Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers & Attorneys in Los Angeles

Pedestrian accidents can be very scary and harmful for a person crossing the street or a parking lot. They could incur both physical and psychological damage. The city of Los Angeles enjoys very beautiful weather, and with that comes many pedestrians who are walking the streets and crosswalks. Unfortunately, with the heavy traffic, pedestrian accidents are more likely to happen. Los Angeles is considered to be dangerous for a pedestrian to walk through.  And while sometimes, they are just unintended accidents, those causing them need to be held accountable.

According to the GHSA (Governor’s Highway Safety Association), there were 6,721 pedestrian deaths in the year 2020, despite the fact that half of the year was spent under lockdown during the COVID 19 pandemic. This number has increased by 4.8% when compared to last year. The pedestrian fatality rate was 2.3 billion vehicle miles traveled, which was a 21% increase from the year before.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a pedestrian accident, you know how much pain and suffering an accident can cause. Are you wondering how a pedestrian accident attorney could help you? Whether you are hoping to recover medical bills or be compensated for your wages, read on to learn how a pedestrian accident attorney can help you in the aftermath of your accident.

How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Los Angeles?

Our pedestrian accident attorneys will try to gather as much as possible to determine how the accident occurred. Certainly, there are traffic and pedestrian laws to help avoid such potentially dangerous accidents. Every accident must be specifically studied to determine liability.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles:

• Motorists failing to stop at crosswalks
• Distracted driving, whether it is talking, texting, applying makeup, or eating while driving. Some studies have shown that distracted driving could have more severe consequences to the victim than driving under the influence.
• U-turns made illegally
• Limited visibility because of parked cars
• Pedestrians walking across a busy street at the wrong place
• Jaywalking
• Weather: although Los Angeles weather is mostly sunny, any rain or storms that do come through pose a risk to drivers on the road.
• Right turns at crosswalks
• Driver ignoring pedestrian signs
• Running red lights
• Speeding
• Driving Under the Influence (Intoxicated): if you are concerned the driver was under the influence, alert the police when they arrive so they could fo the proper tests.

One of the other considerations will be if the municipality played any role in the accident happening. Was the traffic layout and intersection poorly planned or marked? Were the crosswalk devices used to control both pedestrians and traffic functioning properly?

A good pedestrian attorney will consider the cause of the accident to help identify all who should be held responsible for it.

Common Injuries Suffered in Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents

A car that hits a pedestrian while moving at even the slowest of speeds could be impactful and can cause serious personal injuries. Being hit by a moving vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries, sometimes even death. Even the most moderate injuries can have a long-term impact on the victim’s life.

The following potential injuries from a pedestrian accident might include:

• Broken bones
• Facial injuries
• Dental injuries
• Road rash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Death

Even the slightest of these injuries can put a victim out of work, rack up large medical bills, and put them in deep financial debt. Often injuries connected to a pedestrian-vehicle accident need long-term medical care and rehabilitation.

How Can a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Firm Help You?

Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in bustling cities like Los Angeles. If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, working with an experienced attorney is crucial to ensuring that you receive the support and compensation you deserve. A pedestrian accident firm can offer critical assistance in many areas following an accident, helping to ease the overwhelming process.

Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Immediately

One of the first steps you should take after being involved in a pedestrian accident is to consult a specialized attorney as soon as possible. The earlier you seek legal help, the quicker you can start receiving compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages. But what exactly can a pedestrian accident lawyer do for you?

How an Attorney Can Help Right After the Accident

Immediately following an accident, there are many important details to manage, and an attorney will step in to handle them. From gathering evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, to communicating with insurance companies, an experienced attorney will take the pressure off you so you can focus on your recovery.

Additionally, determining who is at fault in a pedestrian accident can be complex. A pedestrian accident lawyer will help you establish fault by investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, whether it’s a distracted driver, poorly designed crosswalks, or other contributing factors. According to a report from ABC7.com, Los Angeles has seen a significant rise in pedestrian accidents in recent years, often tied to distracted driving and speeding. This makes it even more crucial to have an expert on your side.

Navigating Damages and Compensation

After establishing fault, the next step is calculating damages. A pedestrian accident firm will help you determine the full scope of compensation to which you are entitled. This can include:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages due to your inability to work
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

What Types of Injuries Qualify for Compensation?

Victims of pedestrian accidents can suffer a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions like traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord damage. If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies for compensation, consulting an attorney will give you clarity.

