Pedestrian Accidents

Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking in Greater Los Angeles and other congested areas of Southern California can be an extremely perilous activity. The streets are packed with cars, trucks, and buses, and it seems like many drivers are too preoccupied with their phones, in a hurry, or too tired to be cautious and prevent collisions with pedestrians. With years of experience, our team of pedestrian accident lawyers in Los Angeles has handled countless vehicle versus pedestrian accidents. We possess the expertise, proficiency, and resources necessary to stand up to big insurance companies and defendants and hold them responsible for the harm and injuries they inflict.

A vehicle hit me while I was walking, what should I do?

Regrettably, accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians often lead to serious injuries, leaving the victims feeling scared and overwhelmed in the aftermath. Here are some helpful tips to consider if you find yourself in this situation.

• If you have the ability, contact 911 or enlist someone’s help to do so.
• Remain still, if possible, as movements could result in further injury, particularly to your neck and back.
• Immediately seek and insist on emergency medical attention and transportation to a hospital.
• If feasible, collect contact details of witnesses, including the name, license plate, and insurance information of the driver responsible.
• Take photos of the location, road, injuries, and the offending vehicle, if possible, or ask someone else to do it for you.
• Do not admit fault.
• If questioned by an officer regarding the pedestrian accident, only provide factual information.
• Refrain from giving any statements to insurance agents.
• Seek assistance and guidance from a renowned personal injury law firm.

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident and suffered significant injuries, it can be an incredibly distressing experience. However, following the advice provided above can help to alleviate some of the fear and anxiety you may be experiencing. These recommendations can also prove useful if you need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to protect your legal rights.

How do vehicle versus pedestrian accidents happen?

Below are some common situations that can cause pedestrian accidents:

• Drivers who exhibit negligence by failing to adequately monitor the road for pedestrians.
• Distractions such as texting, eating, or engaging in other non-driving activities.
• Fatigued or drowsy drivers, particularly of commercial trucks and buses.
• Motorists who exceed the speed limit.
• Failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs or red lights when making a right turn.
• Trucks that cut corners while turning.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Faulty road design, maintenance, or repairs.
• Insufficient or inadequate lighting.
• Inadequate or missing signage.
• Crosswalks that are concealed or obscured.

Individuals involved in pedestrian accidents encounter various hazards, such as careless, distracted, or aggressive drivers. To ensure your safety as a pedestrian, it is crucial to remain vigilant and presume that every driver poses a possible threat.

What are some statistics about pedestrian accidents?

• According to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), between 2015 and 2019, there were a total of 17,295 pedestrian-involved collisions in the city.
• In 2019, 134 people were killed and 2,945 people were injured in pedestrian-related accidents in Los Angeles, according to the LADOT.
• The Los Angeles Times reported that Los Angeles has the highest rate of hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians among large U.S. cities, with an average of 48 hit-and-run incidents per day.
• A study by the University of Michigan found that Los Angeles was the most dangerous city in the United States for pedestrians in 2019, with a Pedestrian Danger Index score of 92.5.
• The same study found that between 2008 and 2017, pedestrian fatalities in Los Angeles increased by 53%, compared to a 35% increase in pedestrian fatalities nationwide.
• According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in the city include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

What serious injuries are the most common for a pedestrian involved in a traffic collision?

Pedestrians involved in traffic collisions can suffer from various severe injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Pedestrians can suffer from a blow to the head, leading to brain injuries that can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a collision can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians can sustain broken bones and fractures, particularly in the legs, arms, and hips.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: The impact can cause injuries to the soft tissue, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Internal Organ Damage: Pedestrians can suffer internal injuries, including damage to the lungs, liver, spleen, and other organs.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass or other debris from the collision can cause cuts and lacerations, which can lead to infections.
• Psychological Trauma: Pedestrians involved in a traffic collision may suffer from psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

It is worth noting that the severity and type of injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident can vary depending on several factors, including the speed and force of the vehicle, the location of impact, and the age and physical condition of the pedestrian.

What can I claim as part of my pedestrian injury claim?

Under the civil legal system, you have the right to seek financial compensation for injuries and damages resulting from the pedestrian accident, both in the past and in the future. However, proving such damages may require expert testimonies from medical professionals, which can be expensive. Damages that can be claimed in such cases typically encompass the following items and categories:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctor’s fees, medication, and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and earning capacity due to the inability to work or reduced work capacity
• Wrongful death damages in case of a fatal accident, including loss of income and financial support
• Property damage, such as damage to personal belongings like laptops or phones that were being carried
• Out-of-pocket expenses, including medical insurance co-pays and transportation costs related to medical care
• Retraining or education expenses are required to return to work or find new employment after suffering a disability
• Any other expenses or lost opportunities resulting from the accident, such as reduced quality of life or pain and suffering.

Non-economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering, which refers to physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects caused by the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life, which refers to the inability to participate in activities that were once enjoyed before the accident
• Wrongful death damages, which can include loss of support, loss of companionship, loss of love, and other non-economic losses suffered by the surviving family members of the deceased victim
• Loss of consortium, which is a claim made by the spouse of an injured or deceased victim for loss of companionship, intimacy, and other damages resulting from the accident
• Any other non-economic losses resulting from the injuries sustained in the pedestrian accident.

