San Bernardino 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 Excellent San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Are Dedicated To Making You Stronger
Every day, thousands of residents in San Bernardino travel the streets on foot, whether for exercise, commuting, or simply enjoying a stroll. However, this bustling city presents a significant risk of pedestrian accidents. If you get injured by a car while on a sidewalk or crosswalk, reach out to our San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyers immediately. We’ll help you file a claim against the negligent parties and seek compensation. Call (888) 488-1391 today for a free consultation.
San Bernardino is a major international trading hub in Southern California. In addition to a thriving business environment, the city has beautiful year-round weather, averaging 340 days of sunshine. This makes the place suitable for various outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking.
San Bernardino isn’t just a tourist destination. The city has affordable neighborhoods, easily accessible and high-quality medical care, and open local farm markets to meet your needs. Despite being considered somewhat walkable, the city remains car-dependent. This increases the number of pedestrian accidents in the area. People might get hit by a vehicle or slip and fall while walking to the nearest bus station or different establishments.
If this happens to you, seek assistance from our pedestrian accident attorneys in San Bernardino. We’re passionate advocates who will do everything to help you obtain justice. We also offer contingency-based services, so you won’t have to pay us anything unless we are successful in your case. Contact us now to get your legal battle started.
Why Do I Need A Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
After sustaining injuries and damages in a pedestrian accident, you might ask yourself, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” The short answer to this question is yes. Hiring an attorney in San Bernardino will help you ensure the success of your pedestrian accident claim.
Pedestrian accidents aren’t simple inconveniences you can disregard. Sometimes, they can lead to serious injuries and losses. You may have to deal with mounting medical bills and terrifying calls from insurers who only prioritize their financial interests.
Our San Bernardino lawyers have worked on pedestrian accidents for decades. We are adept at building a strong case and establishing the negligence and liability of the at-fault parties. Our foremost objective is to get maximum compensation that covers all your damages and losses.
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 Will Our San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Fight For You?
With an in-depth knowledge of personal injury law and extensive experience handling and winning claims, our attorneys in San Bernardino can help you win your pedestrian accident case. We will fight for your financial recovery by doing the following:
- Investigating The Accident — Our lawyers will investigate the reasons behind the accident that harmed you. Whether you’re the victim of a driver who drove too fast, impaired, too sleepy, or who failed to yield the right of way, we have you covered. We’ll ensure we have strong legal grounds to hold the negligent parties accountable.
- Gathering Evidence — Our team will collect solid evidence such as relevant photos and videos, medical bills, hospital records, and witness testimonies to build a strong case. Through this case, we will demonstrate the injuries and losses you suffered in the accident.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies — As an award-winning law firm for over 30 years, we can confidently deal with insurance companies on your behalf. Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers will advocate for your best interests in negotiations. We won’t let the opposing parties force you to accept lowball offers for your damages.
- Litigating — While we aim for an amicable resolution with other parties, our attorneys are always ready for trial. If negotiations do not proceed to a fair settlement, we are prepared to protect your rights in court. We will aggressively assert your interests before a judge or jury and strive for the highest settlement possible.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in San Bernardino will guide you through every step of the process, helping you make empowered decisions and ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Are The Rights And Duties Of Pedestrians In California?
California, including San Bernardino, implements specific laws to protect pedestrians as they navigate busy roads. The Vehicle Code outlines the rights of residents who walk, push strollers, or use wheelchairs and other mobility aids, all of which motorists must recognize.
Accordingly, drivers must yield the right-of-way to individuals crossing the streets to prevent them from getting injured in car collisions. The law also allows pedestrians to walk on sidewalks, as they shouldn’t be forced to walk on the roads due to obstructions. Furthermore, motorists must give way to them when entering or exiting driveways or alleys.
Although pedestrians have a long list of rights, they are also required to take precautions to ensure their safety. When using crosswalks, they should not run or walk into the path of moving vehicles. They must also follow traffic signals and avoid stopping or delaying traffic, as they might get struck by motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles.
Unfortunately, despite the strict implementation of the vehicle code, pedestrian accidents continue to occur. Catastrophic injuries can result from these incidents, especially when trucks are involved. If a careless driver hits you, don’t hesitate to seek their accountability for your injuries. Our San Bernardino lawyers working on pedestrian accidents will assist you in establishing their liability. We know the ins and outs of the legal system, which enables us to build a strong case for our clients.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents In San Bernardino
Various factors lead to pedestrian accidents. Often, these unfortunate events stem from a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming individuals crossing the street or walking on sidewalks.
