Victorville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
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Our Victorville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Advocate For Your Legal Rights
As one of the most vulnerable road users, pedestrians bear the brunt of the impact of traffic collisions. The trauma they endure can be immense, often due to severe or life-threatening injuries. Even for those who survive, chronic pain and life-changing disabilities have a long-lasting impact. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Victorville can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to learn about the steps you can take to protect your legal rights.
Victorville has a population of over 137,221 as of 2022. Fifteen pedestrian fatalities were recorded in the area in the same year, according to UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System. The increase in fatalities caused by pedestrian accidents has made Victorville the second most dangerous city for pedestrians.
Pedestrian accidents can happen while the victim is in their designated lanes or while crossing the road. When a driver’s negligence contributes to such incidents, the injured party may have grounds to pursue compensation. Arash Law provides legal representation to victims of pedestrian accidents. Our team of Victorville pedestrian accident attorneys assists clients by evaluating the facts of the case, identifying potentially liable parties, and guiding them through the claims or litigation process.
Verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case involving a motor vehicle collision– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Our Victorville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help Victims Build A Case
Each pedestrian accident in Victorville is unique, which is why we tailor each case to the specific facts available. Our team approaches every case individually, focusing on the particular circumstances and needs that are unique to each case. We aim to provide personalized legal support tailored to the unique nature of each case, while maintaining a professional commitment to all clients throughout the process.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Victorville carefully review all relevant information when preparing a case. This includes analyzing police reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a fact-based legal strategy.
If you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here. Our initial consultation is free. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any attorney’s fees upfront unless compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs. Contact us for any cost-related questions or if you want us to review our fee arrangement.
Why Choose Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers In Victorville To Help You Pursue Compensation?
While individuals have the right to seek compensation after a pedestrian accident, navigating the legal process can be a complex task. Working with an accident lawyer who handles pedestrian injury cases can provide structured legal support throughout the claims process. Here’s how legal representation may help:
- Our lawyers can help identify who is potentially at fault in your case. Our attorneys carry out investigations to establish liability.
- It can be challenging to negotiate with insurance companies, especially if victims do not have legal representation. Insurance companies often take a strategic approach to limit payouts. A pedestrian accident lawyer helps manage communication with insurers and pursue compensation that reflects the extent of your losses.
- Being injured in a traffic accident makes it hard to get around. You are suffering from severe injuries and most likely have mental trauma. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Victorville can connect you with qualified medical experts who can evaluate and treat your injuries, helping you document the harm you suffered and support your claim.
- Many of our cases are resolved without the need for litigation. But if it is necessary, our attorneys will not hesitate to represent your case in court.
Our lawyers at Arash Law bring decades of combined experience in personal injury cases, including those involving pedestrian accidents. They draw on this background to help clients understand their legal options and work diligently to build a strong case.
Pedestrian Law In California
Based on the California Vehicle Code, drivers must perform the following responsibilities when pedestrians are crossing or walking along streets on sidewalks:
- Vehicle drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who cross the roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Pedestrians still need due care for their safety. It is not permissible for pedestrians to suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle within close proximity to present an immediate safety hazard. It is prohibited for pedestrians to block or delay traffic unnecessarily while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
- It is the responsibility of the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within a marked or unmarked crosswalk to exercise all due care and to reduce the vehicle’s speed or to take other actions necessary to promote pedestrian safety.
- A driver of a vehicle is not relieved of the duty to exercise due care for the safety of pedestrians in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- It is unlawful for vehicles approaching from the rear to overtake and pass a stopped vehicle in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Pedestrians are permitted to cross roadways at locations other than crosswalks, except at intersections controlled by traffic signals or police officers.