I do not have health insurance and cannot afford treatment, can you help?

Certainly. Our top priority is to help you recover from your injuries. To achieve this, we have established partnerships and affiliations with reputable physicians, medical providers, and facilities that will provide you with treatment and care on a lien basis. This means that you will reimburse them from the settlement proceeds of your pedestrian accident case, so you don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket for medical expenses. Since your medical care is a compensable item, the at-fault party will be responsible for covering these expenses. Additionally, our knowledgeable staff may be able to assist you in obtaining free or low-cost coverage, such as Medi-Cal, Medi-Care, and other programs.

Who are the possible at-fault parties that I can make a claim against?

There are several parties that you may be able to make a claim against in a pedestrian accident case. These parties can include:

• Negligent drivers – if the accident was caused by a driver who was not paying attention, speeding, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws.
• Government entities – if the accident occurred due to a dangerous or poorly maintained roadway, missing or malfunctioning traffic signals, or other infrastructure issues that were the responsibility of the government.
• Employers – if the driver who caused the accident was operating a vehicle as part of their job, the employer may be held liable.
• Vehicle manufacturers – if the accident was caused by a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes or a malfunctioning accelerator.
• Property owners – if the accident occurred on private property due to dangerous conditions, such as broken sidewalks, insufficient lighting, or other hazards.

Conducting comprehensive and thorough investigations to identify all potential parties to hold accountable is a key aspect of our services and one that we take great pride in.

How do you prove at-fault parties were liable for the accident?

With years of experience in handling cases involving negligent, reckless, and careless parties responsible for pedestrian accidents, we are committed to serving you in the best possible way. As soon as you engage us, we jump into action and begin immediate investigations and fact-finding. We leave no stone unturned, including locating witnesses and video footage of the accident, and leveraging research and database information to identify patterns of pedestrian accidents at the location where you were injured. All of this information is used to develop a winning strategy that explores every possible avenue for compensation and redress against all parties responsible for the accident.

If legal action is required to defend your rights, we have a proven track record of using assertive litigation techniques. We conduct thorough discovery and depositions to reveal any wrongdoing and uncover the truth. We also work closely with you to ensure that all of your injuries are accounted for and treated, and all of your damages, both economic and non-economic, are documented and substantiated. If a trial is needed, our experienced trial team is ready to take on serious pedestrian accident cases in front of a judge and jury.

Can I still make a claim if I am partially at fault for the pedestrian accident?

Yes, you may still be able to make a claim for damages even if you were partially at fault for the pedestrian accident. This is known as comparative negligence, which means that each party’s degree of fault is taken into account when determining the amount of damages they are entitled to.

In some states, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover any damages at all. However, in other states, you may still be able to recover damages even if you are found to be mostly at fault for the accident.

What are the deadlines for filing a lawsuit after my accident?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in court against the at-fault party or parties.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and the time limit may be shorter or longer depending on the specific circumstances of your case. For example, if the accident involves a government entity, there are specific deadlines and procedures that must be followed, including a six-month deadline for filing a claim with the government entity before filing a lawsuit.

How long does a pedestrian accident injury lawsuit take?

The length of a pedestrian accident injury lawsuit can vary widely depending on a number of factors. It can take several months to several years to resolve a case. Some factors that can impact the length of a case include the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, the number of parties involved, and the willingness of the at-fault party or their insurance company to negotiate a settlement. It is important to have realistic expectations about the timeline of your case and to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process.

If I’m unable to work, what do I do?

We understand that being unable to work after a pedestrian accident can be difficult. However, we can assist you in obtaining a loan from a lending company that will provide you with financial assistance. The loan is paid back and secured by the compensation you receive from your personal injury lawsuit. Lost income is recoverable from the other party, as it is part of your pedestrian accident claim. In some cases, we may also be able to provide you with an advance on the anticipated proceeds of your case to help you during this difficult time.

What if I don’t speak English or am not comfortable using English in court?

If you don’t speak English or are not comfortable using English in court, our law firm can assist you with finding a qualified interpreter who can translate for you during all stages of the legal process. This includes consultations with our attorneys, medical appointments, depositions, and court appearances. We want to make sure that you fully understand the legal proceedings and that your voice is heard in your case. It’s important to us that you feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process.

If I am undocumented, can I still make a claim and file a lawsuit?

Yes, undocumented immigrants have the same right to make a claim and file a lawsuit as anyone else who has been injured in a pedestrian accident. California law does not require proof of legal immigration status in order to seek compensation for injuries and damages resulting from an accident. However, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. Additionally, some types of compensation may be limited for undocumented immigrants, such as lost wages, so it is important to discuss your specific situation with one of our attorneys.

There are lots of lawyers and law firms, why should I go with Culver Legal?

At our firm, your needs and well-being come first. Our core principles of individual dignity, excellence, and service shape every decision we make. We have a team of personal injury attorneys who specialize in pedestrian accident cases, along with a group of dedicated and detail-oriented support staff. With years of experience, we have achieved a remarkable 96%* success rate and recovered millions for our clients. Our track record of success enables us to handle cases of any size and stand up to any opponent with confidence and determination year after year.

At Culver Legal, we have a team of skilled pedestrian accident lawyers ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us at any time, 24/7, for a free consultation at 310-600-7881. There’s no obligation, and we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.