Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
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Our Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Helping You Understand Your Legal Options
Los Angeles is known for its beaches, movies, television sets, and music scene. Incorporated in 1850, this city is also rich in history with Spanish and Mexican influences. A Mediterranean climate attracts many visitors and full-time and part-time residents to the area. Currently, approximately 3,847,400 people call Los Angeles home, and over 18 million live in the region.
Whether walking in Brentwood, downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, University Park, or Venice Beach, pedestrians are at risk. If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law are here to provide you with legal guidance. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
While Los Angeles offers many attractions and vibrant communities, pedestrian safety can be a concern due to heavy traffic and complex roadways. Walking in the city carries certain risks, and accidents involving vehicles can result in serious injuries. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to know your legal rights and the guidance available to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other related damages.
Between 2012 and 2016, over 14,200 L.A. pedestrians suffered injuries in this city, and another 439 lost their lives. While the city has taken steps to improve pedestrian safety, such as implementing Vision Zero LA, traffic-related injuries and fatalities still occur.
Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers understand the challenges victims and their families face in the aftermath of these incidents. Accidents involving pedestrians are often catastrophic and life-altering, leaving injured parties with serious physical injuries, extensive medical expenses, lost wages, and long recovery periods. Beyond the physical impact, these accidents can take a significant emotional and mental toll. Even pedestrians who are involved in accidents with bicycles or motorcycles end up with serious injuries.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses. Our experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options during this difficult time. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free case review.
Pedestrian Accident
Settlement in a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident; client, suffered facial and spinal injuries.– Judd Ross Allen
Pedestrian And Crosswalk Laws In Southern California
California has enacted multiple statutes to protect its pedestrians. Some of these laws direct where individuals can legally walk without impeding vehicle traffic. According to California Vehicle Code 21960, drivers “shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any marked crosswalk at an intersection.”
Furthermore, it also states that “no pedestrian may suddenly leave the curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” Since there’s no hard and fast definition of what constitutes an immediate hazard, insurance companies may use the ambiguity to challenge pedestrian injury claims. Having an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights and advocate for a fair assessment of your claim for damages.
Other statutes addressing crosswalks and pedestrians in California include:
- California Vehicle Code (V.C.) 467.
- VC 275 (defines what a crosswalk is in California).
- VC 21966 (tells pedestrians where they are allowed to walk).
- VC 21950 (covers the laws surrounding when pedestrians cross the road at a crosswalk).
- VC 21955 (requires pedestrians to use crosswalks at all intersections).
- VC 21954 (tells pedestrians crossing the street outside of a crosswalk when they must yield the right-of-way to vehicles).
- VC 21970 (prevents drivers from stopping in a crosswalk and blocking it from pedestrians).
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents In Los Angeles
Numerous factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents. The following factors are frequently linked to pedestrian accidents in California:
- Distracted Driving — The use of smartphones (texting) and other electronic devices, interacting with vehicle passengers, eating/drinking, performing personal hygiene tasks, and engaging in other activities can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
- Drug and Alcohol Use — Alcohol and drug use remain a significant cause of traffic accidents. Even small amounts of these substances can impair driving abilities and reaction times.
- Speeding — Drivers who speed not only increase the chance of an accident but also increase the likelihood that the accident will cause severe trauma. The higher the vehicle’s speed, the greater the potential for serious injuries.
- Failure to Yield to Pedestrians’ Right-of-Way — Accidents often occur at intersections when drivers and pedestrians fail to follow right-of-way rules.
- Failure to Signal Before Turning — Without proper signaling, pedestrians may be unaware of a vehicle’s intended movement, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Time of Day — Pedestrian accidents often occur at night. Decreased visibility and an increase in the number of motorists driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are a dangerous combination. Dawn and dusk also see a spike in accidents. Both pedestrians and drivers have to deal with the low sun and the hazardous accompanying glare at these times.
- Reckless Driving — Speeding, drowsy driving, and other forms of impaired or aggressive driving can create dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of your accident. Understanding how your accident occurred helps us identify who is liable for your injuries.
Where Do California Pedestrian Accidents Commonly Occur?
