Pedestrian vs. Auto Accidents in Los Angeles
Pedestrian accidents
Whether you walk for exercise or to get places, most people are pedestrians on a daily basis, even if you are just walking across a parking lot. Whenever people are on foot near motor vehicles and traffic, there is the potential for a car to crash into a pedestrian. Because pedestrians have no protection in a collision with a heavy moving vehicle, serious injuries are the common result of this type of accident.
Many injured pedestrians have the right to seek compensation for their extensive losses. In order to do so, you must take the necessary steps to either file an insurance claim against a negligent driver or file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. Car vs. pedestrian accident lawsuits can be complicated. It is always important to have an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer handling your claim. Contact Blair & Ramirez LLP to learn more about your options right away.
How pedestrian vs. vehicle crashes happen
Drivers can crash into pedestrians for many different reasons, and these accidents can happen at intersections, in parking lots, or even while someone is walking along the street or sidewalk. There are various reasons why drivers might hit a pedestrian, including:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Failing to follow traffic signals
- Impaired driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
Drivers often try to blame pedestrians for accidents, though every driver should always know to properly watch for pedestrians and when to yield. If a driver caused your pedestrian vs. auto accident, you should hold the driver accountable for your injuries and losses.
Common injuries and losses from pedestrian crashes
Pedestrians do not have the protections afforded by a vehicle body or other safety features like motorists have. People walking do not even have a helmet or the protective clothing a cyclist or motorcycle rider would be wearing at the time of an accident. For this reason, pedestrians often sustain severe traumatic injuries when hit by a car. In a collision, you can suffer multiple serious injuries from a single accident. Some common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Fractured, shattered, or crushed limbs
- Fractured ribs or pelvis
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck and back injuries
- Knee, shoulder, and other joint injuries
- Internal hemorrhaging
- Internal organ damage
Most pedestrians need emergency medical attention following a collision with a motor vehicle. Then, they might need extended hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitative therapy, and more. Medical treatment and injuries can keep accident victims out of work, school, and interfere with their daily routine and activities. Some pedestrians never fully recover and live with permanent disabilities, impairments, or disfigurement.
How much is your pedestrian accident case worth?
As a pedestrian accident victim, you may be wondering how much you might be able to recover from the at-fault party or his or her insurance policy. Because every case is different, the only way to get an idea of the value of your case is by talking to an attorney familiar with pedestrian accident settlements and litigation. Some damages that you may be able to recover after a serious pedestrian accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
It is important to keep in mind that your settlement or award should include any future losses, as well as the ones you have already incurred.