Riverside Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are when a person is struck by a motor vehicle and sustains a number of serious injuries as a result. According to a pedestrian accident overview from the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 1,108 pedestrian fatalities in 2021 which was a 9.3% increase from 2020. This indicates that pedestrian accidents are becoming more frequent every year and Riverside county is not immune to this gradual rise of pedestrian accidents.

If you or a loved one were involved in an accident, it is imperative to seek a pedestrian accident attorney to represent you and your case. As most pedestrian accidents tend to end with the victim sustaining long-term health complications or even suffering from fatal injuries, it is vital to seek compensation and justice so that the negligent driver is held responsible for their actions.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of personal injury attorneys are ready to represent you and your loved one and fight for your rights. As a law firm with over 20 years of legal experience, our talented team of attorneys handle pedestrian accident cases with the utmost care and respect and they 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 we continue to do our due diligence to ensure our clients are properly represented in the California court system. Whether you have suffered injuries in a traffic accident or trying to negotiate with the insurance company to recover compensation, our Riverside pedestrian accident attorneys are here every step of the way to satisfy all of your legal needs.

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.

Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents

There are multiple scenarios that can contribute to a pedestrian accident. However, from what is typically seen in Riverside county, there are many pedestrian traffic accidents that involve a driver’s negligence and not obeying basic traffic laws. Should you sustain serious injuries in a pedestrian accident, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with specific scenarios in order to better grasp your situation when you discuss your case with a pedestrian accident attorney.

Backup Accidents

These types of accidents typically refer to incidents where the driver backed up their vehicle and did not notice a pedestrian walking right behind them, resulting in them getting hit and injured. Backup accidents tend to take place in parking lots or on streets where a driveway is blocking visibility for drivers. Regardless of visibility, a driver is always expected to cautiously observe the road for pedestrians and vehicles prior to backing up. Those who fail to make a careful observation can be held liable for their reckless actions and can become responsible for the victim’s medical expenses.

Pedestrian Walking on the Side of the Road

This type of accident happens when there are no sidewalks available for the pedestrian to walk on and are forced to use the side of the road to get to their destination. While this can be dangerous, especially during the nighttime, both drivers and pedestrians must be careful and remain vigilant in order to avoid an accident scene. However, depending on the circumstances, it can become difficult for the driver to visibly notice a pedestrian walking on the side of the road and may result in hit and runs.

Intersection Accidents

One of the most common areas where traffic accidents occur, these incidents typically involve a driver hitting a pedestrian as they were crossing an intersection. There are many reasons for this to occur, including malfunctioning traffic signals, or worse, when someone deliberately runs through a stop sign or a red light. While pedestrian injuries will tend to vary based on the speed of the car, they can be extremely fatal for pedestrians and should they perish from the collision then the victim’s family can pursue a wrongful death claim in order to recover compensation.

Sudden Dash Across the Street

These types of accidents are often caused by pedestrians who would simply dash across a street thinking they can avoid traffic, but end up getting struck by a vehicle. In these cases, the liability would be on the pedestrian, because they were negligent and reckless for not using a crosswalk, but a driver may also share a degree of liability if he or she was driving over the posted speed limit or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. With that in mind, the liability of these cases can go one way or another, so it is recommended to consult with a pedestrian accident attorney.

What are Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents?

When it comes to the most common injuries suffered in a pedestrian accident, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries are some of the most common due to the nature of getting struck by motor vehicles. As each injury presents its own set of challenges and symptoms that can drastically alter a person’s life for the worse, it is recommended to be familiar with these injuries should you ever get into a pedestrian accident.

Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury is defined as a brain dysfunction caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Depending on the severity of the injury, brain injuries can be fatal, however, in some instances they can result in deteriorating physical and cognitive functions. Should a pedestrian accident victim sustain a brain injury, it is highly recommended that they seek immediate medical attention in order to remedy their symptoms before their conditions worsen.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is referred to as damage that has been inflicted onto the spine and the bundle of nerves that sends and receives signals from the brain. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has classified the spine as one of the most delicate parts of the body due its limited ability to absorb impact and force. As a result, any accident victim who has sustained a spinal cord injury can potentially experience permanent injuries such as paralysis and the loss of physical and organ functions.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are a type of pedestrian injury that occurs inside the body due to strong impacts. Depending on the severity of the impact, there are several injuries that can occur such as internal bleeding, bone fractures, and ruptured organs. While some require basic medical treatment, other internal injuries are extremely fatal and if they are not treated immediately, they could potentially cause other permanent injuries or death.

So if you have been in a pedestrian accident and appear to be unharmed, it is important that you seek medical attention to double check because some internal injuries may lie dormant until something triggers it. In those cases, it is vital that you hire a Riverside pedestrian accident attorney to properly represent your case.

Recoverable Damages After a Pedestrian Accident

Recoverable damages for a pedestrian accident will vary on the case and type of sustained injuries the victim has received. Typically, accident victims will be able to recover economic damages, non-economic damages, or a mixture of both. Damages such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium are all things an injured pedestrian can recover. However, if you choose to file a claim without an attorney, then there is a high likelihood that you may not be able to recover the damages you are entitled to, so it is important that you hire an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you with your case.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here To Help

If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek legal representation immediately to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of Riverside pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to take on your case and serve as your legal representation. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of legal experience, all of our attorneys are well versed in the California law and they are confident that they can give you the compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty and guide them throughout the legal process. As filing for pedestrian accidents can be a stressful and confusing time for accident victims, should you have any questions or concerns regarding your case our legal team is available 24/7 to answer them in full detail.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE initial consultation today, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Riverside

How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in California?

Pedestrian accident victims have two years to file a claim as per section 335.1 of California’s legislation. Any attempts to file a claim after two years will immediately be dismissed in court and your right to pursue compensation will be automatically waived. 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?

Generally, pedestrians can be at fault for an accident if they were showcasing extremely negligent or reckless actions. However, in most cases, 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 example, if a jaywalker was 25% responsible for causing an accident, then 25% would be subtracted from their total awarded compensation to take account of their portion of causing the accident.

What if I Can’t Afford to Hire a Riverside Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

If you cannot afford to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer, there are many lawyers who operate under a contingency-fee model which means that potential clients only have to pay them if they either win a case or receive a settlement offer from opposing counsel. Should either scenario happen, the attorney will charge a flat fee that can range from 25%-40%, but most would average around 33%.