Intersections are the most common locations for pedestrian-vehicle accidents to happen. The typical scenario occurs when a pedestrian starts crossing the road in a crosswalk and is struck by a vehicle. A driver making a left- or right-hand turn is often focused on oncoming traffic, which can make it difficult for them to notice pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Right-on-red turns, which are legal in California as long as the vehicle comes to a complete stop and looks for pedestrians first, can increase the risks for pedestrians. Since these areas are frequently accompanied by a crosswalk signal across the road, the vehicle is turning onto.
Pedestrians are also at risk in marked crosswalks. Even when crossings have flashing warning lights alerting drivers to slow down and yield, accidents can still occur, especially in low-light conditions or at night. Driver distraction, speeding, or impairment due to alcohol or drugs can all contribute to vehicle-pedestrian collisions, just as in other types of accidents.
What Happens If A Pedestrian Is Struck By A Vehicle?
Pedestrians have no protection in the event they are struck by a vehicle. Any crash accident, at any speed, can be a potentially life-or-death situation. Many pedestrians suffer broken bones or spinal injuries just from the force of impact. Unlike bicyclists or motorcyclists with helmets, when a crash occurs, pedestrians typically have no protective gear, leaving them particularly vulnerable to head injuries.
Debilitating traumatic brain injuries (TBI) may occur, resulting in long-term or lifelong disability. However, even if the pedestrian can get up on their own and walk away from the scene, their pain and injuries may not show up until after the adrenaline wears off.
Common Injuries In Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents
Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers have assisted victims and their families with a wide range of injuries. You may be lucky enough to walk away with some bruising and soft tissue injuries like whiplash, or you may be bedridden for months or even the rest of your life. No injury is too big or too small not to seek legal advice. The most common injuries we see include:
- Brain and Head Injuries — When a collision occurs, pedestrians often hit their heads with extreme force. As a result, they may suffer extensive skull fractures, facial disfigurement and scarring, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). They may become unconscious or even enter a coma depending on the severity of the brain injury.
If they regain consciousness, individuals may experience cognitive difficulties, physical impairments, behavioral problems, and various other challenges related to their injuries. Rehabilitation can be a lengthy process. Many TBI victims don’t regain their full capabilities. Some need 24-hour residential supervision for the rest of their lives.
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) — An SCI is one of the most devastating injuries a pedestrian can suffer. Damage to the spinal cord can potentially lead to a loss of function or sensation in body parts below the area of injury. SCI victims may suffer extreme paralysis and never walk again or do other activities again.
- Internal Injuries or Bleeding — Not all injuries have visible symptoms. Some pedestrian crashes damage internal organs or rupture large blood vessels. Victims who sustain internal injuries or bleeding may require emergency surgery and prolonged hospitalization. Some organs may never regain functioning abilities. Internal injuries or bleeding can be a life-threatening emergency.
- Crush Injuries and Amputations — The force of a collision can crush bones or soft tissue, causing injuries that may be difficult or impossible to repair. Severe damage can result in the loss of limbs, requiring specialized rehabilitation, prosthetics, and long-term care. These injuries can dramatically affect a victim’s ability to return to their normal life. Some are forced to leave their jobs or scale back their work and other activities. Some require daily or round-the-clock care and may never be able to do the things they once enjoyed.
How Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help You Pursue Compensation
California civil laws allow injured pedestrians to pursue financial compensation for their injuries and other damages. However, navigating the claims process can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies that are focused on minimizing payouts. Even when liability is clear, seeking fair compensation requires thorough documentation of your losses, including medical bills and records.
Proving damages is a critical part of any personal injury claim, and it is often overlooked by those unfamiliar with the legal process. Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys can help you pursue the compensation available to you under the law. We can help you file a claim for damages, including:
- Emergency Medical Treatments
- Ongoing Medical Care
- Rehabilitative Treatment
- Other Accident-Related Medical Costs
- Disability Compensation
- Current and Future Lost Wages
- Pain And Suffering
- Loss Of Quality Of Life
- Loss Of Enjoyment In Life
- Permanent Scarring Or Disfigurement
- Wrongful Death Damages, When Appropriate
Pedestrian Accident Attorneys In L.A. Can Help With Wrongful Death Claims
Under the worst-case scenario, pedestrian accident victims may not survive their injuries. In 2018, more than 6,000 pedestrians succumbed to their injuries from motor vehicle collisions. These individuals may have endured severe pain and trauma before passing. Loved ones may experience grief.