Our Victorville personal injury lawyers understand the devastating impact of being hit by a careless driver. We’ll advocate for your rights and seek fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents In Victorville, CA
There are several reasons why pedestrian accidents occur in Victorville:
- Drunk drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Drowsy drivers
- Reckless drivers
- Speeding
- Crossing outside of crosswalks
- Jaywalking
Common Injuries Sustained By Pedestrians After Accidents
Pedestrians do not have the same protection as vehicle passengers. That is why they tend to get severe and life-changing injuries. Here are some of the common injuries pedestrians get in traffic collisions in Victorville:
Bone Fractures
In a study published in 2022, the front bumpers of small cars typically hit the lower half of the pedestrian’s body first. The upper half then falls onto the vehicle, causing a secondary collision to the car’s hood or windshield. When the victim falls onto the ground, they often slide a certain distance. The impact is typically strong enough to cause bone fractures, commonly in the lower leg (tibia and fibula), pelvis, and thighs (femur). The arm can also get broken (humerus, radius, and ulna), as well as other parts of the body, such as the ribs.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can be caused after a pedestrian falls to the ground. They may be unable to protect their head and neck, causing severe pain that can persist for years. Whiplash, which happens when the neck is forcibly bent forward and backward, may also occur during minor collisions. It usually takes a few days to weeks to heal.
Head Injuries
Traffic accidents often occur in an instant, leaving victims unable to protect themselves. They may hit their heads on the car’s hood, the ground upon falling, or both. This can cause mild to severe skull fractures. More serious ones can cause brain damage, bleeding, seizures, and more.
Furthermore, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common among vehicular accident victims. It can lead to short-term symptoms like loss of consciousness, memory loss, and dizziness. Among pedestrians, head injuries are also one of the leading causes of fatal outcomes. Even in cases where individuals recover physically, long-term psychological and neurological effects may persist.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can cause lifelong problems, depending on the severity of the case. For example, cervical SCI can cause sensory and motor deficits, otherwise known as paralysis, in the arms, legs, and body, according to the Iranian Journal of Neurosurgery. Moreover, SCIs can also cause several health issues. These include:
- Loss of bowel and bladder control.
- Disruption in breathing.
- Loss of autonomic regulation of heart rate.
- Loss of autonomic regulation of blood pressure.
- Issues with temperature control.
- Issues with sexual function.
Bodily Trauma
Victims can get physical trauma from colliding with a fast-moving object or being thrown to the ground. The two main types of physical trauma are:
- Blunt Force — Concussions, deep cuts, and broken bones may result from an object or force striking the body.
- Penetrating — A wound that occurs when an object penetrates the skin or body.
Loss Of Limb Or Amputation
A part of the body can be cut off or torn in severe collisions with great impact. In some cases, surgical amputation is required. This occurs when a specific part of the body is severely damaged, such as being crushed or burned. If the tissue has received so much damage that it cannot be saved, doctors will have to remove it surgically, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Wrongful Death
Pedestrian accidents can result in death. According to the 2021 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,388 pedestrians were killed during traffic crashes. If you lost a loved one due to a pedestrian accident, our Victorville accident lawyers can help you file for a wrongful death claim.
What Damages Can Pedestrian Accident Victims Pursue?
If you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue reimbursement for your medical bills and lost income during your recovery period. The amount you can seek depends on the severity of your injuries and other factors.
Depending on the circumstances of your case and the available evidence, you can seek compensation for the following:
- Medical bills from treatments
- Loss of income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Grief
- Counseling
- Therapy
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
- Disability due to an accident
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Our Victorville pedestrian accident attorneys can assist you in pursuing appropriate compensation for injuries and related losses.
How Will My Attorney Prove Liability In A Pedestrian Accident Case?
Several factors can divert a driver’s attention, leading to a pedestrian accident. Our attorneys will employ various methods to prove liability. The case will depend on what caused the accident.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Victorville understand the laws governing both motorists and pedestrians. We will craft a tailored legal argument to address the unique circumstances of your case.
Furthermore, our role as your legal representative is to gather evidence that supports your claim. Here are the types of evidence we collect:
- Accident footage from CCTVs, traffic light cameras, and dashcam recordings.
- Copy of the accident report from the police.
- Copy of the driver’s mobile phone records.
- Photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Your medical records.
- Photos and videos of your injuries.
- Eyewitness accounts.
- Expert witness opinions.
What Is The Deadline For Filing A Pedestrian Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations in California for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This may seem like a long time, but the procedure can be lengthy.
