California has one of the nation’s highest rates of pedestrian deaths. In 2018, nearly 900 pedestrians were killed on California’s roads, a whopping 26% increase from 2014. The vast majority of traffic accidents involving pedestrians are caused by distracted, drunk, and reckless drivers.
Los Angeles is historically one of the deadliest places to be a pedestrian. In 2017, over 130 people on foot were killed by drivers in Los Angeles despite the city’s ambitious Vision Zero program.
If you or your loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, do not hesitate to contact a lawyer who can help you recover damages. At Titan Law Firm, we understand what you are going through. But you are not alone. Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers are prepared to help you fight for fair compensation.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While pedestrian accidents can involve countless contributing factors, the most common causes of accidents in which a car hits a person on foot include:
| Distracted driving, including texting while driving | Speeding |
| Failure to slow down before a crosswalk | Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs |
| Fatigued or drowsy driving | Reckless driving |
| Road rage | Failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian |
| Failure to signal before turning | Night driving |
It is essential to speak with a lawyer if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles. An attorney will help you negotiate a fair settlement to make sure that you are fairly and fully compensated for your losses.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are always at a severe disadvantage when they get hit by motor vehicles. Unlike occupants of vehicles, pedestrians do not have the luxury of safety features and are exposed to the force of the impact when a crash occurs.
For this reason, when a car hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian is likely to suffer severe and permanent injuries, including:
| Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) | Spinal cord injuries |
| Internal bleeding | Broken bones |
| Leg and knee injuries | Back and neck injuries |
| Lacerations and bruises | Nerve damage |
| Paralysis | Loss of limb |
The severity of the pedestrian’s injury depends on many factors, including the type of vehicle, the vehicle’s speed at the time of the collision, the angle of impact, and the part of the pedestrian’s body that was struck.
Can Pedestrians Seek Compensation for Their Injuries?
Yes, absolutely. California Vehicle Code § 21950 requires all motorists to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the road within:
- any marked crosswalk; or
- any marked crosswalk at an intersection.
However, the same statute also prohibits pedestrians from suddenly leaving the curb or another place of safety to “walk or run into the path” of a motor vehicle that is close enough to “constitute an immediate hazard.”
California’s insurance companies often use the wording of the statute to deny personal injury claims filed by injured pedestrians or reduce the amount of their compensation by arguing that the pedestrian was fully or partially at fault for the accident.
Note: Even if a pedestrian is partially at fault for the collision, they may still be entitled to compensation because California follows the doctrine of “pure comparative negligence.” Under this theory, injured victims can seek compensation for their damages if they were partially to blame for their injuries.
Example. A pedestrian ran into the path of a motor vehicle, but the driver, who was distracted by his phone, would have enough time to react and avoid hitting the pedestrian. The pedestrian is deemed 20% at fault for the accident, which means they can sue the driver for 80% of the damages.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Proving damages is one of the most complicated parts of the claims process when seeking compensation for your damages as an injured pedestrian. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to deny or undervalue claims by arguing that the claimant had a pre-existing condition or was fully/partially at fault for the accident.
It is advisable to contact a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer to help you seek compensation for:
| Emergency medical care | The cost of medical treatment |
| The cost of surgery | Ongoing medical treatment |
| The cost of physical therapy and rehabilitation | The cost of medications |
| The cost of home modifications | Lost wages |
| Pain and suffering | Loss of consortium |
| Diminished quality of life | Disfigurement |
| Permanent scarring | Non-physical effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder and other harms |
Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers at Titan Law Firm are dedicated to helping clients pursue full compensation for their monetary and non-monetary damages and losses.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Beverly Hills?
If you were hit by a motor vehicle, it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think that your injuries are minor. Documenting the nature and severity of your injuries is important to strengthen your pedestrian accident claim. After receiving medical care in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, you should contact an experienced lawyer to help you obtain maximum compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, injured parties have two years to file a claim against the defendant whose negligence resulted in their injuries. Failure to bring a claim within the timeframe can result in the loss of your right to sue.In many cases, a government entity may be held responsible for a pedestrian accident when a person on foot is hit by a driver as a result of the government agency’s failure to properly maintain the roadway, traffic signals, and/or road signs. You only have six months to file a claim against a government agency in California, according to the California Government Code § 911.2.
You Need a Beverly Hills Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you were injured as a pedestrian crossing the street or walking along the roadway, you might be entitled to compensation. A skilled lawyer will help you obtain compensation for your damages to make sure that you can get back on your feet as soon as possible.
You need a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer to:
- Determine fault
- Prove the driver’s liability
- Calculate your damages and losses
- Negotiate a fair settlement offer
- Advise you on your legal options
- Represent your best interests in court
Do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyers at Titan Law Firm to discuss your particular case. Call 888.848.2656 to receive a free case evaluation.
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