More and more people choose to walk nowadays, whether it’s for exercise, leisure, or commuting.
While getting outdoors and exercising more is certainly recommended, it’s also becoming more dangerous.
Pedestrian accidents are increasing in California, which means more potential injuries and fatalities.
Did you sustain injuries as a pedestrian due to a negligent driver? You need a legal advocate on your side.
Please speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles at the Weinberg Law Offices to learn how we can assist.
Pedestrian Rules and California Crosswalk Laws
California has several laws in place designed to protect pedestrians.
One of these is California Vehicle Code Section 21950, which requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a road or street at any marked crosswalk or within any marked crosswalk at an intersection.
Drivers must exercise caution when approaching a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, reduce their speed, exercise due care, and take any other action necessary to keep the pedestrian safe.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles
Numerous factors can contribute to a California pedestrian accident. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted drivers—texting, talking on the phone, looking at the GPS, eating, talking with passengers, and more;
- Traffic violations—speeding, running a stop sign or red light, making an illegal turn;
- Driving under the influence—drugs or alcohol; or
- Failure to signal—pedestrians don’t know your intent.
Other factors can also contribute to an accident, including adverse weather and road conditions, time of day, and visibility.
What to Do Following a California Pedestrian Accident
The steps you take following a pedestrian accident can impact the outcome of your potential claim.
While it’s hard to think straight after being in an accident, it’s crucial to try to remain calm.
Here are some helpful tips to remember should you be involved in an accident as a pedestrian in California:
- Contact the police department to respond and ensure a police report is prepared;
- If your injuries aren’t too severe, take photos of your injuries and the scene, including damage to the vehicle, weather conditions, etc.;
- Be sure to get contact information for the driver, including driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle license plate;
- Get the contact information for any witnesses present at the time of the accident;
- Seek timely medical treatment if you are not transported from the scene via ambulance;
- Keep a pain journal that chronicles your injuries, how the pain impacts your daily life, and what your recovery process is;
- Don’t post about your accident and injuries on social media; and
- Don’t allow the driver’s insurance company to coerce you into giving a recorded statement without legal representation.
One of the most important things you can do following an accident as a pedestrian is to speak with a lawyer. You need someone who can help you fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Contact a skilled Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer right away. The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner we can work on building the strongest case possible.
Why It’s Important to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Early on in a Claim
Injuries in a pedestrian accident are often severe or even catastrophic. Medical costs can add up quickly, and you may be unable to return to work for the foreseeable future. Insurance companies use various tactics to try to reduce their potential exposure and payout.
They will use methods to place additional liability on you for the accident, or they may try to coerce you into settling early on in the claims process before you learn the total value of your claim.
That is one of the primary reasons you shouldn’t agree to give a recorded statement without representation.
When you hire a skilled Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer at the Weinberg Law Offices, we will work to protect your rights throughout the entire claims process.
We will also advise you on the total value of your case and keep the insurance company from trying to coerce you into accepting a lowball settlement offer.
Insurance companies know that injured victims struggle for money to cover bills and living expenses. Many adjusters offer victims a lower amount than their case is worth to get them to settle quickly. Once you agree and sign a release, you cannot return for more money if you need additional treatment or cannot return to work.
Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident
Injuries tend to be severe in pedestrian accidents because people walking on the street don’t have the same protections as those riding in a car. Victims may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Some injuries that we see more often than others include:
- Internal organ damage;
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis;
- Sprained and torn ligaments;
- Fractures and broken bones;
- Contusions, lacerations, and abrasions; and
- Brain injuries.
It’s not uncommon for victims to have lifelong residual pain or a permanent disability. To maximize your potential compensation in a liability claim, speak with a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA.
Proving Liability in a Pedestrian Accident
You might assume that because you are a pedestrian, the vehicle’s driver is automatically at fault. Unfortunately, you must prove your case before you can collect any compensation. The driver’s insurance company will not concede liability and pay your claim without proof their insured was at fault.
It’s not uncommon to have more than one at-fault party in pedestrian accidents. For example, a driver may be distracted, but a defective street signal may also have contributed to the loss. That means you could be presenting a claim against the driver as well as the City of Los Angeles.
Proving liability requires a thorough investigation and presenting strong evidence. That’s why you want the best Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer possible. Your attorney’s skill is directly linked to your potential settlement amount.
You want a legal advocate who knows how to preserve evidence and is a strong negotiator.
Should the insurance company refuse to negotiate fairly, you need a lawyer who can take your case to trial.
Contact the Weinberg Law Offices
If you are searching online for the “best pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles near me” contact the Weinberg Law Offices.
We have years of experience assisting injured pedestrians just like you. Attorney Yoni Weinberg will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
We offer free, no-obligation initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose by meeting with us.
Let us review your case and advise you on the potential value and how best to proceed.
Our clients are our top priority. You should be concentrating on your recovery, not worried about how you will get the insurance company to pay you the money you deserve.
Let us be the legal advocate you need to protect your rights in a pedestrian accident claim.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.