San Fernando Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
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Our San Fernando Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help Injury Victims Understand Their Options
In a traffic accident, vulnerable road users such as pedestrians are more likely to suffer severe injuries. Our San Fernando pedestrian accident lawyers know the significant impact these injuries have on victims’ lives. They will work diligently to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call (888) 488-1391 and discuss your case with one of our attorneys.
Insurance negotiations after a pedestrian accident can be complex, and outcomes depend on the circumstances of each case. At Arash Law, we draw on our experience and resources to represent clients in a wide range of personal injury matters. Aside from providing legal representation, we also offer support to help you move forward and heal. We work to seek financial recovery that can help cover your medical expenses and future needs.
What Can San Fernando Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Do?
Our pedestrian accident attorneys can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights. We want to support you throughout the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Our lawyers can handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. If necessary, we can represent you in court. Here are the things our pedestrian accident lawyers in San Fernando can do for you:
- Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation — To build your case, our car accident lawyers gather evidence and consult with experts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
- Offer Legal Assistance — Our team of pedestrian accident lawyers in San Fernando can guide you through the complexities of the legal system.
- Handle Insurance Negotiations — Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who can communicate with insurance companies.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in San Fernando are ready to take on your case. We offer free and confidential initial consultations.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Why Hire Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, the attorneys at our San Fernando injury law firm are here to advocate for your rights and pursue compensation you may be entitled to. We understand the complexities of these types of cases and the importance of providing personalized and quality legal representation to our clients.
- No Win, No Fee Policy — Our lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Instead of requiring retainer payments or upfront fees, our compensation comes as a percentage of the settlement or award. This agreement allows injured victims to pursue their case without financial risk.
- Extensive Experience — We have decades of combined experience handling personal injury cases. Whether at the negotiation table or in the courtroom, our experienced attorneys can help protect your rights.
- Client-Centered Approach — In representing individuals injured in pedestrian accidents, we focus on providing personalized guidance throughout the legal process. While no outcome can be guaranteed, we work to pursue the most appropriate resolution based on the facts and circumstances of each case.
Frequently Asked Questions For Pedestrian Accidents
As you’re navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, you may have many questions in your mind. Accident victims often ask our lawyers the following questions:
How Much Does Hiring A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most San Fernando pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients don’t pay any upfront costs for legal representation. Rather, we deduct our fees from the final settlement amount if we win. You won’t owe attorney’s fees if no compensation is obtained.
What Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
The value of your pedestrian accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, lost wages, medical expenses, and other related losses. Because pedestrians often suffer serious injuries in traffic collisions, claims can sometimes involve substantial compensation. However, every case is different, and the potential value will vary based on the specific details of your situation.
To better understand what your claim might be worth, we encourage you to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our pedestrian accident attorneys in San Fernando. We can review the facts of your case and help you explore your legal options.
What If I Was Jaywalking When I Was Hit?
Even if you were jaywalking, you may still be entitled to compensation under California’s comparative negligence law. This law allows injured pedestrians to recover damages, but the amount may be reduced in proportion to their share of fault.
In California, jaywalking is technically illegal. However, reforms have relaxed enforcement when pedestrians cross the street outside of a marked crosswalk or against traffic signals safely and without immediate risk. Still, proving fault can be complex, so it’s generally advisable to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer in San Fernando who can evaluate your situation.
Deadline For Filing Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits
Under California law, injured victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Legal action taken after this timeframe will likely result in your case being dismissed.
However, there are several exceptions to the statute of limitations. If the injured victims were minors at the time of the accident, the two-year period does not begin until they turn 18. The parents or guardians may, however, file a case on behalf of the minor.
If a government entity caused your pedestrian accident, there might be shorter deadlines and additional procedural requirements for filing a claim. If this is the case, you may need to file a formal claim with the government entity within six months of the accident.
Evidence and witness testimony are crucial to supporting your claim. Delaying legal action can make the process of gathering evidence and establishing liability more challenging. Our San Fernando pedestrian accident lawyers provide guidance on the legal process and help you stay on track with important deadlines.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
Understanding what causes pedestrian accidents is essential in building your case. Most traffic incidents happen due to human error. Drivers have a duty of care that extends to vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists. The most common driver errors include:
- Distracted Driving — With the increasing use of smartphones and other electronic devices, distracted driving has become a growing concern. Drivers who are texting, using their phones, or navigating systems may not see pedestrians in time to avoid collisions.
- Speeding — Excessive speed increases the likelihood of a driver losing control of their vehicle or overcorrecting. It also reduces the time a driver has to react to unexpected situations, increasing the severity of collisions.
- Impaired Driving — Driving while intoxicated by alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications impairs the driver’s motor control, attention, and spatial awareness.
Other factors, such as the following, also contribute to pedestrian accidents:
- Bad Weather Conditions — Reduced visibility, slippery roads, and other hazards caused by bad weather conditions can make pedestrian accidents more likely to happen.
- Vehicle Malfunctions — Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failure or steering issues, can cause a driver to lose control and hit a pedestrian.
- Poor Road Conditions — Poor road conditions, such as inadequate lighting, potholes, and a lack of signage, can increase the risk of a car-pedestrian collision.
How Our Lawyers Prove Liability In A Pedestrian Accident Case
Our San Fernando pedestrian accident lawyers can help you establish the four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — Duty of care refers to drivers’ legal responsibility to exercise reasonable care and avoid harming other road users, including pedestrians. This obligation sets the standard for how a reasonably prudent person would act in similar circumstances. For example, motorists must obey traffic laws and drive safely to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Breach of Duty — To prove negligence, you must show that the driver breached their duty of care. This occurs when their driving behavior falls short of what a reasonable person would do, ultimately resulting in an accident.
