Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, leaving victims struggling to secure just compensation. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you need an experienced and knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer in Thousand Oaks who will work to help you pilot the complex legal process and ensure you get fair and full compensation for your losses. Our personal injury lawyer can help you through this, so call us for a free consultation today.
Thousand Oaks Pedestrian Accidents
Car makers have been working hard to make their vehicles safer by creating better seat belts, improved airbags, and systems to help avoid crashes. However, pedestrians are at a severe disadvantage if they are involved in an accident with a vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that the number of people walking who died after getting hit by cars increased by 21% since 2021.
When a pedestrian is involved in an accident with a vehicle, there can be a few different causes:
- The driver of the vehicle: The actions or negligence of the driver can significantly influence the accident.
- Road defects or inadequate lighting: Poor road conditions or not enough lighting can cause accidents and put the blame on those responsible for maintenance and safety.
- The pedestrian: Their behavior and actions can also play a role in the accident.
- Electric cars: These eco-friendly cars are quieter than regular cars. This makes getting hit easier for people with trouble seeing or hearing.
Pedestrians can cause their own accidents by doing things like jaywalking or crossing the street at a place where it’s not safe. Even though they can usually still get money to help with their injuries, the amount might be less because of California’s comparative negligence law that looks at their level of responsibility.
If you are in any of these situations, getting help from a pedestrian accident attorney in Thousand Oaks is a good idea. They make sure you get the right amount of money for the harm and losses you’ve experienced.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accidents lawyer serving Thousand Oaks, call (310) 896-2723
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
The State of California has laws that help protect pedestrian safety, such as the California Vehicle Code 21960 VC, which states that all motorists grant the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the road in a marked crosswalk. Laws like this help prevent injuries to pedestrians on the roadways.
Some of the most common injuries pedestrians face include:
- Traumatic brain injuries – head injuries that cause damage to the brain
- Disfigurement – a profound change in how a person looks
- Broken bones – bones that are snapped, fractured, cracked, or split
- Lacerations – cuts or tears in the flesh
- Spinal cord injuries – harm to the spinal cord causing function changes
- Internal organ injuries – injury to internal organs, such as the kidneys, spleen, and liver
Pedestrians harmed by a vehicle have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. The easiest way to get through the legal red tape is by hiring a Thousand Oaks pedestrian accident attorney.
Thousand Oaks Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Pedestrian Accident Claims
Hiring a Thousand Oaks pedestrian accident lawyer is the single most important thing you can do after a pedestrian accident. The right one can help you get the largest possible settlement and awards the court will offer.
Lawyers understand the real value of a pedestrian accident case. They can also find important things in the evidence that might not be obvious at first. This helps their clients get the most money possible for their injuries.
One of the first things your lawyer will do is help you gather evidence to prove your case and who was at fault. An educated attorney will help you find the necessary documents to prove your case, such as:
- witness statements
- information from other drivers
- photographs of the scene
- video evidence
Gathering all the evidence available helps prove your case but also stops negligent drivers from shifting the blame onto the pedestrian.
Damages in a Pedestrian Accident
If you’re a pedestrian hurt in an accident, you can ask for help making things right again. This is called recovering damages through compensation, and it’s an important part of what an attorney can accomplish on your behalf. They can get you paid for things such as:
- Current and Future Medical Costs: It’s crucial to see a doctor after the accident and keep records of expenses from the hospital, ambulance, rehab, and surgery.
- Income Loss and Ability to Earn: Injuries might prevent you from working for a long time. If this happens, you deserve payment for the money you couldn’t earn and the money you would have made if the accident hadn’t happened.
- Pain and Hardship: You also have the right to get paid for things that don’t have a specific price, like the physical pain you experience due to the injury from the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Pain isn’t always physical. You can also get paid for the emotional and mental pain you go through, which includes feelings like worry, sadness, and distress.
These are just the typical damage claims your lawyer can ask for. You may have additional issues a lawyer can get you compensation for.
You don’t always have to go to court to get compensation for damage after a pedestrian accident. Often, a settlement is made with an insurance company after the extent of the injuries is determined. However, if the settlement isn’t successful, your lawyer will continue the legal process in the courtroom.
Click to contact our Thousand Oaks Personal Injury Lawyers today
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Thousand Oaks Can Get You the Compensation You Deserve
It’s common to become overwhelmed after an accident and not know what to do next. Fighting for rightful compensation while still healing from injuries is nearly impossible. The answer is a dedicated lawyer who will help you navigate the complicated legal process to bring the justice you deserve.
Mike Simmrin is a trial lawyer who is most at home fighting for the rights of his clients. Mike and his team at Simmrin Law Group are ready to fight for the justice you deserve.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form