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California Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyers
At our Pedestrian Accident Injury Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact that a pedestrian accident can have on your life. Serving Gilroy, La Verne, Apple Valley, and San Clemente, our compassionate and dedicated team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you navigate the complex legal process. We believe in the power of storytelling to connect with our clients and ensure their voices are heard. Our mission is to provide clear, simple, and professional legal guidance, while fighting tirelessly for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money and will do everything within their ability to decrease the value of your injury lawsuit potentially even minimizing your injuries. Our personal injury law firm is open anytime to take care of your legal inquiries. Contact us today for a no-obligation, no-cost case consultation.
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Motor Vehicle Accident
$975 K
Construction Accident
$750 K
Motor Vehicle Accident
$360 K
Motorcycle Accident
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in San Clemente, Gilroy, Apple Valley, La Verne
When a simple stroll in the charming beach town of San Clemente, or an afternoon walk amidst the garlic fields of Gilroy, turns into an unexpected pedestrian accident, the experience can be daunting. Our dedicated team of lawyers is here to help, guiding you through the legal maze with clarity and understanding.
Whether you’re a resident of Apple Valley, enjoying the picturesque landscapes, or living in the historic city of La Verne, the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be life-altering. Dealing with physical injuries, lost work hours, medical bills, and emotional trauma can be overwhelming. We want to assure you that you’re not alone. Our friendly and professional legal team is committed to defending your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation to restore normalcy in your life. We’re here to navigate the complex legal terrain, so you can focus on your recovery.
The right attorney can have a big effect on how your case is handled and the settlement that you can receive. Injury lawyers should work hard to evaluate all aspects of your claim, while determining the most appropriate strategy for obtaining fair compensation.
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Free Pedestrian Accident Consultation
Why Pursue the Other Driver's Insurance Company?
If you’ve been caught in a pedestrian accident in California due to a negligent driver, you have a right to claim compensation for your injuries and other damages. While the responsible party’s insurance company should handle these expenses, dealing with such companies can often be a stressful and long lasting legal process.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents in California
Navigating as a pedestrian can sometimes pose risks due to the high volume of traffic. As personal injury law specialists, we believe that awareness of these risks can significantly enhance pedestrian safety. Familiarity with the most prevalent types of pedestrian accidents can help individuals be more proactive in avoiding potential hazards and understanding their rights if an unfortunate incident occurs. Here is a list outlining the common scenarios where pedestrian accidents are likely to occur, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to safety rules and regulations, as well as the potential legal repercussions when these are disregarded.
Crosswalk Accidents
These occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians who are crossing at designated crosswalks.
Back-Over Accidents
These accidents happen when a driver reverses without noticing a pedestrian behind their vehicle.
Sidewalk Accidents
These accidents involve pedestrians being hit while walking on the sidewalk, often due to a vehicle losing control.
Hit and Run Accidents
This is when a driver hits a pedestrian and then leaves the scene without providing assistance or reporting the incident.
Intersection Accidents
These occur when drivers are making turns at intersections and fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street.
Drunk Driving Accidents
These accidents involve drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs hitting pedestrians.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Accidents caused by drivers who are distracted, for example by texting or talking on their phones.
Bus or Public Transit Accidents
These involve pedestrians being struck by buses, trams, or other public transit vehicles.
Why you should be represented by our Injury Law Firm?
When you've suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence, it's understandable that you may be considering handling your legal case on your own. After all, you might think, "Who knows the situation better than me?" However, self-representation can often lead to complexities and challenges that might limit your potential for recovery. Here's why choosing legal representation is often the best choice.
First, personal injury law can be intricate and hard to navigate. It requires an understanding of specific legal procedures, terminologies, and paperwork, all of which can be overwhelming for a layperson, especially when dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an injury such as a Pedestrian Accident. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer alleviates this burden, allowing you to focus on your recovery while your injury attorney handles the legal complexities.
Second, personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators. Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting task, as they often aim to minimize payouts. Our attorneys will have the experience and know-how to ensure you're not pressured into accepting a settlement that's less than you deserve. We can effectively negotiate with insurance adjusters and won't be taken in by tactics often used to devalue your claim.
Lastly, we provide an objective and professional perspective on your case, guiding you through the often complex and frustrating process. We can give you a realistic appraisal of your case and help you understand the possible outcomes.
In essence, while self-representation might seem like a way to save on legal fees, the potential risks often outweigh the cost. With a personal injury lawyer, you gain the expertise and support needed to help you through this challenging time, boosting your chances of a favorable outcome. So, rather than going it alone, consider reaching out to us for a no-obligation case consultation, we're here to help.
How long after an accident can you sue for personal injury in California?
In the state of California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years from the date you were injured to initiate legal proceedings against the party you believe is responsible for your injury.
However, if the injury was not discovered right away, the statute of limitations may be extended to one year from the date the injury was (or should reasonably have been) discovered. There are also different rules for minors, or cases involving government entities.
Our legal team is committed to serving communities all over California, with our offices located in La Verne, Apple Valley, Gilroy, and San Clemente. You can count on us to be available and accessible, offering top-notch legal guidance.
How can I establish fault in a pedestrian accident?
Establishing fault in a pedestrian accident typically involves demonstrating that the driver breached their duty of care and this breach directly resulted in your injuries. First, it’s important to collect evidence at the scene. This can include photos of the accident site, witness statements, surveillance camera footage, and the police report, if one was filed. This evidence can help illustrate how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
In many cases, a driver may be found at fault for failing to yield to a pedestrian, driving distractedly, speeding, or ignoring traffic signals. If the pedestrian was crossing legally at a crosswalk or on a green light, the driver is often found to be at fault. However, pedestrians also have a duty to use reasonable care when navigating traffic, and fault can sometimes be shared. Our experienced personal injury attorney can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence, and guide you in establishing fault in your specific case so you can obtain your deserved compensation.