Certain factors can also change the deadline. For example, if you are pursuing a claim against a government entity, the time limit for filing is only six months. Meanwhile, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations will only begin when they reach 18. Once they reach the legal age, they will have two years to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. Your lawsuit will be dismissed if the deadline passes without action. Moreover, insurance companies tend to lose the incentive to offer you compensation because you can no longer sue them.
A pedestrian accident claim attorney in Victorville can help you understand the applicable deadline for your case and file the necessary paperwork within the required timeframe.
Can You Still Sue If You Were Partially At Fault?
Before you dismiss thoughts of pursuing compensation because you were jaywalking when you got hit, consider talking to a lawyer first. California is a state of pure comparative negligence. This suggests that victims can still pursue compensation even if they are partly at fault. What happens is that the damages you receive will simply be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the same percentage. The final amount you receive depends on the court’s determination of each party’s share of fault.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the NHTSA, there have been 8,984 pedestrian fatalities in both traffic and non-traffic accidents in 2021. This is a notable 12.5 percent increase from 2020, with only 6,565 deaths. Pedestrian deaths accounted for 17 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2021. Fifteen percent of these fatalities were children aged 14 and below.
In the same year, 60,577 pedestrians were injured in vehicular crashes. This is an 11 percent increase from the previous year, with 54,771 recorded injured victims. Alcohol involvement is reported for 49 percent of the accidents. This is for both drivers and pedestrians.
FAQs About Victorville Pedestrian Accidents
Who Will Pay For My Medical Treatment?
What If I Don’t Recover Fully From My Injuries?
In some cases, accident-related injuries lead to long-term or permanent effects. This can impact a person’s ability to work, carry out daily activities, or maintain their previous quality of life. When full physical recovery isn’t possible, these long-term consequences are considered in a personal injury claim.
A lawyer can assist by carefully documenting the extent of your injuries and accounting for future needs, including ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages, such as pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, may also be included, depending on the circumstances.
Can I Be Compensated For The Time I Miss From Work?
If your injuries prevent you from working, the lost income may be included as part of your economic damages in a personal injury claim. This can cover both wages lost during your recovery and, in some cases, future loss of earning capacity if your ability to work is affected in the long term.
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Victorville can help document your time away from work, coordinate with employers or financial experts if needed, and include these losses in your claim.
Should I Deal Directly With The Insurance Company?
It is generally advisable to limit direct communication with the insurance company of the at-fault party. Insurance adjusters may attempt to settle claims quickly and for amounts that don’t reflect the full extent of your losses. Without legal guidance, there’s a risk of accepting an offer that may not account for future medical costs, lost wages, or other damages.
A personal injury lawyer can handle communications on your behalf, help assess the value of your claim, and manage negotiations in a way that protects your interests. This allows you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer addresses the legal aspects of your case.
Contact Our Victorville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers To Protect Your Legal Rights
We go about our day as pedestrians, thinking we are safe. We use designated lanes and follow traffic rules and regulations when crossing. But even innocent lives are at risk when there are reckless drivers. When an accident occurs, the aftermath can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. If you’ve been injured, it may be helpful to speak with a Victorville pedestrian accident lawyer to better understand your rights and available legal options for pursuing compensation under the law.
Our team at Arash Law offers legal representation in various personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents. We can assist with gathering evidence, assessing damages, and navigating interactions with insurance companies or other involved parties.
We can customize our first meeting and onboarding process so you are comfortable. Whether you prefer a meeting in our office, at your home, or at a local coffee shop, we are happy to accommodate you.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney’s fees are only collected if compensation is recovered. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs. If you have questions or would like to learn more about the legal process, visit our FAQ page. Call us at (888) 488-1391 so we can assess your case.
We also serve areas including Bell Mountain, Apple Valley, Desert Knolls, Jess Ranch, Mariana Ranchos, Hesperia, North Star Ranch, Oak Hills, Baldy Mesa, Adelanto, Lugo, and Cajon Junction. Aside from handling pedestrian accidents, we also manage a range of other personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents, car accidents, workplace compensation claims, and premises liability claims.
