While pedestrians typically have the right of way against cars, trucks, and motorcycles, collisions or pedestrian accidents, which require the expertise of a pedestrian accidents lawyer, are a common occurrence and can cause devastating injuries. Many pedestrian accidents lead to fatal injuries, and those who are lucky enough to survive these types of collisions are often left with serious, debilitating, and life-altering permanent disabilities.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, please know that our pedestrian accident attorneys at Shegerian & Associates, a pedestrian accident law firm, can help you fight for maximum compensation. We will gather the evidence that is needed and advocate to secure a successful outcome on your behalf, all while ensuring your case receives the personalized care it deserves.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries
When two cars collide, vehicle occupants have physical protection around them and seatbelts to buffer the effects of harm that may occur. Motorcycle and bicycle riders are typically wearing helmets and other safety gear, so their heads are protected from maximum harm in the event of collisions with other vehicles or objects.
Pedestrians do not have this advantage, so those that are involved in pedestrian accidents often sustain serious and catastrophic injuries to their legs, torsos, heads, chests, and limbs. Pedestrians have nothing to lessen the force of an impact, and can be thrown onto the ground or into nearby objects.
Common types of injuries that arise from pedestrian accidents, as handled by a pedestrian accidents attorney, include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries, such as skull fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Lacerations and road rash
- Lacerations
- Facial trauma and disfigurement
- Dental trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones, including broken
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Fatal injuries
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
In large, busy cities like Los Angeles, there are an abundance of reasons why pedestrian accidents occur. Most of these accidents are avoidable and occur because of another party’s negligent or reckless actions. Drivers are the most commonly liable party in the event of a pedestrian accident, and may be found to have acted negligently due to:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Speeding
- Failing to keep a proper lookout
- Failing to yield
- Road rage
- Running red lights
- Rolling stop signs
- Traffic violations
- Engaging in reckless driving
- Assault
Other liable parties may be:
- The city, if you were injured due to defective sidewalks, crosswalks, or street signs
- A company, if an establishment or delivery vehicle struck you
Proving Liability and Pursuing Damages for a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important that you begin gathering evidence right away. While you may assume that the driver will be automatically liable for the accident, these cases require proof that you were injured due to the driver’s negligence. In order to prove negligence, you must show that:
- The driver owed you a certain duty of care.
- This duty of care was not upheld.
- This breach of duty led to the accident that you were injured in.
- You sustained damages and losses because of the accident.
The types of damages that you may pursue will vary depending on the circumstances of your pedestrian accident. In general, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Expenses for future treatment
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Lost quality or enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
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Pedestrian accident attorneys, like those at our pedestrian accident law firm, play an integral role in helping you pursue maximum compensation after being injured. Your attorney will work as your legal advocate to:
- Review the details of your case and assess your total damages
- Investigate the cause of circumstances of your case
- Appoint experts to give testimony and interpret evidence of your case
- Determine fault and show liability
- File a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- File a lawsuit on your behalf and protect your rights to compensation in court
- Take the burden off of your shoulders so you can focus on healing
Contact our Team for a Free Case Evaluation
Do not wait to speak with an attorney after a serious pedestrian accident leaves you injured. Like other personal injury cases, pedestrian accident cases have a statute of limitations of two years, but the sooner you contact an attorney, the better that evidence can be preserved to pursue maximum compensation. Don’t hesitate to contact Shegerian & Associates today and consult with our team of pedestrian accidents attorney.
