Some people prefer to walk as an exercise, especially when their destination is near. They walk in designated areas to keep them safe from getting hit by motorists. Somehow, accidents still happen all because of negligence.
If you or someone you care about suffered injuries due to a pedestrian accident in California, seek immediate medical attention. Afterward, don’t forget to contact Big Ben Lawyers to ensure that you will have protected legal rights.
Why Contact an Expert Pedestrian Injury from Big Ben Lawyers Promptly?
The injuries that a pedestrian accident victim endures are unfortunate. Additionally, medical care expenses are expensive, while lost wages are at times, significant.
Insurance companies or the defendant will do everything to avoid or minimize their liability. They may try to compel you into providing a recorded assertion they can use to dispute their accountability.
Don’t provide any statement to the insurance company after you have consulted an expert pedestrian accident injury lawyer from Big Ben Lawyers. It’s important to have a legal representation to protect your rights. Working with a lawyer will help keep you abreast of the insurance company or defendant. You could also avoid making mistakes that could compromise your claim.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will investigate to collect evidence while it’s still existing. It will help establish a strong case for proving negligence. Likewise, it will help identify the liable party. He will speak with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you’ll receive a fair settlement and not just a low-ball offer.
Your Rights as a Pedestrian in California
Understanding your legal rights matters between getting a full recovery and needing to pay for your own medical expenses. Every driver, not only in California, has a duty of care to pedestrians. When they breach that duty, it’s their responsibility to compensate the pedestrians for the injuries and damages.
Your fundamental pedestrian rights in California, include:
Right of Way
When you’re in a crosswalk or other secured walkway in California, you have the right of way. Drivers should be cautious when giving pedestrians a spacious expanse. Moreover, they have to yield to allow pedestrians to proceed without risks.
Pedestrians, on the other hand, must not be too confident when crossing. They must still be vigilant of the oncoming traffic for their safety. However, it’s still expected that drivers will be particularly careful when drawing near marked crosswalks.
Safety on Sidewalks
As a pedestrian, you have the right to entire and free sidewalk use. In some cases, a driver hops up on the sidewalk and hits a pedestrian. In this scenario, the driver has full responsibility for the harm he caused to the pedestrian. If for any reason, the driver needs to cross over a curb or sidewalk, he still needs to always yield to pedestrians.
Reasonably Safe from Dangerous Drivers
Even if drivers are specifically careful when approaching marked crossroads, pedestrians must still responsibly cross the street. This will prevent motorists from crashing into pedestrians and avoiding the occurrence of injuries.
Most Common Injuries that Pedestrian Accident in California Victims Sustain
The consequence of pedestrian accident injuries depends on how fast or massive a vehicle was during the crash. Also, it depends on whether the vehicle struck the pedestrian completely or slam the victim with the side of the vehicle. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Back injuries
- Temporary or permanent deformity
- Leg injuries with torn cartilage and tendons
- Brain injury and brain trauma
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- fractured kneecaps and femurs
Recognizing Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident
In a pedestrian accident, the victim may suffer a partial disability for a short period or may end up permanently disabled. It’s hard to identify the liable party or parties. Concerns that may affect the end result of recognizing negligence include:
- Whether the crossing signal or traffic lights were functioning properly
- Whether the pedestrian was jaywalking
- Whether the pedestrian was distracted
- Whether the pedestrian was walking in a designated area
- Whether the driver ran a red light or stop sign
- Whether the driver was distracted and failed to see the pedestrian
- Whether the pedestrian or the driver was impaired
Statute of Limitations in Pedestrian Accident in California
California considers pedestrian accidents as civil personal injury cases. A victim (plaintiff) has only two years to file a lawsuit against the defendant from the day the accident occurred. If you weren’t able to file a claim within the time frame, a legal representative will be a great help. If you file a claim beyond two years, you will lose the right to compensation.
Big Ben Lawyers is Here to Help You When and Where You Need Them
Our capable and efficient pedestrian accident lawyers at Big Ben Lawyers are always here to help you. You can count on us to work harder to win your case by investigating what happened and finding out who is at fault.
You can contact us 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We’ll handle your case and protect your rights with all our might. Call (818) 423-4878 and speak with one of our compassionate but aggressive lawyers. We work on a contingency fee basis. Let’s discuss your case at no cost.
Big Ben Lawyers
144 N Glendale Ave.
Suite 250
Glendale, CA 91206