- Causation — It is important to establish a direct link between the driver’s negligence and the pedestrian accident. You must demonstrate that the at-fault party’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
- Damages — The final step is to demonstrate the extent of your damages, which includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
It is essential to examine all the circumstances surrounding a pedestrian accident case in order to prove fault. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in San Fernando understand the complexities involved and are committed to providing legal support.
Liable Parties In A Pedestrian Accident
The majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by reckless drivers. Driver errors (like distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failing to yield the right of way) can all lead to pedestrian accidents.
However, multiple parties could share liability depending on the circumstances. These may include:
- Driver’s Employers — According to the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior,” which means “let the superior answer,” employers are vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employees. If a commercial driver strikes a pedestrian while making deliveries or operating a company vehicle, the employer could face liability for the resulting damages.
- Vehicle Manufacturers — When a defect in a car, such as faulty brakes or tires, causes an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- Government Agencies — A government agency responsible for maintaining the roadway might be liable if the accident occurs due to inadequate road conditions, such as poor signage or poorly marked crosswalks.
The involvement of multiple liable parties can impact the victim’s case. Under California’s comparative negligence rule, liability is divided based on each party’s degree of fault. Our San Fernando pedestrian accident lawyers are familiar with cases involving multiple defendants and understand how to navigate the legal and procedural complexities that can arise in these situations.
Recoverable Compensation In A Pedestrian Accident Claim
Pedestrians are highly vulnerable in traffic collisions because they lack the physical protection that vehicles provide. Survivors of pedestrian accidents in San Fernando may have problems getting their lives back on track. Accidents involving motor vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries, extreme financial hardship due to lost work, high medical costs, and a lifelong need for medical care.
The following are the most common types of injuries victims suffer:
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Head injuries
- Crush injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations
Arash Law has experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in San Fernando can assist you in pursuing damages, which can include the following:
Compensatory Damages
The purpose of compensatory damages in personal injury cases is to reimburse the injured party for the actual losses and expenses they incurred due to the accident, including economic and non-economic damages.
These damages can cover the following:
- Medical expenses, such as emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment for injuries such as fractures and traumatic brain injuries.
- Missed paychecks, reduced earning capacity, and long-term effects on your finances when your injuries prevent you from working.
- Physical pain and discomfort.
- Diminished enjoyment of life if your injuries restrict your ability to walk, exercise, or carry out daily tasks.
- Psychological distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Punitive Damages
Unlike compensatory damages, which reimburse victims for their losses, punitive damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future. Courts award punitive damages only in rare cases where the defendant’s behavior was especially reckless, egregious, or malicious.
Wrongful Death Damages
When a pedestrian accident leads to a fatality, the victim’s family may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can help pursue damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional loss of companionship and care. While no amount of money can ever replace a loved one, compensation can ease the financial burden and offer some stability during a time of immense grief.
In addition to a wrongful death claim, the victim’s estate representative may also file a survival action with the help of a San Fernando pedestrian accident lawyer. A survival action seeks compensation for the pain and suffering the victim endured before their passing, along with any medical bills or lost income incurred between the time of injury and death. This legal route acknowledges the suffering the victim experienced and ensures their estate can seek justice on their behalf.
What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident
Even though the immediate chaos of the accident is behind you, there are still important steps you can take to protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim:
- Organize Any Evidence You Collected — Keep photos, driver and witness information, or notes about the scene in one safe place. This documentation can help provide a clearer picture of what happened.
- Write Down What You Remember — As memories fade quickly, take time to write down key details, including what the driver was doing, how the accident occurred, the weather, and anything unusual or important. Even small details can be useful later.
- Get Follow-Up Medical Care — If you haven’t already, see a doctor for a full evaluation. Some injuries, especially internal or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. Medical records can help support your case.
- Contact a Pedestrian Lawyer — San Fernando pedestrian accident lawyers can protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports 118 traffic-related deaths and injuries in San Fernando in 2022. These accidents resulted in the deaths and injuries of 12 pedestrians.
According to the data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths occurred every 70 minutes on average, and injuries occurred every 8 minutes in traffic accidents in 2022. Traffic collisions claimed the lives of 7,522 pedestrians, an increase of 0.7% from the 7,470 pedestrians killed in 2021. An estimated 67,336 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2022, an increase of 11% from 60,579 pedestrians injured in 2021.
Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to helping you seek accountability from the negligent parties and pursuing compensation for your injuries and other accident-related losses.
Contact Our San Fernando Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Following an accident, you may wonder, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer if I’m involved in a pedestrian accident?” Consulting with pedestrian accident lawyers in San Fernando can give you an understanding of your options and the steps available to you.
Our lawyers have the resources and experience to pursue personal injury claims on behalf of victims and families in San Fernando. We work to seek fair compensation, manage communications with insurance companies, and support you at every step. We are committed to advocating for your interests.
In addition to San Fernando, our pedestrian accident lawyers also serve clients in Santa Clarita, Burbank, West Hollywood, Glendale, Beverly Hills, La Cañada Flintridge, Calabasas, Culver City, Santa Monica, Altadena, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Simi Valley, and South Pasadena.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form. Our team is available to listen to your situation and answer your questions.