Our attorneys in San Bernardino have handled pedestrian accident cases related to the following causes:
- Speeding vehicles
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and drugs
- Reckless driving
- Drivers failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians at intersections
- Drivers making sharp turns without signaling properly
- Motor vehicle accidents at junctions
- Vehicles running in tight alleys or streets without sidewalks
- Motorists disregarding traffic signs and signals, such as running red lights
- Low visibility conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, or fog
- Careless reversing of vehicles
- Poor lighting conditions
- Poorly designed or inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and signage
- Poor road conditions or road debris
- Construction work
Although drivers are frequently blamed for pedestrian accidents, victims may also hold private companies accountable. For instance, you might have a claim against Uber if one of its drivers hits you while transporting a passenger to a drop-off point. Similarly, you could file a claim against a government office if you slipped and hit your head due to neglected pavement.
If you got into a pedestrian accident and are unsure how it happened, get help from our lawyers in San Bernardino. With our expertise, we can thoroughly examine the specifics of the incident and determine the contributing factors. From here, we can pinpoint the careless parties that should take responsibility for your injuries.
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident?
What Are The Injuries Commonly Sustained In Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrians often suffer detrimental consequences after getting into accidents. They might sustain various bodily injuries for having no protection at all. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in San Bernardino have helped clients recover compensation for the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, which might result in paralysis and immobility
- Internal injuries, including internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries, like bruises
- Amputations
- Fractures
- Muscle damage, such as sprains and strains
- Cuts and lacerations
- Wrongful deaths
Bodily harm from traumatic events may require both short and long-term medication. However, even prompt medical attention might not be enough to compensate for the damages incurred by the victims and their families.
Reach out to our San Bernardino pedestrian accident attorneys if you get injured in one. We’ll assist you in obtaining the rightful compensation you deserve. This will not only pay for your medical treatment but will also help you cope with financial losses, pain, and suffering during your healing process.
Who Is Liable In A San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident?
Who’s liable for compensating the victim is determined based on whichever party is found to be negligent. Most of the time, drivers are held responsible for pedestrian accidents. They have the legal obligation to consider the safety of other people while they’re behind the wheel. If they violate this duty, they may be deemed accountable for any ensuing harm. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re always to blame.
Car owners can also be held liable if they allow someone else to drive their vehicle and the driver causes an accident that injures someone. For instance, if a vehicle owner lets an intoxicated person drive their vehicle, and that person causes an accident, the injured pedestrian can sue both the car owner and the driver for damages.
Poorly constructed or maintained roads, sidewalks, or parking lots might also lead to accidents in San Bernardino. In these instances, accident attorneys can help pedestrians pursue complaints against government agencies, property owners, or maintenance providers in charge of keeping these areas safe.
Pedestrians may also share responsibility for accidents, especially if they commit the following:
- Crossing the street when the traffic light is red
- Crossing the street while intoxicated
- Stepping outside the crosswalk
- Failure to check passing vehicles before crossing
- Crossing areas that are off-limits to pedestrians
If you’re uncertain about the cause of the incident that led to your injuries, contact our San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyers. We will gather the necessary details and determine the responsibility of all possible parties at fault, ensuring they fully compensate you for your losses.
Determining Fault In A Pedestrian Accident
Injured pedestrians have legal grounds to file a claim against at-fault parties and obtain compensation for their damages. However, building a strong case requires a pedestrian accident lawyer to prove the defendant’s negligence.
- Duty Of Care
All road users must exercise care to avoid harming others. For example, a driver has a duty to yield the right of way to pedestrians. - Breach Of Duty
Determining whether a breach of duty occurred depends on the case details. For instance, a motorist breaches his duty of care if he is found to have been using his phone when he hits a pedestrian. - Causation
This element refers to the direct relationship between the responsible party’s breach of duty and the victims’ injuries. If you’re an injured pedestrian, you must show that the other party’s reckless actions caused the bodily harm you suffered. - Damages
Proving your damages is the final element of negligence. You can provide evidence, such as medical bills, hospital and medical records, expert testimonies, photos and videos of the accident, etc.
