Turlock 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.
Turlock Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Advocating For Your Legal Rights After An Injury
Walking in Turlock should be worry-free, whether you’re commuting, exercising, or simply getting around. However, this activity still poses some unavoidable risks, with vehicles potentially presenting a threat to pedestrians. A collision caused by a negligent driver could leave you injured. Our Turlock pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help seek compensation that may cover medical bills, lost wages, and future expenses. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at (888) 488-1391.
While Turlock offers a variety of cultural arts, sporting activities, ample green spaces, and quality education, it’s important to be mindful of potential pedestrian safety concerns. Due to the city’s high level of traffic, particularly around California State University Stanislaus (CSUS) and in various parks, there’s an increased possibility of pedestrian accidents, especially for students and during peak hours.
Turlock’s pedestrians face daily risks, and accidents can potentially cause severe, lasting disabilities. If you’ve been injured, our skilled Turlock pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to review your case. With decades of combined experience, we help injured clients pursue compensation. We can work to do so with California’s laws for pedestrian safety in mind. Schedule a free case review with our team, and we can walk you through your options.
Cuevas v. Salinas Farm Labor Contractor (settled on 2/22/2022) – Settlement involving a woman working as a fruit packer when her hair was caught in a running conveyor belt resulting in severe trauma to her head and scalp, traumatic brain injury, and skull fracture. In addition to this, Arash Law obtained a $14 million settlement on behalf of the client against a 3rd party.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Reasons To Work With Our Turlock Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
You can always seek legal guidance, even if you’re unsure if your injury case warrants it. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Turlock can guide you through your claim. We’ve handled pedestrian accident cases in the past and are familiar with the challenges they’re likely to pose. No clue who hit you? We can help investigate and, if needed, assist in identifying the driver responsible.
Additionally, we’ll keep you updated on every step and explain our actions clearly. Our independent investigation could help us gather evidence while our skilled attorneys handle settlement negotiations.
Disputes may arise during settlement negotiations if there are unaddressed concerns about your claim. That’s where seeking legal representation could be helpful. We know how to obtain evidence that may demonstrate our clients’ losses, help us negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, take cases to trial. A call to our pedestrian injury lawyers in Turlock can help you schedule a free initial consultation.
Most Common Injuries Sustained By Pedestrians In An Accident
Pedestrian accidents could have serious consequences, causing severe injuries or even death. Whether you were crossing the street, walking through a parking lot, strolling along the sidewalk, or simply enjoying public space, being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian can potentially have life-altering implications. Our Turlock pedestrian accident lawyers can help assess the extent of the losses you incurred and factor that into your claim.
Here are some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries we see:
Fractures Or Broken Bones
The force of impact could cause fractures in various bones, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require extensive medical intervention, including surgery and prolonged recovery periods.
Concussions And Closed-Head Injuries
A blow to the head can result in concussions, characterized by dizziness, headaches, and memory loss. More severe closed-head injuries can lead to internal bleeding, coma, and long-term cognitive impairments.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs are serious injuries that disrupt brain function. They can range from mild (concussions) to moderate and severe, causing a wide range of symptoms like memory loss, personality changes, and motor dysfunction. Recovery from TBIs can be lengthy and complex, requiring long-term therapy and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
These catastrophic injuries damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions. The severity and prognosis depend on the location and extent of the damage.
Crush Injuries
When limbs or other body parts are compressed between the vehicle and another object, severe crush injuries can occur. These injuries can cause tissue damage, fractures, and even amputation in extreme cases.
Back Injuries
Back injuries could lead to sprains, strains, herniated discs, and even spinal fractures. Chronic back pain, mobility limitations, and ongoing treatment are some of the effects of back injuries.
Knee Injuries
Knees might bear the brunt of the impact in pedestrian accidents, resulting in ligament tears, fractures, and cartilage damage. These injuries can impede mobility and require extensive rehabilitation.
Leg Injuries
Fractures, ligament tears, and muscle strains are common leg injuries in pedestrian accidents. The severity can range from minor discomfort to permanent disability, depending on the type and location of the injury.
Neck Injuries
The impact of a collision could cause whiplash, a neck injury leading to pain, stiffness, and nerve damage. More severe neck injuries can involve fractures and spinal cord damage.
