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Some of the worst accidents can happen when you are walking as a pedestrian. Legal Fighters personal injury attorneys understand the crushing impact a pedestrian injury can have on your life and the lives of your family. We have the skills, experience, and resources required to fight unresponsive negligent individuals and their insurance companies. Our number one priority is to ensure that you receive the settlement you deserve, covering not only medical expenses, but lost income, as well as pain and suffering and more.
First, it is important to realize you are not alone. California was the site of an incredible 11,787 pedestrians injured in accidents in 2022 with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States at 1,100.
A pedestrian is considered to be any person who is walking, on roller skates, a skateboard, hoverboard, or other moving object, or in a wheelchair.
Our personal injury lawyers have experience in managing auto accident claims involving an injured pedestrian suffering from broken bones or fractures, head trauma and brain injuries, torn ligaments, cuts and bruises, and burns.
In short, we have seen it all. While your pedestrian accident injury may be a once-in-a lifetime event for you, Legal Fighters attorneys have been there and done that.
While every pedestrian runs the risk of suffering an accident with a vehicle in California, certain pedestrians are even more vulnerable. Not surprisingly, those most vulnerable are ones with either limited mobility–like older adults–or victims that may not understand the danger of the situation–like younger children.
In 2022 alone, there were 1,777 pedestrian accidents involving older adults that led to fatalities and injuries. Older adults are more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents because of slower walking speed, reduced hearing and vision, physical frailty and balance issues, slower reaction times, medication issues, or lack of awareness.
There were also 1,073 pedestrian accidents statewide in the same period involving children that resulted in injuries or fatalities. Children may not have the experience to grasp traffic signs or situations or make safe choices when crossing roads. Also, many children can act suddenly or impulsively, which can challenge drivers to react quickly. Physically, some younger children may have slower reactions and find it hard to move swiftly to prevent accidents.
From the driver’s perspective the underlying causes are:
In most cases, if a pedestrian is hit by a car in California, the driver will be held at fault. However, the pedestrian doesn’t always have the right of way. In fact, pedestrians are required to use designated crossing areas when stepping into the street. But a driver also has an obligation to take reasonable caution to preserve a pedestrian’s safety.
A pedestrian could be at fault for causing an accident in California in the following situations:
A new law in California, The Freedom to Walk Act, or AB-2147, impacts pedestrians in California. This law legalizes crossing the road outside of a crosswalk if there is no immediate danger of a collision. The Freedom to Walk Act aims to increase pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Under the act, pedestrians are allowed to cross the road outside of a crosswalk if:
Even under the new act, pedestrians crossing outside of a crosswalk still have a responsibility to exercise reasonable care and caution.
In California, a person (driver or pedestrian) can still be fully or partially at fault for an accident. Generally, a percentage of fault can be assigned to each party for their level of liability. California follows the rule of pure comparative negligence, meaning that even if you are 99% at fault, you can still recover 1% of your losses.
That is why it is so critical that your interests are represented by an experienced personal injury attorney as soon after the incident as possible.
Thanks to our 20 years of experience in over 6,000 cases, we understand your concerns and are well prepared to address them, including:
Pedestrian injured victims are often persuaded to try to obtain a quick settlement directly from the insurance companies, without the help of a lawyer. This can be a significant error in judgement that could cost you thousands of dollars in benefits!
It is important to note the insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to settle for as little as possible. A single wrong word or oversight in your interactions with them can lead to your claim being significantly reduced or even completely denied.
Legal Fighters attorneys know exactly how to interact with the insurance companies and position you to receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Our Legal Fighters will maximize your settlement by determining all damages, including economic and non-economic losses including:
Even if the other driver is uninsured, if you have uninsured motorist protection on your insurance policy, then your insurance provider must cover you up to the policy limits of your uninsured motorist protection. You may also be able to receive compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, and medical expenses.
Our personal injury attorneys have over twenty years of experience with $2.5 Billion recovered on 6,000+ cases retained and closed. We have been Rated Best – by people like you. Not only will we schedule your doctor’s visits for you, but we will also make the necessary transportation arrangements. And, in addition to handling your payments, we will assist you in negotiating and paying your expenses.
If you are speculating whether you have a compelling case for compensation against the driver or an insurance company resulting in your pedestrian injury, we can review the facts and help you understand your rights and options under the law. Call Legal Fighters for a free evaluation and consultation!