Lakewood Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Lakewood Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Are Advocates Focused On Your Recovery
Our Lakewood pedestrian accident lawyers assist victims in managing their injury cases and are experienced in providing legal assistance. Our team has handled various personal injury cases throughout California. We assist victims in pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, our attorneys can provide legal guidance. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Heavy foot traffic from walking, running, or jogging increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to being struck by vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles, especially when reckless drivers are involved. Because they lack the protective structure of a vehicle, pedestrians often suffer more severe injuries than passengers inside cars. In many cases, the full force of the impact is absorbed by their bodies, putting them at even greater risk.
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, victims may face physical pain and emotional and financial burdens. Medical bills, lost wages, and the long road to recovery can feel overwhelming.
Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your legal options and work toward pursuing a favorable resolution for your case. Pedestrian accident lawyers near you can guide you through the legal process of seeking compensation for damages. Reach out to us to take the first step toward holding the responsible parties accountable.
Reasons To Choose Arash Law’s Lakewood Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Our Lakewood pedestrian accident attorneys have handled a wide range of injury cases, gaining decades of experience in personal injury law. Our personal injury law firm in California offers the following:
- No Upfront Attorney’s Fees — Our lawyers work on a contingency fee agreement, which means you don’t have to pay any attorney fees upfront to have us handle your case. We only get paid if compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for other legal costs related to your case.
- Dedicated Legal Team — We strive to manage your case and provide comprehensive representation efficiently.
- Client-Centric Approach — We understand every case is unique. We develop a strategy tailored to the specific needs of your case.
- Comprehensive Legal Services — We are committed to helping injured victims across the Golden State. We provide legal representation and guidance in the claims process. Our mission is to protect the legal rights of those affected and help them pursue compensation that can support their recovery and future well-being.
We take cases involving minors very seriously, and they are near and dear to our hearts. As a society we must place the highest value on our children and their safety!– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Our Lawyers Can Help With Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Pedestrians in California have the right-of-way in most situations. However, that doesn’t always prevent reckless or negligent drivers from causing serious accidents. Many pedestrians suffer life-altering injuries through no fault of their own. Our Lakewood pedestrian accident attorneys are here to support victims through the following:
- Investigating Your Accident — We examine every detail of your case to determine the cause of the crash and to assess liability.
- Collecting Evidence — We gather evidence to strengthen your claim. Apart from police reports and video evidence, we may also interview eyewitnesses to get their official accounts of the incident.
- Consulting With Qualified Professionals — The attorneys at our Lakewood injury law firm can collaborate with accident reconstructionists and forensics to uncover critical details of your accident. Additionally, we may work with medical professionals to facilitate assessment and documentation of the impact of your injuries.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies — We can handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Representing You in Court — When negotiations don’t work or if there is insufficient coverage for damages, we can explore other legal options, including taking your case to court. Our team prepares cases to be ready for court if litigation becomes necessary.
If you believe you may have a case, contact us or call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation. We can discuss your situation and evaluate if you have valid grounds for filing a claim.
Understanding Pedestrian Right-Of-Way Laws
Pedestrians should exercise caution when crossing, and drivers must also take every reasonable measure to prevent accidents. Motorists must follow strict rules for pedestrian safety, including:
- Motorists must stop and yield to pedestrians at any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, at intersections. This rule promotes pedestrian safety by giving them the right of way when crossing the street. Failing to yield can lead to serious accidents and legal consequences for drivers.
- If a motorist stops to allow a pedestrian to cross, they must check if the pedestrian has enough space to pass safely. Drivers should avoid stopping too close to the crosswalk, as this can create a hazardous situation by limiting visibility for other motorists. Giving pedestrians ample space can help prevent collisions with vehicles that may not see them crossing.
- Drivers may only use the sidewalk when entering or leaving a garage or alley, and they must yield to pedestrians. Sidewalks are primarily for foot traffic, and drivers must exercise extreme caution when crossing them.
- Drivers should never block a crosswalk, as it forces pedestrians to navigate around vehicles and step into moving traffic. Keeping crosswalks clear allows a safer, more predictable path for pedestrians and helps maintain the smooth flow of traffic.
California’s Freedom to Walk Act, signed in 2021, decriminalized jaywalking, allowing pedestrians to cross intersections safely, even if they are outside marked crosswalks. Still, pedestrians are discouraged from crossing recklessly or in dangerous situations. Doing so may lead to liability if they cause an accident.
