Corona Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
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Our Corona Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help Injury Victims Understand Their Options
In California, most pedestrian accident claims are based on negligence. Everyone has a legal responsibility to avoid harming others. If a driver in Corona fails to take reasonable care and ends up injuring you, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. Through it, you can seek payment for medical bills, lost income, and the physical and emotional impact of the crash.
Pedestrian injuries can range from cuts and bruises to brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations. These can result in high treatment costs and prolonged recovery periods. California law requires the at-fault driver to compensate for the damage caused by their negligent behavior.
Why Pedestrian Accident Cases In Corona Are Different
There are a few reasons that make Corona pedestrian accident cases so unique:
- The city sits at the busy intersection of Interstate 15 and State Route 91. These are two of Southern California’s busiest highways.
- Corona’s Annual Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project will finish in the summer of 2026. It will affect sidewalks along over 167 lane-miles of the city’s roads.
- The city will soon undergo upgrades through the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s Traffic Relief Plan. Approved in 2024, it aims to add new lanes and transit connections in Corona. It will mainly affect the SR-91/I-15 Interchange.
Due to these reasons, Corona commuters often experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Construction projects can redirect vehicles onto smaller surface streets or residential roads that are not designed for high traffic volumes, increasing congestion and the risk of collisions.
As a result, even cautious pedestrians may face serious risks. The California Office of Traffic Safety’s 2023 Crash Rankings recorded more than 600 pedestrians killed and injured in Riverside County due to road accidents. There have been 29 cases reported in Corona.
Victims can report pedestrian accidents to the Corona Police Department. However, some cases may involve government agencies due to ongoing and future infrastructure projects.
For instance, poor road conditions or a public vehicle could cause a crash. If so, an injured pedestrian can file a claim for damages at the City Clerk’s Office or at the Corona City Hall within six months of their accident.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
How Insurance Typically Applies In Pedestrian Accident Claims
Most pedestrian accident cases in Corona are typically resolved through insurance, rather than direct payment from the at-fault driver. Depending on the situation, a victim can file a claim with:
- The driver’s auto liability policy.
- An employer’s insurer, if the at-fault party was working at the time.
- A government agency’s liability coverage, if a public vehicle or a poor road infrastructure contributed to the crash.
Insurers may question the severity of your injuries and the treatment you need to recover. They might also argue that you played a role in causing the accident. These disputes can affect the timeline or outcome of your claim. In some cases, you may need to take further legal action if settlement negotiations fail.
What Typically Happens After A Pedestrian Accident Claim Begins
To guide you through the legal process, here’s a quick overview of the claims process for pedestrian injuries:
- You file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- You collect relevant evidence to support your case. Examples include medical records of your injuries and official accident reports from the police. The insurer will also conduct an independent investigation into the crash.
- Both parties negotiate a settlement. Using evidence, you can pursue a payout that reflects your actual losses. During these discussions, you can also address disputes, such as those regarding shared fault.
- If settlement negotiations fail, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. A trial attorney can prepare your case and present it in court on your behalf.
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident?
Injury Severity In Pedestrian Accidents
When a vehicle strikes you, even at low speeds, your body absorbs the full force of the impact. Without the protection available to drivers and passengers, pedestrians are more likely to suffer serious injuries. These injuries can be even more severe when the crash involves cars, trucks, or rideshare vehicles such as Uber or Lyft.
Common pedestrian injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
These injuries can require hospitalization, surgery, long-term rehabilitation, or ongoing medical care, depending on their severity.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often occur when drivers operate their vehicles carelessly or fail to follow California laws designed to protect pedestrians. These crashes can happen in many everyday situations.
According to the Office of Traffic Safety, 29 pedestrians were killed or injured in traffic-related accidents in Corona in 2023. This data shows the frequency of these incidents. Common causes include:
- Fatigue Driving — When drivers are drowsy, they struggle to maintain focus on the road, which delays their reaction time and increases their risk of being involved in a crash.
- Impaired Driving — Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause a loss of control. Drivers might swerve onto sidewalks or fail to stop in time to avoid accidents.
- Driving With Limited Visibility — Drivers often fail to spot pedestrians at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Even well-lit intersections pose risks when drivers fail to stay alert.
- Speeding — Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the force of impact, leading to more severe injuries.
- Failing to Use Turn Signals — When drivers don’t use turn signals, pedestrians can’t predict their next move.
- Ignoring Pedestrian Right-of-Way — Drivers may fail to stop for people crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks, especially at busy Corona intersections like Main Street and Sixth Street, or Lincoln Avenue and Ontario Avenue. This behavior can increase the risk of serious collisions.
Proving Negligence In A Pedestrian Accident Case
California law holds individuals or entities liable for negligent actions that cause harm to others. To qualify for compensation, you must prove these four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — The driver had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care for pedestrian safety. All drivers must obey traffic laws and be cautious when sharing the road with pedestrians and other road users.
- Breach of Duty — The driver’s negligent actions caused the collision. You can prove this element by gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, and traffic camera footage.