For instance, a study published by NBC LA reveals that pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries have surged in Los Angeles, often due to high-speed collisions. Understanding the severity of your injuries and their long-term impact will be essential in negotiating a fair settlement.

FAQ: Can I Sue the Driver if I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes, California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation. Your settlement, however, will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney can guide you through this process to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.

Why Legal Guidance Is Critical Throughout Recovery

Your recovery from a pedestrian accident may be a long and challenging process, depending on the extent of your injuries. During this time, your lawyer will continue to work on your case, dealing with medical providers, insurance companies, and the legal complexities that may arise. They can also represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

According to reports from Fox11, Los Angeles County has one of the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities in the country, underscoring the importance of legal representation to secure your future.

What Our Experienced Los Angeles Pedestrian Attorneys Will Do for You

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, our experienced Los Angeles pedestrian attorneys are here to help you through every step of the process. We understand the complexities of personal injury cases and are committed to gathering every detail to build a strong case on your behalf.

Investigating the Scene of the Accident

Our legal team will thoroughly investigate the accident scene to uncover crucial details that may have been overlooked. While police officers typically gather initial information, it’s not uncommon for witnesses to recall new information later on. That’s why we will reach out to anyone who may have witnessed the accident, as their testimonies could be essential in determining liability. According to research, pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles are on the rise, making it critical to gather as much evidence as possible. In fact, ABC7 Los Angeles recently reported a significant increase in pedestrian-related incidents, underscoring the need for diligent investigation.

Our attorneys will also scrutinize other evidence collected from the scene, such as video footage, photos, and any physical evidence left behind. Additionally, we collaborate with top experts in Los Angeles who specialize in accident reconstruction. These professionals can help determine exactly how the incident occurred, providing critical insights that may not be immediately obvious.

Why Witness Testimony is Critical

You may be wondering: Why is witness testimony so important if the police have already conducted their interviews?

The reason is that witness recollections can change or become more detailed over time. What someone remembers a few days or weeks after the incident might be different from their initial statement. By revisiting these witnesses, we can potentially uncover new information that strengthens your case. Moreover, having multiple sources of testimony can be crucial in proving fault, particularly in cases where liability is disputed.

Evaluating Medical Records for Compensation

In addition to gathering accident scene evidence, our attorneys will closely examine all medical documents related to your injuries. Medical records are vital in determining not only the extent of your injuries but also the compensation you may be entitled to. Did you know that pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries that lead to long-term medical treatment? According to NBC Los Angeles, the number of serious pedestrian injuries has surged in recent years, highlighting the need for comprehensive medical evaluations in such cases.

We will work with your healthcare providers to ensure that all injuries, treatments, and long-term impacts are thoroughly documented. This will help us accurately calculate the damages you could be compensated for, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Q&A: How Do Attorneys Prove Fault in Pedestrian Accidents?

Q: How can your attorney prove fault in a pedestrian accident case?
A: Proving fault requires a detailed investigation of the accident. This includes gathering witness testimonies, analyzing traffic camera footage, reviewing police reports, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. The more evidence we can compile, the stronger your case will be. Additionally, by closely examining the driver’s actions leading up to the incident—such as speeding or distracted driving—we can build a case that clearly demonstrates liability.

For more insights into pedestrian accidents and safety tips, check out Fox 11 Los Angeles for recent stories on pedestrian safety and accident trends in Southern California.

Determining Damages

We work to help out the victim as much as possible. Medical bills are easy to calculate if all have been documented properly. Lost wages would also be easy to calculate if the plaintiff had been working prior to the accident. We will also use many factors to add in damages for your pain and suffering. It’s a little harder to put a number on pain and suffering, and each case is different. Our experienced attorneys will be able to look at all the factors in the case to help negotiate this number.

Insurance Mediator and Negotiator

An insurance company is going to want you to quickly accept an offer. They are in the business of offering the least amount they can get away with. They don’t want to pay out any more in damages than absolutely necessary. That is why if you were not represented by an attorney, they will try to downplay the injuries and liability as much as possible.

We will communicate with insurance companies and act as a mediator between you and the insurance company. We will recognize when an offer is too low. Part of our job is to negotiate on your behalf, so you can focus on healing.

How to Proceed with Your Case

Often pedestrian accident cases get settled out of court since both parties would not want to go to trial. The two sides can then come to an agreement on the settlement amount. Our attorneys work as fast as possible to make sure a favorable settlement is reached between the parties. If both parties fail to come to a settlement agreement, our trial attorneys will be on standby to litigate such claims.