Establishing negligence is more challenging than most victims realize. Nevertheless, our attorneys in San Bernardino will use their expertise to demonstrate that the careless actions of the accountable parties led to the pedestrian accident. We will interview witnesses, conduct thorough research, gather crucial evidence, and even hire a reconstruction expert to support your claim if necessary.
Comparative Negligence In Pedestrian Accident Cases
In California, the legal concept of pure comparative negligence is used to apportion responsibility among the at-fault parties in an accident. Under this legal doctrine, plaintiffs can still file a claim even if they bear up to 99% of the fault. However, the damages they can receive will depend on their actual share of responsibility.
For example, you’re a pedestrian found to be 23% at fault for an accident. If the damages you incurred amount to $105,000, you may recover up to $80,850 (77% of the total damages).
Applying the pure comparative negligence rule is often confusing. Our San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyers will help you understand this legal concept and explain how it may apply to your case.
What Recoverable Damages Are Available For Pedestrian Accident Victims?
During many decades of service, our lawyers in San Bernardino have assisted pedestrian accident victims in recovering the following damages:
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable financial losses victims incur following pedestrian accidents. Economic damages can be calculated based on the actual value of monetary losses, usually reflected in official receipts or invoices. Some examples are:
- Medical Bills — Victims may incur out-of-pocket expenses after seeking medical treatment. These may include the following:
- Emergency medical services
- Hospitalization
- Medical consultations
- Surgeries
- Medical prescriptions
- Rehabilitation and therapy sessions
- In-home care
- Future doctor visits
In serious pedestrian accidents, the medical costs can quickly add up to substantial amounts. Consequently, you and your family might face a heavy financial burden. To secure compensation for these losses, keep copies of all medical records, bills, invoices, prescription receipts, and other pertinent documents verifying all your expenses.
- Lost Earnings — Pedestrian accidents often cause victims to miss work as they focus on their recovery. If your injury results in permanent disability and makes you unable to earn the same income as before, you may be eligible to claim damages for lost wages and diminished earning capacity. You may need to present your pay stubs, wage and tax statements, employee records, and employer testimonies to demonstrate the value of these losses.
- Property Damages — If the accident damages your possessions, such as a phone, laptop, backpack, or clothes, you may be entitled to compensation for their replacement or repair. The value of property damages can be calculated based on repair bills or purchase invoices.
Don’t hesitate to seek accountability for your mounting bills if you’re a pedestrian injured due to someone’s negligence. Our San Bernardino attorneys can guide you in filing a pedestrian accident claim. We can assist you in collecting evidence and vital invoices to prove the value of your expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Apart from out-of-pocket expenses, accidents can leave pedestrians suffering from intangible losses known as non-economic damages. These are not easily quantifiable in monetary terms compared to economic damages. Instead, they are subjective and are intended to help victims cope with their traumatic experiences.
Non-economic damages may include the following:
- Pain And Suffering — These refer to the physical pain and emotional distress pedestrians endure due to accidents. To determine the extent of these damages, you may have to consult a medical expert who can assess the emotional impact and long-term consequences of your injuries. Family and friends may also testify about the negative effects of your injuries on your physical and mental well-being.
- Loss Of Consortium — After victims get into catastrophic accidents, their spouses are also affected as the injuries put strain on their relationship. As such, they may be entitled to compensation for taking care of their home and children and for the loss of sexual relations, support, companionship, and guidance from their partners.
Non-economic damages are difficult to prove. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in San Bernardino can help you calculate these losses and fight for compensation. We will gather supporting documents to cover every intangible damage you sustain.
Punitive Damages
Not all pedestrian accident cases qualify for punitive damages. Local courts reserve these for lawsuits where defendants acted intentionally or with great recklessness, jeopardizing the safety of victims.
To know whether you are eligible for punitive damages, consult our pedestrian accident attorneys in San Bernardino. We can assess the details of the incident and determine the damages you can recover.
How To Prevent Pedestrian Accidents From Happening
San Bernardino is considered a walkable city, but that does not mean that pedestrian accidents rarely happen here. Anyone can prevent catastrophes by recognizing possible road hazards and adopting appropriate safety measures. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in San Bernardino suggest that you follow these tips to stay safe while crossing or walking near roads:
- Ensure your visibility. Wear bright colors or reflective materials when walking on poorly lit streets so drivers can easily see you. This advice is especially applicable at night.
- Always use crosswalks and obey traffic lights when crossing roadways. Avoid jaywalking and disregarding traffic rules.