If the deceased was also a provider for the family, surviving relatives may also face financial hardship. Under California law, certain family members and dependents have the legal right to file a civil claim known as “wrongful death.” This type of claim can seek compensation for many losses, such as:
- Burial and funeral expenses.
- Medical expenses incurred before the loved one’s untimely death.
- Lost income of the loved one, including their lost future financial support.
- Lost household services, such as childcare, transportation, cooking, grocery shopping, and cleaning.
- Loss of consortium, including lost love, affection, companionship, moral support, and, in cases of a lost spouse or partner, sexual intimacy.
No amount of money can bring back a loved one or replace the time you shared together. However, seeking fair compensation can provide your family with the financial resources needed, allowing you to focus on your emotional healing and well-being during this difficult time. If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers can assess if you are eligible to file a claim, document your losses, and estimate the potential value of your damages.
Proving California Pedestrian Accident Claims
It makes sense to assume that motorists could face automatic liability after hitting an innocent pedestrian. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. California law requires that any injury victim prove the other party’s liability before they can pursue compensation. All accident victims must establish the driver’s fault by showing their negligence. Depending on the case, this could involve proving:
- Distracted Driving — Distracted motorists might not see a pedestrian and stop in time to prevent a crash.
- Drunk Driving — Alcohol and drugs can substantially impair a driver’s abilities by slowing reaction times, causing blurred vision, or decreasing their control of the vehicle, which can all result in a hit to an innocent and unsuspecting pedestrian.
- Traffic Violations — Drivers who don’t follow traffic signals or yield at crosswalks can also strike pedestrians. A speeding motorist might not slow down enough to allow a pedestrian to cross safely.
- Assault — In some cases, a driver may hit a pedestrian deliberately, out of anger, or for other criminal reasons.
Keep in mind that these are only a handful of the many negligent or wrongful acts that could cause a motorist to hit a pedestrian. It’s also worth noting that drivers aren’t the only potentially liable parties. For instance, if a vehicle or a part (such as brakes) is defectively designed or manufactured, a driver may be unable to stop in time despite acting responsibly. In such situations, the manufacturer could be held partially or fully responsible for the pedestrian’s injuries.
Why You Might Need Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
When an accident occurs involving insurance companies, working with knowledgeable Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal process. An attorney can help you seek fair compensation under the law. Keep in mind, insurance companies and insurance adjusters prioritize the financial well-being of the company over the needs of a victim or their family members. Insurance companies may take any steps they can to minimize their settlement offer.
Trying to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally can be difficult. This is especially true if you are also working on time-sensitive processes with your claim, filing various documents, and trying to negotiate with insurance representatives. Our attorneys can help you lighten the load. We can handle the legal matters while you focus on what’s important: your well-being. Contact us for a free case review.
Can A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Claim?
Hiring a Los Angeles personal injury attorney can help reduce stress, give you more time to focus on your recovery, and provide legal guidance throughout the claims process. This support can improve your chances of pursuing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Keep in mind that California pedestrian accident claims are typically managed by insurance companies, which follow established procedures to evaluate and settle claims. Common challenges in these claims can include denial of coverage, undervaluation of damages, or disputes over who is at fault. Having experienced legal guidance can help you navigate these issues.
If you need help dealing with insurance companies, an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer from Arash Law can handle negotiations on your behalf. They advocate for the fair assessment of your claim and pursue appropriate compensation for your damages.
Call Our Experienced Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Our California personal injury lawyers at Arash Law have represented the interests of injured victims in California in a wide range of personal injury cases. Many of them are victims of pedestrian accidents or family members of victims.
At Arash Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay attorney fees unless compensation is obtained. During your initial consultation, our lawyers will go over the fees and other potential costs, as well as answer any questions you may have. We can review your case and determine if you have a valid basis to file a claim. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
We serve clients in San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California.
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