Pedestrian accidents are when a person is struck by a motor vehicle and sustains a number of severe injuries as a result. The California Office of Traffic Safety has reported in a pedestrian accident overview that there were 1,108 pedestrian fatalities in 2021, and have been gradually increasing every year. While pedestrian accidents often lead to a number of fatalities, those who survive a pedestrian accident are often left with extensive medical bills which can be a financial burden especially for those who cannot afford to. However, if the accident was caused by a negligent party then you may be eligible to sue and recover compensation for your damages.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Pasadena pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to take on your case and serve as your personal representative. We are a law firm specializing in personal injury claims and with over 20 years of experience, we are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.
We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our clients and our team of personal injury attorneys will continue to do their duty and guide them throughout the legal process. As such, should you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our legal team is available 24/7 to address them in full detail.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
There are a variety of different scenarios that can contribute to a pedestrian accident, however, typically in Pasadena, accidents involving pedestrians tend to occur due to a person’s negligence or recklessness. Should you sustain serious injuries in a pedestrian accident due to any of the following incidents, it is recommended to discuss your personal injury case with an accident attorney.
- Distracted Driving
- Drunk Driving
- Public Intoxication
- Bad Weather
- Reckless Driving
- Failing to Yield
- Illegal U-Turns
What to Do After Being Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident in Pasadena, it is recommended to stay calm, carefully assess the situation, and act accordingly. For instance, if anybody requires immediate medical attention, then call 911 and have first responders take control of the situation. Should nobody require immediate medical attention, then it is highly encouraged to document the accident scene and exchange contact info with everyone involved.
Once everything has been completed you can file a claim to the insurance company and wait for the investigation to end. However, if you require any assistance with any paperwork or negotiations with insurance adjusters or opposing counsel then it is recommended to consult with a pedestrian accident attorney.
How Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me?
By hiring a Pasadena pedestrian accident attorney, you will be able to gain access to their knowledge and skills. They will not only help you file all of the necessary paperwork you need to support your personal injury claim, but they will also offer legal advice when you need it the most, and negotiate opposing counsel on your behalf and ensure your chances of recovering a fair compensation for your losses. Should a loved one have suffered fatal injuries in a pedestrian accident, an attorney will be able to turn that claim into a wrongful death suit, and will be able to pursue justice and compensation for the deceased.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in California?
All pedestrian accident victims have up to two years to file a claim as per section 335.1 of California’s legislation. Any pedestrian accident claims filed after the two year mark will be dismissed in court and the statute of limitations will take into effect. The only exception to the rule is unless the plaintiff is a minor, in jail, legally insane, living out-of-state, or disabled.
Can Pedestrians Be At Fault for an Accident?
Typically, pedestrians are not at fault for an accident, unless they showcase extreme levels of negligence or recklessness. However, if a pedestrian was partially responsible for an accident, then according to California Civil Code 1431.2, if a victim is partially responsible for causing an accident then their liability will be reflected in their awarded compensation.
For instance, if a pedestrian was 15% responsible for causing the accident in question, then 15% of their total awarded compensation will be subtracted in order to take account of their portion in causing the accident.
Damages for a Pedestrian Accident
There are three types of damages that a victim may receive after being involved in a pedestrian accident: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Economic damages are calculable losses intended to compensate a victim for losses that have accrued as a result of the accident. For example, medical treatment costs, lost wages, property damage, and lost income are all things that can be objectively valued for a specific amount.
On the other hand, non-economic damages are damages intended to cover losses that are thought of as subjective and will not necessarily cover out-of-pocket losses. For instance, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all things that can dramatically impact a person, but it will vary on a case-by-case scenario.
Meanwhile, punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party who caused the accident. However, it is important to note that punitive damages are rarely awarded and it is generally awarded to the victim if the defendant’s behavior was overly reckless. While there is no real set standard for calculating and awarding punitive damages, it is awarded at the court’s discretion and will vary depending on the specific circumstances of a case.
West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible to sue for compensation for your damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to take on your case and fight for you. With over 20 years of legal experience, our team of attorneys handle every case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves and they are confident that they can recover the compensation you deserve.
We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to fight for them so they won’t be stuck with costly medical expenses. No matter what kind of serious injuries you have sustained in the accident, our team of lawyers will fight for you and will be there every step of the way.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.