If you’re unsure whether you have a valid pedestrian accident claim, simply fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form. Our Lakewood pedestrian accident lawyers will carefully evaluate your situation and provide guidance on the course of action to take moving forward.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents usually happen due to driver negligence, which puts vulnerable individuals at serious risk. However, other factors may also contribute to these incidents. Some of the common causes of these incidents are the following:
- Distracted Driving — Activities like using mobile phones or eating divert attention, causing drivers to miss pedestrians crossing or walking on the road.
- Speeding — Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to changes in traffic. Speed-related accidents can be fatal to pedestrians.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals, Signs, or Regulations — Running red lights or ignoring stop signs increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. These behaviors enable drivers to enter crosswalks or intersections at the wrong time, putting pedestrians at risk.
- Turning Without Signals — Sudden turns without signals may catch pedestrians off guard, making it difficult for them to react and avoid getting hit.
- Driving Under the Influence — Taking alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time. Impaired drivers are more likely to miss traffic signals, fail to notice pedestrians, or react too slowly to avoid a collision.
- Poorly Designed or Maintained Pedestrian Areas — Inadequate lighting, poorly designed crosswalks, and obstacles that make pedestrians reroute can lead to accidents.
Although drivers are the primary contributors to pedestrian incidents, local governments, construction companies, or contractors can also share liability. These entities may face liability when accidents occur due to inadequate design or maintenance of pedestrian areas.
If you sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident, our Lakewood pedestrian accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options and assist you in seeking compensation you may be eligible for.
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How Our Attorneys Assess Liability In A Pedestrian Accident Case
To pursue a case after a pedestrian accident, you must prove that the at-fault party’s negligence contributed to the incident. Our Lakewood pedestrian accident attorneys can assist you in demonstrating the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — The at-fault party had a legal obligation to protect your safety by acting responsibly, following regulations, and refraining from reckless behavior.
- Breach of Duty — The at-fault party failed to fulfill their responsibility by acting recklessly, being negligent, or failing to take necessary action.
- Causation — The at-fault party’s breach of duty directly caused the accident or played a big role in contributing to the incident.
- Damages — The incident caused you losses. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Our car accident lawyers also help injured pedestrians. They can gather evidence to establish these elements. Some examples are police reports, medical records, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness accounts.
Damages Victims Can Pursue In Pedestrian Accident Claims
If you have suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, consulting an experienced accident attorney promptly is advisable. Depending on your case’s circumstances, our team of Lakewood pedestrian accident lawyers may be able to assist you in pursuing the following losses:
- Medical Costs — These include all medical expenses related to the accident, both immediate and long-term. Some injuries, such as internal organ damage, soft tissue injuries, and joint dislocations, may require hospital stays, follow-up evaluations, and prescription medications. Victims might also need orthopedic surgeries for fractures. Pain management treatments, such as chiropractic care and other therapies, may also be necessary.
- Loss of Income — Severe injuries, such as brain injuries or spinal cord damage, may need extended recovery time, resulting in missed work. In such cases, you may pursue compensation for lost wages. If the injury is permanent, your pedestrian accident attorney can help calculate future income loss.
- Pain and Suffering — Personal injuries can limit daily activities, causing physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. Victims may seek compensation for the psychological effects, including anxiety and depression, to address the long-term impact on their well-being.
If a pedestrian accident results in the loss of a loved one, the family can file a wrongful death claim. They may be eligible for damages such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of financial support.
- Loss of companionship.
The deceased’s estate can also file a survival action, which seeks compensation for damages the victim would have received if they had lived. These damages may include medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
If the liable party acted with malicious intent or gross negligence, courts may also award victims punitive damages. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer for their actions and serve as a deterrent to prevent similar negligence in the future.
What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident in Lakewood, it’s important to act carefully to protect your health and legal rights. Our Lakewood pedestrian accident attorneys understand that the experience may be overwhelming. For this reason, we recommend taking the following steps after such incidents:
- Call for Help — Call 911 for emergency assistance and inform the operator about the nature of the accident. Police typically respond after this call, so cooperate with them and focus on the facts while they investigate. The police report can support your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention — Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and some injuries may not show up until later. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can jeopardize your health and may impact your insurance claim.
- Obtain Contact Details — Collect the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. If there are any witnesses, including passengers in the vehicle, get their contact information and statements.
- Document the Scene — Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any other relevant details. Check if any surveillance or traffic cameras nearby recorded the incident, as this evidence can be valuable.
- Collect Additional Information — If possible, get the vehicle’s license plate number, make, and model, especially if the driver fled the scene. This information can help identify the responsible party.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider — The at-fault party may be liable to cover your damages, depending on your eligibility for compensation. Notify your insurer promptly, as there can be deadlines for filing insurance claims.
