police: Call or have someone call the police to ensure a thorough incident report is conducted at the scene.
- Seek medical care: Call or ask someone to call for emergency medical services so you can be evaluated for further care.
- Exchange information: Try to exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault party. If they refuse to offer the needed data, remember or record any information that can help investigators identify them.
- Collect evidence: You can use your phone to photograph the accident scene. Ask any witnesses willing to testify in your case for their contact details.
- Seek legal representation: Call for attorney representation immediately once you are in stable condition.
Pedestrian accidents can lead to significant injuries and financial losses. A lawyer can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
They will work with you to investigate the accident’s circumstances, collect evidence, and build a strong case in your favor. A pedestrian accident lawyer will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
We will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
Why Work With Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Working with our injury lawyers can provide you with the experience and knowledge necessary to pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Our legal team is willing to devote full attention to helping clients explore all potential legal remedies while providing personalized service tailored to every individual’s needs.
Our attorneys are also dedicated to providing compassionate legal service and understanding the impact an accident can have on your life. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure you understand the legal process.
Prompt Action
Our experienced personal injury attorneys will open your pedestrian accident case and move forward with gathering case facts. Any questions you may have during the process will be addressed promptly.
While a police report can be a valuable addition to your case, we do not always need to rely on it. In fact, under most circumstances, much of the process can be completed without referencing a completed report.
Handle All Aspects of Your Case
If liability is not an issue, an experienced attorney can handle pedestrian accident claims, issue victim statements, make a formal demand and seek to settle the case.
Depending on the case, we could complete all these steps before the applicable law enforcement agency has wrapped up its investigation and review.
Experienced Negotiators
Our attorneys have been dealing with insurance companies for over a decade, and we know how to maximize your case in the shortest possible time.
With our pedestrian accident attorneys, you can have confidence that you have a strong legal advocate.
Winning Reputation
Our attorneys understand the complexities of pedestrian accident cases and have a track record of success in representing injured clients.
In a recent case, we recovered a seven-figure settlement for a pedestrian accident victim, even though he ran into a crosswalk at a busy intersection at a red light.
Our winning reputation makes insurance companies want to resolve cases before litigation. Therefore, we will use all our resources to achieve your best possible outcome!
Call Venerable Injury Law for Legal Assistance
At Venerable Injury Law, we are committed to helping you secure maximum compensation for your pedestrian injuries. Our legal team will handle all the legal aspects of the case, allowing you to focus on recovery and healing.
Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced pedestrian lawyer. After reviewing your case, we can plan the next steps to take in your pursuit of justice.
We believe that our experience, dedication, and personalized approach set us apart from the rest.