Arm Injuries
Fractures, dislocations, and sprains in the arms are common, resulting in pain, limited mobility, and potentially requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
The force of impact can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other hidden injuries that may not be immediately apparent but require prompt medical attention.
Permanent Nerve Injuries
Nerve damage can occur due to direct trauma or compression, causing numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of function in the affected area.
Amputations
In severe cases, the extent of injuries may require amputation of limbs to prevent further complications or preserve life.
Paralysis
Depending on the severity of spinal cord or brain injuries, paralysis can occur, affecting mobility and various bodily functions.
Severe Burn Injuries
In rare instances, pedestrian accidents involving hot engines or other sources of heat can cause severe burns requiring extensive treatment and potentially leaving permanent scarring.
Wrongful Death
Some pedestrian accidents result in the death of the victim. In such cases, families may be eligible to pursue legal action against the responsible party for wrongful death.
What To Do After Your Pedestrian Accident
Being struck by a car as a pedestrian could be disorienting. However, if you’re still conscious and able, keeping even a few steps in mind can be crucial if you choose to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver later on. Here are a few examples to illustrate:
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away — Even if you feel okay after your accident, you still need to see a doctor. Severe injuries like head trauma, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage can take hours, days, or even weeks to show symptoms. Getting checked out helps in documenting and linking your injuries to the accident, which is crucial for any legal claims or insurance matters.
- Exchange Information — Gather information from all parties involved in the accident. Take note of the name, contact details, and insurance information of the driver responsible. If possible, also collect details from any witnesses who observed the incident. Your attorney can contact these individuals to gather their statements and recollections. Witnesses could support your case against the at-fault driver by providing firsthand accounts of the accident.
- Gather Evidence — If you’re not seriously injured, try to gather evidence at the accident scene. Take detailed photos of the entire area, including the vehicles involved, traffic lights or signals, weather conditions, and anything else that seems relevant. If you have visible injuries, consider taking photos of them as well to document their appearance immediately after the accident.
- Contact Arash Law’s Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Turlock — Reach out to our attorneys who handle pedestrian accidents. The complexities of California’s traffic laws and their application to pedestrians may impact your eligibility to pursue compensation. With an attorney’s guidance, you can clarify the facts of your case so you can decide how to proceed.
Safety Tips For Pedestrians In Turlock, CA
While walking should be a carefree activity, sharing the road with vehicles requires vigilance. Every year, countless pedestrians are injured in collisions. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or simply enjoying a neighborhood stroll, prioritizing awareness and safety could help you avoid accidents.
Avoid Distractions When Crossing
As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, staying alert and avoiding distractions while on the street has become a challenge for many pedestrians and drivers. Inattentiveness may have severe consequences, potentially resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities.
For a safe crossing, prioritize full awareness over any potential distractions, whether it’s making a phone call, texting, listening to music, or letting your mind wander. Stay vigilant and focused on your surroundings to protect not only your safety but also the well-being of others traversing the street.
Make Eye Contact With The Drivers
For pedestrians at intersections, a simple glance can let approaching drivers know you’re crossing, prompting them to stop or slow down. This is an important safety practice that can help protect you and others nearby who might be distracted. Remember, in busy streets, seeing and being seen is key to avoiding collisions. So, before stepping into the crosswalk, make eye contact with the driver. It’s a small gesture that could have a big impact on your safety.
Follow Traffic Laws
Crossing the street safely starts with using designated crosswalks. These marked areas grant pedestrians the right-of-way, creating a predictable path for both walkers and drivers. They not only shield you from potential accidents but also alert motorists to anticipate pedestrians at specific points. Choosing crosswalks over jaywalking significantly reduces your chance of collisions with vehicles or even other pedestrians. Remember, following traffic laws and signals everywhere you go is key to fostering a safe environment for everyone on the road.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, our Turlock accident lawyers at Arash Law are ready to assist you. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Who Is Liable In A Turlock Pedestrian Accident?
In California, pedestrians injured in accidents with motorists or others could potentially hold the responsible party liable for damages. This could include one or more of the following:
- Drivers — If their negligence caused the accident, they could be liable.
- Property Owners — If a dangerous property condition contributed to the incident, they may be liable.