- Consult Lakewood Pedestrian Accident Lawyers — An experienced attorney can protect your rights and help you understand your options. They can assist you in assessing the value of your damages and guide you throughout the claims process.
A government employee struck our client while walking across the street. The driver was going too fast despite the road conditions and failed to see our client in time. We’re happy to see our client get the closure and the results they deserved after three years of intense litigation.– BRIAN BEECHER
Deadline For Filing A Pedestrian Accident Case
If you sustain an injury in a pedestrian accident in Lakewood, one way to seek compensation is by filing a civil lawsuit. California has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which sets a time limit for taking legal action after an accident or injury.
For pedestrian accident cases, you must file within two years from the date of the injury. Failing to meet this deadline could result in losing your right to compensation. It’s important to note that this deadline applies to lawsuits, not insurance claims, which should be filed promptly after the incident.
However, certain circumstances may lead to an extension of this deadline. If your injuries are not immediately apparent, the deadline may start from the date you discover or should have reasonably discovered them. Other factors, such as the victim’s age, mental capacity, or the availability of the at-fault party, can also affect the deadline.
Seeking legal help soon after the accident can help protect your rights and allow for the collection of crucial evidence before it becomes unavailable. Our Lakewood pedestrian accident lawyers can evaluate your case to determine if any exceptions apply. The sooner you reach out, the more time your attorney will have to investigate the case and identify the at-fault party before the deadline expires.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2022, 7,522 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic collisions across the U.S. Meanwhile, the estimated number of injured pedestrians that year reached 67,336. The agency also revealed that hit-and-run incidents caused nearly 1 out of 4 pedestrian fatalities that year.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 4,022 pedestrian victims in crashes in Los Angeles County in 2022, which includes the city of Lakewood. OTS data also indicated that there were 31 pedestrian accident victims in Lakewood in the same year. These numbers highlight the prevalence of pedestrian accidents across the region. In a crash, pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. They lack the physical protection of a car’s frame, which makes them more likely to suffer severe injuries in collisions.
Considering the potential severity of pedestrian accidents, legal counsel can help victims pursue the compensation they may need to support their recovery. Our Lakewood pedestrian accident attorneys can offer thorough legal guidance to help victims navigate the claims process.
Questions People Frequently Ask Our Lakewood Pedestrian Accident Lawyers (FAQs)
After a pedestrian incident, victims and their families often have many questions about their legal rights, the claims process, and what to expect moving forward. Our Lakewood pedestrian accident lawyers are here to provide clarity and guidance. Below, we answer some of the common questions we receive to help you better understand your options. If you have a specific inquiry, you can reach us at (888) 488-1391.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lakewood Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me?
Many pedestrian accident lawyers in Lakewood work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you don’t have to pay any upfront attorney fees. You only have to pay the fees if compensation is obtained. Other costs related to your case may apply regardless of the outcome. It is advisable to discuss the fee agreement with your attorney to have a clear understanding of their fees.
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For My Pedestrian Accident Case?
Yes, hiring a personal injury lawyer for your pedestrian accident case may be beneficial. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you’ll have someone to advocate for your rights and walk you through the legal process. They will help you pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. They will collect key evidence, talk to insurance companies, and handle legal matters on your behalf. This way, you can focus on your healing and other personal matters.
Our Lakewood pedestrian accident lawyers can support you throughout your case. For a confidential and free initial consultation, call us at (888) 488-1391.
How Much Is The Average Payout For A Pedestrian Accident?
Each pedestrian accident case is unique, and settlement values can vary based on the specifics of the incident. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s quality of life, and any additional losses incurred due to the accident can influence the value of a case. Every case is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account its individual circumstances and the damages involved. Our Lakewood pedestrian accident attorneys can assess your case and estimate its potential value.
Consult Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers In Lakewood
Pedestrian accidents in Lakewood can cause severe injuries that require long-term medical care and can create a big financial strain on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, our Lakewood pedestrian accident lawyers are available to provide legal guidance and support.
Our team at Arash Law has years of experience representing injured clients throughout California. We can help you pursue fair compensation for your damages and related losses. Our lawyers work diligently to handle your case with an informed legal approach and professionalism. We can handle the legal matters on your behalf so you can focus on getting better. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial case assessment.
Apart from pedestrian accidents, our Lakewood lawyers also advocate for victims of construction accidents, car collisions, dog bites, truck crashes, Lyft accidents, and bicycle incidents, among others. We also serve victims in nearby areas, including Bellflower, Paramount, Carson, Stanton, Signal Hill, Cerritos, Garden Grove, Norwalk, Compton, Downey, Long Beach, Lynwood, Los Alamitos, La Palma, Torrance, and Rossmoor.
