Most of us never consider the dangers associated with walking beside a road in Los Angeles. Walking alongside large vehicles can be very dangerous. Many pedestrian accidents occur yearly when motor vehicles strike individuals walking or running on the street.
You may be entitled to compensation if you are struck by a motor vehicle while walking. You can get legal help building a claim now when you contact a respected Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer. Start focusing on your legal options by calling the seasoned Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group.
Take Immediate Action After a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident
You can increase your chances of getting total compensation after a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, CA, by taking specific steps immediately. The experts recommend that you:
- Report the accident
- Record the incident
- Get fast medical treatment
- Reach out to a legal professional
Report the Accident
The authorities should be informed if you were involved in a pedestrian accident. Police officers will likely visit the collision scene to collect information from the driver that struck you. Even if you were hurt in a hit-and-run, you should notify the police.
Record the Incident
We understand that you may be badly injured in a pedestrian accident. However, if possible, you should document as much of the scene of your accident as possible. Take pictures of the area where the accident occurred and your injuries. Record the contact information for anyone who saw your accident.
Get Fast Medical Treatment
You should get medical attention if you were hurt in a pedestrian accident. Sometimes, injuries are not immediately apparent, especially if you were hit in the head. Getting treatment quickly also helps show that your accident caused your injuries, increasing your chances of getting compensation for your losses.
Reach Out to a Legal Professional
Insurance agents might try to deny your claim if you were hurt in a pedestrian accident. It would be best if you did not discuss your accident with anyone until you get legal help on your side. Pedestrians who work with car accident lawyers have a higher chance of securing total compensation for their losses.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 896-2723
A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You Meet All Deadlines
Whether filing a lawsuit or making a claim with an insurance company, you only have a limited time to act after an accident. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in California is two years. However, exceptional circumstances may limit the amount of time you have to file.
In some cases, the time limit can be extended. However, generally, if you do not file a lawsuit within two years, you forfeit your right to compensation. The best thing you can do to protect yourself and recover the money you need to pay for your injuries is to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after you get hurt.
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles, CA, will ensure that all the proper paperwork is filed on time and put you in the best position to recover damages after an accident.
Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
All pedestrian accident victims can afford to hire an experienced attorney to represent them and fight for their right to compensation. That is because personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. This payment structure means that your lawyer will only get paid if they can secure you compensation.
In pedestrian injury cases where a lawyer can secure compensation for their clients, the fee that the lawyer collects is taken as a predetermined percentage directly from the compensation package. Accident victims will never pay their attorney a penny out of their pocket.
In a typical case, an accident victim who hires a lawyer will receive a significantly higher payout than one who attempts to fight it out with representation. Even after a pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles has deducted their fee, the amount their client is left with is typically much more significant.
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California Pedestrian Accident Facts
It is often hazardous for pedestrians to travel along roads throughout the state of California. California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has noted concerns regarding pedestrian safety. According to the OTS:
- California has more pedestrian deaths than any other state.
- More than 14,000 pedestrians were hurt in 2016.
- More than 890 pedestrians were killed in 2018.
If you were among the many individuals hurt in a pedestrian accident last year, you can get help quickly from a personal injury lawyer. Allow the Simmrin Law Group to begin working on your claim right now.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in California
Many pedestrian accidents in California are caused by drivers not paying attention to their surroundings. Pedestrian accidents may occur if a driver is distracted because they are:
- Texting or using their phone
- Eating or drinking
- Too tired to operate a vehicle
Pedestrian accidents also happen when drivers disobey the rules of the road. Accidents are more likely when drivers speed or run red lights. Additionally, drivers operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol can cause pedestrian accidents.
Note that sometimes, pedestrians get blamed for the accident that caused their injuries. You may be found partially at fault if you stepped onto the road without paying attention or put yourself in danger. Get legal help from an experienced professional if this happens to you.
California Personal Injury Laws Impacting Your Pedestrian Accident Claim in Los Angeles
As you prepare to move forward with your Los Angeles pedestrian accident claim, you should be aware of multiple California personal injury laws. These laws could have a substantial impact on the outcome of your case.
Fault Laws
California operates under a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents. If you were struck by a car while walking, you would likely file a claim with the liable party’s auto insurance provider. Their bodily injury liability and property damage protection coverage should compensate you for medical expenses and property damages.
Comparative Negligence
When you have been involved in an LA pedestrian accident, you may be accused of sharing liability for your injuries. You might be accused of crossing outside the crosswalk, failing to wait for traffic signals, or otherwise bearing partial liability for the injuries you sustained.
Since California operates under a pure comparative negligence system, you can still recover compensation for your damages no matter how much blame you share. However, you must expect your settlement to reflect a shared fault deduction.
For example, if you were jaywalking during your pedestrian accident, the court might find you 35% responsible for causing your injuries. If the jury awarded you $1 million, your settlement would be reduced by 35%, leaving you with $650,000. Since comparative fault can significantly impact the outcome of your settlement, it is crucial to have your Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney ensure liability is correctly evaluated.
Statute of Limitations
It is vital to get your pedestrian accident lawsuit filed before the statute of limitations passes. California law is strict. Your suit must be filed within two years of the accident.
However, what happens if you were diagnosed with an injury in the days or weeks after your pedestrian accident? When would the statute of limitations expire? The answer may not be obvious.
Thankfully, when you have your pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles, CA, handle your case, you can be sure your lawsuit will be filed before this critical deadline.
Get Compensation for a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident
Our personal injury legal team can help you move forward after a pedestrian accident. We may be able to negotiate with insurance agents to settle your claim. You can also count on our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers to stand up for you in court.
We will work to make sure you get maximum compensation for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages at work
- Lost earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
Allow us to focus on your unique needs following a pedestrian accident by contacting us right now.
Reach Out to a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
You would deserve compensation for your medical expenses and other losses if you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles. You can secure the help you need today from the team at the Simmrin Law Group.
Get working on a claim with a free consultation from a dedicated Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group. Get in touch with us by calling us or completing our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
