Pedestrian Accidents

Los Angeles isn’t exactly known for its walkability – but all of us are pedestrians at one time or another. Whether you are walking from your car to your front door or walking several miles a day, every time you are on foot and around traffic, you are at risk of involvement in a pedestrian accident.

When cars and pedestrians collide, the injuries sustained can be severe – almost always for the pedestrians involved. Fortunately, in many cases, victims can recover compensation with the help of an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney.

Driver Negligence is Often to Blame

In many cases, pedestrian accidents are the result of driver negligence. While LA is not the most pedestrian-friendly city, drivers still need to be on the lookout for people on foot wherever they are. Some of the kinds of driver negligence that can result in serious pedestrian accidents include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Failing to stop at crosswalks or stop signs
• Improper turns
• Other traffic violations

You May Still Be Able to Recover if the Accident Was Partially Your Fault

In some cases, pedestrians share some fault for the accidents in which they were involved. For example, if you tried to cross the street where you shouldn’t and were struck by a distracted driver who was texting, it’s likely that a court would determine that you were partially at fault for your accident.

Fortunately, under California’s comparative fault law, victims who are partially at fault for their own accidents can still recover compensation. The compensation they recover, however, is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you were 30 percent at fault for your accident and had $100,000 in damages, you would only be able to recover $70,000.

Protecting Your Rights after a Pedestrian Accident

There are certain things that you should do after a pedestrian accident to protect your rights. The most important of these include the following:

Seek Medical Attention

You should always seek medical attention after an accident, even if you do not think you are seriously injured. Not only is it important to get checked out for your health, but it’s also important to have official documentation of your injuries.

Do Not Accept a Settlement Offer Before Talking to a Lawyer

You can only settle your case once. As a result, it’s critical that any settlement you accept covers all of your losses, including your medical bills and your physical and emotional pain and suffering. An attorney will be able to determine how much your case is actually worth, ensuring that you do not accept an inadequate settlement.

Talk to a Lawyer as Soon as You Can

After a pedestrian accident, you should retain an attorney as soon as you are safe and your injuries are identified and treated. The sooner you have a lawyer, the sooner you can rest assured that your rights are protected.

Schedule a Consultation with a Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer in Los Angeles Today

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should retain a lawyer as soon as you can. At Jahrmarkt & Associates, we are committed to helping injured victims obtain the compensation to which they are entitled. For a free case evaluation with a lawyer, call our office today at (310) 226-7676 or contact us online.