Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
California Pedestrian Accidents
My job is to make an adjuster understand that you are a person, not just a claim number. I read your medical records to understand the nature and extent of your injuries. I look for consistencies and inconsistencies in your medical records to refresh your memory about your complaints. I work with you so we can put together the facts describing how your accident affected your life. And may continue to affect your life even after your treatment is completed.
My goal is to help my clients focus on their recovery so they can get back to the life they were living before the accident. I will take this burden off of you by:
- Proving the driver was at fault for the injuries you sustained.
- Seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries, payment for the time you missed from work, compensation for future medical treatment, pain and suffering, and other monetary damages applicable to your unique case.
- Speaking with the driver’s insurance company.
- Make sure you get the medical treatment you need.
- Guiding you through any necessary steps you may need to take.
Pedestrian collisions are some of the most devastating accident cases my law firm handles. Because of the nature of these types of accidents, they usually result in very serious injuries or death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident, you should speak with an experienced attorney who can help you receive the compensation you deserve. I’m here to answer any questions you have. Contact me to schedule a free consultation today.
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, the first thing to do is seek medical care. Tell the treating provider about all of your complaints, not just the significant ones. Second, document your injuries by taking photos of any bruises, cuts, or scrapes. If you did suffer a bad injury, call an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. Even though most of us feel as if we should call the insurance company right away, this action can be detrimental to your case. Call a lawyer first to get advice. Then, you will be in a position to make an informed decision about what is best for you.
Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents are On the Rise
Pedestrian deaths and injuries are a serious problem in Los Angeles. In fact, in 2016 it was reported that L.A. County had more fatal pedestrian accidents than any other county in the United States. In 2019, the LAPD reported 128 pedestrians and 19 cyclists were killed. This accounted for more than 60 percent of all auto accident deaths.
According to a report from the US Department of Transportation, the number of pedestrian fatalities in crashes increased 63% between 2009 and 2018. Pedestrian traffic fatalities increased 42%. In 2018, approximately 74% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urbanized areas. Since 2009 there have been roughly 33,000 to 37,000 deaths per year due to pedestrian crashes. The NHTSA states that Los Angeles is one of four counties in the nation that accounts for ten percent of all pedestrian deaths.
Here is a list of the top ten dangerous intersections in Los Angeles provided by Crosstown LA:
- Sherman Way and Sepulveda Blvd. (Van Nuys).
- Manchester Ave. and Figueroa St. (Vermont Knolls)
- Burbank Blvd. and Sepulveda Blvd. (Van Nuys).
- Van Nuys Blvd. and Roscoe Blvd. (Panorama City)
- Victory Blvd. and Coldwater Canyon Ave. (Valley Glen)
- Tampa Ave. and Nordhoff St. (Northridge)
- Sherman Way and Woodman Ave. (Van Nuys)
- Sherman Way and Coldwater Canyon Ave. (Valley Glen)
- Imperial Highway and Figueroa St. (Vermont Vista)
- Balboa Blvd. and Victory Blvd. (Lake Balboa)
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Collisions and Where They Occur
Most often pedestrian accidents occur because of distracted driving. This happens when a driver is not paying attention because they are texting, talking on the phone, changing the radio station, eating, or something else that is taking their eyes off the road. However, collisions still occur even when the driver is paying attention. Drivers may fail to stop at a red light or stop sign or they are speeding and don’t slow down for pedestrians at crosswalks. Driving under the influence is also another common cause of vehicle-pedestrian accidents.
Most drivers think that they only need to watch for pedestrians and cyclists at major intersections but pedestrian collisions occur in many other places. They can take place in parking lots, when someone is backing out of a driveway, when exiting a bus or a parked vehicle, while walking or jogging along the side of the road or even the sidewalk, crossing the street at mid-block and at crosswalks.
Pedestrians who have been hit by a vehicle usually suffer very serious injuries because they don’t have any protection. In an auto accident, both drivers are protected by their vehicle, a seat belt, and airbags. In my experience, the clients I have represented that have been in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles suffered catastrophic injuries that required extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The most common injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated disc injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal organ injuries to the kidney, spleen, and liver
- Broken legs, arms, hips, pelvis, and ribs
- Torn and sprained ligaments
- Lacerations and road rash
- Fatal injuries
How Can I Be Compensated for My Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
In California, victims of a pedestrian accident have the right to receive compensation for all of the damages they sustained. The damages available in a pedestrian accident lawsuit depend on the injuries and other losses. This is why it is very important to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles that has helped other victims receive the full compensation for their claim.
Here’s a list of past and future damages:
- Medical bills
- Medical treatments and future surgeries
- Physical therapy and counseling
- Lost wages from work
- Lost wages for the inability to work in the future
- Disability costs
- Loss of consortium
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (ie: the driver was driving under the influence)
- Wrongful death damages
The bottom line is that there is not an average amount. Every pedestrian accident case is different because each claim is different based on the injuries sustained, the fault on the driver, any fault the pedestrian may be responsible for, the insurance companies involved, and whether or not the accident victim has an experienced attorney. However, generally speaking, the more serious the injuries are the greater the compensation will be recovered. The only way to receive an estimate of how much a pedestrian case is worth is to consult with an attorney who has handled several pedestrian lawsuits successfully.
After speaking with an experienced attorney, they can help you make a list of the damages you suffered. To calculate this, you will start by gathering your medical bills, pay stubs, and any out-of-pocket receipts. Your lawyer and doctor(s) will also help you calculate any future expenses as well. Some injuries require ongoing medical treatment, equipment, and surgeries. Next, your attorney will help estimate the value of your non-economic damages. Things like pain and suffering and loss of consortium. This is the most difficult part, as this type of award is generally up to a jury in the lawsuit to decide.
Some other factors that can determine a pedestrian case value are:
- How much insurance is available
- Will the victim fully recover
- The age of the victim
- The health of the victim before the accident
- Comparative fault
- Emotional and mental trauma
- Legal fees
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