- Take the sidewalk instead of walking by the roadside. If there’s no safe path intended for pedestrians, you may walk against traffic to see oncoming cars more easily.
- Stay alert, and do not assume drivers will see or stop for you. While California law emphasizes pedestrians’ right-of-way, not all motorists are responsible enough to recognize this. You must remain vigilant and mindful of your surroundings to avoid getting harmed.
- Avoid distractions when approaching busy roads. Using phones or other devices may divert your attention and put you in danger when walking close to traffic.
Despite taking all these safety precautions, accidents may still occur due to someone’s recklessness. If you got injured in an accident, you need good San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyers to help determine how the at-fault parties committed negligence and caused you harm. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.
Steps To Take After A Pedestrian Accident In San Bernardino
Your actions right after a pedestrian accident can greatly impact your ability to secure compensation. To ensure your rights are protected, our San Bernardino injury lawyers firmly suggest that you follow these steps:
Obtain Immediate Medical Attention
Getting medical attention should be your top priority to prevent any injuries from worsening. Call 911 if you or anyone else is injured. If you’re not sent to the hospital, ensure you see a doctor immediately. Some serious injuries have delayed symptoms. You must also follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries worsen because you neglected medical attention.
On top of all these, you must secure a copy of your medical records. These documents will serve as a reliable source detailing your physical damage and the medical interventions you underwent. Furthermore, it will establish the expenses you incurred for your treatment and the extent of your pain and suffering.
Reach out to our San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyers if you’re unsure where to seek medical attention. We can refer you to exceptional medical specialists to ensure your swift recovery. They can also provide you with essential documents to support your claim.
Contact The Police
Contact the law enforcement authorities. They can help ease the tension or break up fights between the involved parties, investigate the accident scene, and preserve any evidence they find.
The police will also draft an incident report detailing what happened, any damages and injuries sustained, and individuals believed to be at fault. Obtaining a copy of this report is crucial, as it will impact how insurance adjusters determine liability.
Document The Accident Scene
Secure photos, videos, and other evidence at the accident scene if possible. This evidence should document the following:
- Injuries sustained
- Damaged properties
- Location of the accident
- Any vehicle involved and its position during the car accident
- The object that hit or injured you
- Traces of collisions, like skid marks
- Nearby buildings and establishments
- Traffic signals and road signs
- Road conditions and any present hazards, such as faded lines, improper signage, and uneven surfaces
Apart from these, you must also obtain information from all concerned parties. Jot down their names, contact information, license and plate numbers, and insurance details. You may also ask the witnesses to provide written testimonies.
Don’t worry if you haven’t gathered enough evidence. Our San Bernardino attorneys specializing in pedestrian accidents can do the rest for you. We can connect with specialists and experts to help us investigate and collect more evidence.
Notify Insurance Companies
Report the accident to your insurance company. Provide them with precise details, such as where, when, and how the incident happened. However, don’t share too much information, and don’t admit guilt. You must only stick to the facts and keep other comments and opinions to yourself. Remember that opposing parties may use any of your statements against you.
Even though insurance adjusters may seem friendly, it’s crucial to remember that they are not working for your welfare. They will likely persuade you to accept a quick settlement offer, which is much less than what your case is worth.
Reach Out To Arash Law
Before communicating further with insurance companies and making decisions you can’t take back, consult the best pedestrian accident attorneys in San Bernardino. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 so we can guide you through the process.
Our client suffered serious injuries after he was run over by a speeding vehicle. Aside from achieving a monumental financial recovery, our firm was able to secure the best medical care and treatment to ensure that he recovered from his injuries with the best medical team in the nation. We are happy to deliver closure and peace to a nice family.– BRIAN BEECHER
Statistics About Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users to traffic accidents. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) revealed that in 2021, San Bernardino logged 102 citizens killed and injured in pedestrian accidents.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported that California saw 1,120 pedestrian fatalities in 2021, which increased from 1,026 deaths in 2020. Federal data also show that casualties in the United States have tripled over the last eleven years. Accordingly, the count rose from 4,302 in 2010 to 7,624 in 2021. These figures accounted for almost 18% of all road fatalities, the highest yearly percentage over the previous ten years.
Between 2020 and 2021, pedestrian fatalities climbed by 16%, compared to a 10% growth in other road fatalities. Since 2010, pedestrian deaths have spiked by 77%, which is a concerning trend compared to the 25% increase in other road fatalities.
