Bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians alike share the roads in Glendale and across California. Unfortunately, when motorists fail to keep pedestrians’ safety in mind and drive safely, they can cause debilitating and life-threatening injuries. If you suffer critical injuries and damages after being hit by a car while walking, you may have the right to total financial recovery.
You should be compensated for every loss. However, getting the liable party to pay could prove more challenging than you thought. With help from a dedicated Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group, you can demand justice.
Contact our team for a free consultation today and find out who is responsible for your injuries and how much compensation your case could be worth.
Common Causes of Glendale Pedestrian Accidents
Figuring out the cause of your injuries will be a top priority for your pedestrian accident lawyer in Glendale, CA, at Simmrin Law Group. Generally, pedestrian accidents occur when a pedestrian is hit by a car while walking.
However, pedestrians can also collide with motorcyclists, bicyclists, taxis, buses, and any other type of motor vehicle. With that in mind, your personal injury attorney will examine in further detail some of the top causes of pedestrian accidents:
Negligent Drivers
First, it is crucial to remember that negligent drivers cause most pedestrian accidents. Depending on the way in which the driver was unsafely operating their vehicle, there may be other parties or share liability as well. Some examples of negligent driving could include:
- Failure to yield to the pedestrian’s right of way
- Failure to stop at a traffic light or stop sign
- Driving over the speed limit
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
- Making unlawful turns
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Driving while fatigued
Another top cause of pedestrian accidents is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, if drunk driving causes your accident, local social hosts and drama shops could also be held accountable for your injuries.
Under social host and dram shop liability laws, these establishments and individuals can be held accountable if they serve or sell alcohol to someone already intoxicated. If that party later goes on to cause any motor vehicle or pedestrian accident, dram shops and social hosts could share the blame for the victim’s damages.
Road Hazards
Road hazards or another common cause of pedestrian injuries. Your pedestrian accident attorney will closely evaluate the accident scene to determine whether dangerous road conditions contributed to your injuries.
Some examples of road hazards known for causing pedestrian accidents include:
- Defective crosswalk lights
- Poorly maintained crosswalks
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Large potholes
- Unsecured road construction zones
- Lack of crosswalks or signs indicating pedestrian crossing zones
The government agencies and Municipalities responsible for ensuring road safety can be sued if dangerous road conditions cause injuries. This might include the California Department of Transportation, the city of Glendale, safety inspectors, government-contracted road construction workers, and other third parties.
Defective Auto Parts
Sometimes, when a car hits a pedestrian, it is not the driver’s fault. If a mechanical or vehicular defect prevented the driver from avoiding the collision, the parts manufacturers and distributors could share responsibility for your injuries. Only an in-depth investigation by your pedestrian accident attorney in Glendale, CA, will uncover all parties who should be held accountable for your damages.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accidents lawyer serving Glendale, call (310) 896-2723
Pedestrian Right of Way Laws in Glendale
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, pedestrians always have the right of way when crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. However, pedestrians are also obligated to follow the rules of the roads.
For example, you must stop at red lights and stop signs before entering traffic and take steps to protect yourself from injury at all costs. However, if the vehicle that hit you violated the state’s pedestrian right-of-way laws, you may have grounds for legal action against them.
Glendale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How Shared Fault Could Impact Your Settlement
Do not be surprised if the liable party accuses you of sharing liability for your injuries. California follows comparative negligence laws. If you share fault for your injuries, you will not be prevented from a cover and compensation for your damages. However, you will see a shared fault deduction as part of your settlement.
For example, if you were crossing the street but did not use a crosswalk, the judge might find you 5% liable for the injuries you sustained when a distracted driver hit you. If the judge awarded you $1 million for damages, your award would be reduced by 5%. This is a $50,000 loss. For this reason, you need to make sure your pedestrian accident lawyer ensures liability is assessed accurately in your case.
Click to contact our Glendale Personal Injury Lawyers today
Deadlines for Pedestrian Accident Insurance and Civil Claims
Work closely with your Glendale pedestrian accident attorney to get your insurance and civil claims filed before time runs out. When you file a claim with the insurance company, you may have as few as 30 days from the accident to file your claim before the insurer denies you the benefits you otherwise deserved.
According to California personal injury statute of limitations laws, pedestrian accident lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident. However, the deadline for these claims is not always apparent. If you hope to avoid being prohibited from pursuing your case further, get an experienced attorney promptly work on your case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Speak with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Glendale, CA Today
If you feel overwhelmed thinking about going up against the insurance company or bringing your case to court, you are not alone. It is common for victims like you to hesitate to pursue legal action after everything they have been through.
Fortunately, when you have an experienced Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group advocating for you, you do not need to worry about a thing. We will handle the investigation and insurance negotiations and protect you from exploitation. Learn more about your next steps when you contact our team for a 100% free, no-obligation consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form