Watch Out
The other party's insurance company may reach out to you soon after your accident, perhaps presenting it as a 'courtesy call'. They might subtly ask for a recorded statement, claiming it's to 'identify the responsible party'. However, their real goal might be to use your words to challenge your trustworthiness later on. Bear in mind that you're not required by California law to make a statement to the other party's insurance company without a lawyer present. Politely decline to give any statement and promptly reach out to us to arrange a free case evaluation, to determine what's best for you and help you obtain the highest compensation possible.
What Our Clients Say
Where are our Personal Injury Law offices?
If you’ve been unfortunate enough to encounter a pedestrian accident in La Verne, Apple Valley, San Clemente, or Gilroy, our seasoned team is here to provide support. We are well-versed in the various aspects of accident law, and our goal is to simplify this for you. Let us handle the legal hurdles, so your focus can remain on healing. Trust us to manage the legal details, freeing you to center your efforts on your recovery.
Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims FAQ
What if the driver fled the scene of the accident?
If the driver flees the scene of a pedestrian accident in California, it’s known as a hit-and-run, which is a criminal offense. Despite the stressful circumstances, there are a few crucial steps you should take:
- Contact the Police Immediately: File a report with all the details you can recall about the accident, the vehicle, and the driver. Even minor details can help in tracking down the offending driver.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Get immediate medical attention, and make sure all injuries, even those seemingly minor, are documented.
- Document the Incident: If you’re able, gather evidence at the scene. This could be photographs of your injuries, the accident location, and any damage caused. If there are witnesses, get their contact information and statements.
- Contact us: Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the complex process of a hit-and-run claim, including dealing with your own insurance company if the driver isn’t found.
If the driver can’t be identified, you may still be able to seek compensation for your injuries through your own insurance coverage, specifically the uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it. It’s important to report the incident to your insurer promptly, as there may be specific deadlines for reporting hit-and-run accidents.
Does the type of road or crosswalk affect the outcome of my pedestrian accident claim?
Yes, the type of road or crosswalk can significantly impact the outcome of a pedestrian accident claim in California. Various factors can influence this:
- Crosswalks: If a pedestrian is hit while legally crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk (which often exists at intersections, even if not visibly marked), the driver is typically found at fault. The law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- J-Walking: If a pedestrian is injured while crossing outside of a crosswalk or against a traffic signal, they may be found partially or wholly at fault, which can affect the amount of compensation they can recover.
- Road Conditions: Poor road conditions or inadequate signage can also play a role. If it’s found that a lack of proper signage or road maintenance contributed to the accident, a government entity could be held partially responsible.
- Residential vs. Commercial Roads: Speed limits, visibility, and traffic volume often vary between residential and commercial roads, which can influence driver and pedestrian behavior and potentially the assignment of fault.
In every situation, it’s crucial to consult our experienced personal injury lawyers that can evaluate the specifics of your case and guide you through the legal process to help you obtain the settlement you deserve.
How does insurance come into play in pedestrian accident claims in California?
In California, insurance plays a significant role in pedestrian accident claims. If a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the driver’s auto insurance policy typically covers the pedestrian’s injuries up to the policy’s liability limits. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, if the driver who hit the pedestrian does not have auto insurance, or their policy limits are not sufficient to cover the damages, the pedestrian’s own auto insurance may come into play, if they have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM). This type of coverage can provide additional compensation for injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
If the pedestrian does not have UM/UIM coverage, they may need to turn to their own health insurance to cover their medical costs. This can lead to issues with subrogation, where the health insurance company seeks reimbursement from any settlement or judgment received.
Lastly, in hit-and-run situations, where the driver cannot be identified, the pedestrian may also rely on their UM/UIM coverage, if available.
Are there specific laws in California that protect pedestrians?
Yes, California has several laws designed specifically to protect pedestrians. Here are some key ones:
- Right of Way at Crosswalks: Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Pedestrians on Sidewalks: California Vehicle Code Section 21952 states that the driver of any vehicle approaching any pedestrian upon a roadway must yield the right-of-way to such pedestrian.
- Vehicles Stopped for Pedestrians: California Vehicle Code Section 21951 mandates that whenever any vehicle has stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear must not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
- Pedestrian Signals: Pedestrians must follow pedestrian signals where they exist, as per California Vehicle Code Section 21456. They are required to wait for the walk signal before entering the roadway.
- Pedestrians Outside of Crosswalks: Under California Vehicle Code Section 21954, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Have your pedestrian accident case reviewed for free
Schedule a Free Consultation with the California Personal Injury Lawyers at Braff Legal Group Today!
Backed by decades of expertise, our skilled team of personal injury lawyers is committed to helping the injured receive the compensation they are entitled to. We provide our legal services on a no-win, no-fee basis, which allows us to put our clients first, ensuring that you will not pay us any amount unless we secure you compensation.
From the moment you step into our injury law firm, you are not simply a case number – you are our primary focus. Our superior case results and individual attention differentiates us from the others, which is why our customers continue recommending us to their friends and families.
Trust us to be with you when you are in need of help the most. We are available 24/7 to talk about your lawsuit. You won’t pay us a single penny until a settlement is obtained on your behalf. Contact us right now for a no-cost consultation.