These data motivate our San Bernardino lawyers to continue assisting pedestrian accident victims. Arash Law understands the struggle of those injured, so we strive to advocate for their rights and best interests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pedestrian Accidents
What Should I Do If I Can’t Afford A Lawyer?
Many victims face financial challenges after getting injured in a pedestrian accident. You might think it’s impossible to afford legal services when facing mounting medical bills and a declining income. However, you shouldn’t stress about this because there’s no upfront cost to starting a legal battle.
Most reputable personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, their fees depend on the success of your case. They won’t charge you anything unless they obtain compensation for you.
Looking for a law firm that offers contingency-based services? Call Arash Law today at (888) 488-1391. Our San Bernardino attorneys can handle your pedestrian accident case and give you a fair chance to fight for your rights.
How Can I Get Compensation For My Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
When you get injured in a pedestrian accident, you might have legal grounds to seek compensation from the negligent parties. However, many insurance companies only care about their bottom line, offering victims the lowest possible amount for their claims. To ensure you receive maximum compensation for your damages, seek guidance from the pedestrian accident attorneys San Bernardino calls for help.
Our team will guide you through the legal process. We’ll demonstrate how a motorist breached their duty of care and caused your injuries. We’ll invoke the rights and obligations of pedestrians outlined in the vehicle code. Even if the defendants attempt to shift the blame on you, we will not back down. Our lawyers will fight for your rights during negotiations and in court until we obtain the compensation you’re owed.
Can I Get Compensated If I Got Hit Outside A Crosswalk?
You may still file a pedestrian accident claim and recover compensation for your injuries. Although pedestrians must use the designated crosswalk, this doesn’t exempt drivers from their duty to exercise reasonable care. Motorists must still pay attention to pedestrians and be aware of other hazards on the road that could endanger or injure road users. If they are reckless and cause accidents, they will be responsible for any losses and injuries the victims incur.
Nevertheless, obtaining compensation in this type of case can be difficult. Defendants may argue that your damages are entirely your fault to avoid compensating you. In such situations, it’s important to consult our lawyers in San Bernardino, who specialize in pedestrian accidents. We will handle communications on your behalf. Our team will ensure they cannot pin the blame on you or turn the case against you.
Can I Recover Compensation For My Injuries From The Car Driver’s Insurance Company?
You can recover compensation from a driver’s insurance company after a pedestrian accident. It is a common misconception in California that auto insurance does not cover accidents involving pedestrians. Motorists who cause accidents are responsible for the injuries sustained by their fellow drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users. Their insurance will most likely cover the victims’ damages.
If a driver of any vehicle hits you while you’re walking somewhere, approach the best San Bernardino pedestrian accident attorneys. We will manage all the legwork for you, including negotiations with the insurance company of the at-fault motorist. We’ll assert your right to obtain fair compensation for your damages.
How Long Do I Have To File A Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Under California’s statute of limitations, victims are allowed to file personal injury cases within two years from the date of pedestrian accidents. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely disregard your lawsuit, and you will have little chance of receiving compensation.
To prevent this from happening, speak to our knowledgeable San Bernardino lawyers for pedestrian accidents as soon as possible. We can offer legal advice, ensuring your case is well-prepared. Our team will also help you gather all the necessary documents to support your case and pursue compensation, whether through settlement or trial.
Talk To The Pedestrian Accident Lawyers San Bernardino Relies On
Pedestrian accidents take a great toll on victims, affecting their quality of life and causing medical expenses, reduced earnings, and emotional distress. If you’re one of them, you do not have to shoulder this burden alone. Reach out to our dedicated San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyers today, and let us be your reliable legal ally during this challenging time.
Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will help you get the maximum compensation possible. Our team is here to carefully evaluate the specifics of the incident, considering every damage you incurred. Our lawyers will work tirelessly to get your medical bills paid, recover your lost wages, and have your vehicle repaired or replaced. Call us now at (888) 488-1391.
Our personal injury lawyers are also prepared to help victims from nearby cities and locations, including Colton, Loma Linda, Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace, Bloomington, Redlands, Fontana, Crestline, Riverside, Rubidoux, Moreno Valley, Glen Avon, Pedley, and Yucaipa. We also offer legal services in Los Angeles, Salinas, Monterey, Palm Springs, San Diego, and El Centro.