- Government Entities — If a public road was unreasonably dangerous, they might be liable.
- Pedestrians — If their negligence caused or contributed to the accident, they may share liability.
Liability can be shared if both parties contributed to the accident, potentially reducing the amount of compensation you could pursue. Identifying who may be responsible usually involves examining negligent actions, like drivers failing to stop at crosswalks or running red lights.
Each situation is unique, so working with an experienced Turlock pedestrian accident attorney after the accident could help you pursue compensation from the appropriate party or parties.
Proving Negligence In Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is injured in an accident, proving the driver’s negligence is crucial for establishing the validity of your claim. In other words, the injured party must demonstrate, with sufficient evidence, that the driver’s actions caused the accident.
- Duty of Care — The driver had a legal obligation to act cautiously and responsibly, like a reasonable person would in similar circumstances.
- Breach of Duty — The driver failed to fulfill this obligation through careless actions or omissions.
- Causation — The driver’s breach of duty directly led to the pedestrian accident. This means the driver’s actions were the main cause, not just a contributing factor.
- Damages — The pedestrian suffered measurable losses due to the collision, such as physical injuries, lost wages, or medical expenses.
Evidence supporting these claims can include police reports, witness accounts, photos, videos, medical records, and expert testimony. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Turlock, our attorneys at Arash Law could assist you in gathering evidence and pursuing your claim.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
Compensation Available To Turlock Pedestrian Accident Victims
Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial losses. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and any resulting costs.
The following are examples of the types of damages you may be able to pursue:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses — This includes past, present, and future costs of hospitalization, surgeries, medication, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical care.
- Lost Wages — If your injuries prevent you from working, you can pursue compensation for lost income and benefits. This may also include future lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your long-term ability to work.
- Disability Costs — If your injuries result in a permanent disability, you may be entitled to seek compensation for dedicated equipment, modifications to your home or vehicle, and ongoing care needs.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses — This covers any additional costs incurred due to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments, childcare, household help, or modifications to your living space.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering — This can cover the physical and emotional pain you may experience due to your injuries. It includes discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium — If your injuries impact your relationships with loved ones, particularly a spouse, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for the loss of intimacy, companionship, and support.
- Scarring or Disfigurement — If your injuries result in permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the emotional and social impact these changes have on your life.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, particularly when gross negligence or recklessness is involved, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter future similar conduct.
Consider consulting our Turlock pedestrian accident attorneys before accepting any settlement offers. We can help you negotiate, build a case, and seek compensation through litigation, if necessary. By understanding the different types of damages available, you can make informed decisions about your case and seek compensation that closely considers your losses.
Statute Of Limitations In Turlock, California
In California, injured pedestrians typically have two years after their accident to file a lawsuit for damages, as per Section 335.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure. This timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, helps in keeping the legal process timely and evidence accessible. Missing this deadline generally means losing the right to compensation, with limited exceptions. For accidents involving government negligence, the claim deadline is only six months, followed by a six-month window to sue if the claim is denied.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics In Turlock, CA
Pedestrians in Turlock may still get injured in accidents despite recent efforts to improve safety. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 25.6 percent of all traffic fatalities in California involve pedestrians, and one in four pedestrian deaths is caused by hit-and-run drivers.
Pedestrian accidents in Turlock are more likely to injure vulnerable road users, including minors and older adults. In 2020, four children under 15 and four seniors over 65 were injured in pedestrian crashes within Turlock city limits. Additionally, the city also recorded a total of 318 hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians, including 23 involving children and 24 involving seniors.
Contact Our Turlock Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Near You!
You could be eligible to pursue compensation for your pedestrian accident, even in scenarios where you weren’t using a crosswalk. Drivers have a legal obligation to pedestrians everywhere, and you may still be able to file a personal injury claim.
We understand what it takes to seek accountability from the at-fault party and help you pursue the compensation that may be available to you. For a free initial consultation with one of our skilled pedestrian accident attorneys in Turlock, call us at (888) 488-1391.
Our legal team also extends our services to the neighboring communities of Turlock, including Hatch, Montpelier, Cortez, Ballic, Denair, Keyes, Monterey Park Tract, Cowan Tract, and Delhi. Accident victims from other locations in California can also reach out to us for a free case review.
