Pedestrian accidents can have a devastating impact on those involved, often resulting in severe injuries or even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It’s important to understand your rights and take immediate action to protect yourself and your family. At The Abel Firm, we are here to guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
The Reality of Pedestrian Accidents in California
California, with its bustling cities and high traffic volumes, sees a significant number of pedestrian accidents each year. These incidents can happen anywhere, from busy intersections in downtown San Francisco to quiet suburban streets. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are often caused by negligent drivers who fail to follow traffic laws or simply aren’t paying attention. Speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield at crosswalks, and driving under the influence are common causes of these tragic accidents.
The impact of a pedestrian accident can be life-altering. Victims often suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. In some cases, the injuries can be so severe that they lead to permanent disability or loss of life. The emotional and financial toll on the victim and their family can be overwhelming, especially when medical bills begin to pile up and the injured party is unable to work.
Legal Protections for Pedestrians
California law offers robust protections for pedestrians involved in accidents. Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, and failure to do so can result in fines and penalties. If a driver’s negligence leads to a pedestrian being injured, the victim has the right to seek compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Even if the pedestrian is partially at fault for the accident — for example, if they were not using a crosswalk — California’s comparative negligence laws allow them to recover compensation, though the amount may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident
The moments following a pedestrian accident can be confusing and frightening, but it’s critical to take certain steps to protect your legal rights and ensure your health and safety. Here’s what you should do if you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident:
Call 911 – Your health should always be the top priority. If you or anyone else has been injured, call for medical help immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional, as some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
Gather Information – If you are physically able to do so, gather as much information as possible from the scene of the accident. This includes the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. You should also collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
Document the Scene – Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any visible injuries, damage to vehicles, and the location where the accident occurred. This evidence can be crucial when building your case.
Do Not Admit Fault – Even if you think you may have been partially responsible for the accident, do not admit fault or apologize. Anything you say can be used against you later when determining liability. It’s best to remain calm and avoid discussing the details of the accident with the driver or their insurance company until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Seek Legal Advice – One of the most important steps you can take after a pedestrian accident is to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. The legal team at The Abel Firm can guide you through the process of filing a claim, dealing with insurance companies, and ensuring that your rights are protected.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages. This can include:
Medical Expenses – Compensation for medical bills related to the accident, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages, both for the time you were unable to work and for any future earnings you may lose as a result of your injuries.
Pain and Suffering – This refers to the physical and emotional pain and suffering you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. Compensation for pain and suffering can be significant, especially in cases of serious or permanent injuries.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries have impacted your ability to enjoy activities you once loved, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement – In cases where the pedestrian accident results in permanent disability or disfigurement, additional compensation may be awarded to account for the long-term impact on the victim’s life.
Why You Need an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal process after a pedestrian accident can be complex and challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies that are often more focused on protecting their bottom line than providing fair compensation. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can make all the difference in securing the maximum compensation you deserve.
At The Abel Firm, we understand the unique challenges that pedestrian accident victims face. With over 29 years of experience helping injured clients throughout California, we have the knowledge, resources, and expertise to handle every aspect of your case. From investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to trial, we are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the full and fair compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, both physically and financially. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The experienced attorneys at The Abel Firm are here to help guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Remember, time is of the essence in pedestrian accident cases. The sooner you seek legal advice, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome. Contact The Abel Firm today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
