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Pedestrian Accidents Attorney Los Angeles

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Pedestrian Accidents

As a pedestrian, you have certain rights that are meant to ensure your safety when using the street or sidewalks. Unfortunately, accidents can occur and the incident may require a day in court to get what is owed to you. Examples of pedestrian accidents that can result in lawsuits include:

If you are the victim of any of these accidents, you will need to consult with a personal injury attorney. The following guide can help you better understand the situation.

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Pedestrian Vs. Car

Most pedestrian accidents fall under the pedestrian vs. car heading. For the pedestrian to be innocent of any wrong-doing, the driver of the vehicle must have broken a traffic law that lead to the accident. In some cases there may first be a criminal trial for the driver before there can be a civil trial. This means you may not be able to sue for personal injury immediately.

Premises Liability

Unlike other types of pedestrian accidents, premise liability suits do not have to involve a driver. These are the accidents that occur when you are walking in an area and suffer an injury due to unsafe conditions. For example, if a business owner fails to fix a broken slab on their sidewalk, leading to you falling and getting an injury.

Proving Liability

One of the first steps of your legal team is to prove liability. In many cases the liable party is obvious – it is the driver of the vehicle or the owner of the property. In other cases it may not be as cut and dry. For example, if the car that hit you was first struck by another car or was swerving to avoid another driver, the driver of the other vehicle may be responsible. In some cases, more than one driver may be held responsible. Your lawyer will help you determine liability.

Duty of Care

As a pedestrian you can also be liable for your accident, which means you may not be able to sue another party. Duty of care means that you were following all pedestrian laws and took reasonable steps to assure your safety before the accident occurred. Jay walking, for example may mean that you didn’t practice proper duty of care so that you were the actual negligent party in the accident.

First Abuse

If you are in a pedestrian accident, your first step is to get treatment and file a police report. Make sure that you keep all invoices and paperwork from both the hospital and the police, since these will be the first documents used to start building your case. Your next call should be to our law offices for a consultation. We will begin to assemble all the information necessary to begin your lawsuit.

What To Expect

There are several steps in the pedestrian accident lawsuit process. The first stage is fact-finding and recording details of the accident. You will put together your deposition, which is your sworn statement as to how the events unfolded and the results of your injuries. You will also need to provide documentation of everything in the deposition, including police reports, treatment receipts, and proof of lost wages.

Following the actual filing of the case, one of several things may occur. The case may be dismissed, such as when there is insufficient evidence to proceed. Or, the other party may request a settlement. You are not required to accept a settlement and you should consult with your attorney before proceeding. If neither of these occur, then the case will most likely go to civil trial.

Post-Trial Expectations

If you are awarded damages in the trial, the next step will be either appeals or collections. The other party may have the right to appeal the verdict if they can prove to the court that there was an error in the trial. In this case the process will start over.

Otherwise, you will enter the collection phase of the proceedings. In most cases your lawyer will handle this. The payment will be made directly to them. They will then deduct their fee from the settlement and then present you with a check of the remainder. Often, legal fees are included in the settlement request so that you will not lose any of your portion.

Pedestrian Accidents Victim Also Ask
After a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Document the scene by taking photos, and gather contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report. Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case and understand your legal options.
Responsibility in a pedestrian accident usually falls on the driver of the vehicle, but liability can vary based on the specifics of the case. Factors such as traffic signals, road conditions, and the behavior of both the driver and the pedestrian at the time of the accident will influence who is held liable. An attorney can help determine fault and pursue compensation accordingly.
Compensation for a pedestrian accident can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, you may also be eligible for compensation for long-term disability or diminished quality of life. A lawyer can help evaluate your case and seek appropriate damages.
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a pedestrian accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to file your claim within this timeframe to preserve your right to seek compensation. Consulting with a lawyer soon after the accident can help ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your compensation may be reduced proportionally based on your degree of fault. An attorney can help assess the situation, navigate the legal complexities, and work to maximize your recovery.
You can contact JacobFights for legal assistance by visiting jacobfights.com or calling our office directly. Our team is available to provide a free consultation and guide you through the process of filing a claim and seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.