- Causation — The driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages — You incurred actual losses from the incident. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering.
Comparative Negligence In California
California does not automatically place fault on the driver in a pedestrian accident. Instead, the law looks at whether each party acted with reasonable care. Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, an injured pedestrian may still pursue compensation even if they were partially responsible for the crash. For example, suppose a pedestrian was jaywalking or intoxicated. Meanwhile, the driver who hit them was speeding. Both parties can share blame for the crash.
California uses pure comparative negligence to divide fault between parties. This principle allows injured victims to continue pursuing compensation even if they’re up to 99% responsible. For instance, suppose you’re 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000. You can still recover up to $70,000 from the at-fault party.
What Can Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Do?
Pedestrian accident cases often involve serious injuries, multiple parties, and detailed investigations. For this reason, many victims seek legal support to understand their options and manage the subsequent steps. A skilled lawyer can handle the legal and administrative work, allowing you to focus on medical treatment and recovery.
Here’s how our pedestrian accident lawyers serving Corona can assist you:
- Handle Paperwork — We manage all legal documentation for your claim and work to file everything on time. Missing a deadline can harm your case, so we stay on top of all court and insurance filing dates.
- Explain the Claims Process — We guide you through the legal process, enabling you to make informed decisions.
- Gather Evidence — We collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and video footage to strengthen your claim.
- Utilize Expert Analysis — We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault and explain the circumstances surrounding the crash.
- Deal with Insurers — Insurance companies may dispute specific facts of your case. We negotiate with insurers for fair settlements.
- Represent You in Court — If we can’t resolve your case through settlement negotiations, we take your case to court. We present the evidence we gathered to prove the other party’s negligence and advocate for fair compensation.
Potential Damages Awarded To Pedestrian Accident Victims
The amount of compensation you can pursue depends on your injuries, how the accident happened, and who was at fault. These factors determine what kinds of damages you can seek when filing a claim, which can include:
Economic Damages
These cover real financial losses from the crash, such as:
- Medical Costs — Examples include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and follow-up visits.
- Lost Income — This type of damages covers wages you could not earn while recovering, as well as reduced earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to work in the future.
- Property Damage — You can seek reimbursement for items damaged in the crash, such as clothes, phones, or glasses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the non-financial effects of the accident. These include your physical pain and emotional distress, such as anxiety or PTSD. You can also pursue compensation for the ways your injury limits your ability to enjoy life or do things you once loved.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Common Questions People Ask About Pedestrian Accident Cases
If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may have questions about what to do next.
Here are clear answers to the questions people often ask after these crashes.
What Does A Corona Pedestrian Accident Attorney Cost To Hire?
Most pedestrian accident attorneys serving Corona charge a contingency fee, meaning you don’t pay upfront and the lawyer collects fees only if they recover compensation for you. Some may even ask if lawyers only get paid if they win, and in many cases, that’s how these agreements work.
The exact cost depends on the complexity of your claim and whether it goes to court. Most attorneys also offer free initial consultations, giving you a chance to ask about fees and understand what charges may apply to your situation.
Can My Insurance Cover My Medical Bills If The At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
Yes. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, your auto policy may cover your medical bills through uninsured motorist coverage. If you don’t have that coverage, you may still use your health insurance or file a personal injury claim.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
There is no fixed amount for a pedestrian accident claim, as the value depends on the specific losses and injuries sustained. Settlements vary widely, but they are generally based on factors such as:
- Severity of Injuries — More serious injuries typically result in higher settlements because they require extensive treatment. These may also have a bigger impact on your daily life.
- Medical Expenses — The cost of your medical care after the crash plays a significant role in the total value of your claim.
- Lost Income — If your injury kept you from working, you can seek compensation for the wages you missed. Your claim may also include reduced earning capacity if your ability to work in the future is affected.
- Pain and Suffering — You can also seek compensation for emotional distress and physical pain caused by the collision.
- Insurance Coverage — The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage affects your potential recovery. Low or no coverage may limit available compensation.
How Long Do You Have To File For A Pedestrian Accident Claim?
A statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing an injury claim in California. If you miss this timeframe, the court will generally dismiss your case. This dismissal means you lose your right to pursue compensation.
You generally have two years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit. However, certain situations can extend the deadline, including:
- If the injured person is a minor, the two-year deadline starts when they turn eighteen.
- If a government vehicle or employee caused the accident, you must file a government tort claim within six months. If they deny your claim, you’ll have six months from the date of the denial to file a lawsuit.
Call Our Corona Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
The Corona pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law assist injured individuals with the steps that follow a crash. If you’ve been hurt and find yourself thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer,” you can reach our team at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Our Corona injury law firm assists clients in pursuing compensation based on the specific facts of their case and applicable law. We review the circumstances of the accident, identify the parties who may be responsible, and explain the options for moving your claim forward.
Our team also serves clients in the surrounding areas, including Eastvale, Norco, Mira Loma, Pedley, Riverside, Montclair, Chino Hills, Ontario, Yorba Linda, and the rest of California.
