Pedestrian accident injuries can be devastating and can change lives in the blink of an eye. A pedestrian injury lawyer can help you or your loved one obtain compensation, holding the negligent party accountable for their actions.
After a pedestrian accident it is important to seek help from a specialist, such as an Orange County personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will help you with the legal process. They can assist in filing a claim. They will also assist you in obtaining compensation for medical bills. Additionally, a personal injury attorney in Orange County will work towards achieving compensation for your pain and suffering.
Read more about pedestrian accident claims below, and how an Orange County injury lawyer can help with your personal injury case.
Types of Injuries That a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit Can Cover
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries, ranging from cuts or bruises to catastrophic or even fatal damages. No matter the healing times or severity of the injuries, a pedestrian accident can be very physically and emotionally distressing.
Examples of pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Head injuries or concussions
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding or trauma
- Broken bones
Injuries like these can cause lifelong damage. Not to mention financial damages from the high costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation from which can be hard to recover. To have a strong lawsuit, you need detailed records of the injuries. Additionally, you need a good understanding of the possible long-term difficulties these injuries may cause. With an Orange County personal injury attorney, you can get the compensation and financial help you deserve after a tragedy.
Types of Cases in Which The Driver Can Be Liable
Often, it is reckless driving that causes pedestrian danger or wrongful death. Drivers don’t always prioritize pedestrian safety, even though the law says they should. Pedestrian accidents in which a driver is at fault can include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Disregard of traffic laws/signals
- Failing to yield to the right of way of pedestrians
To hold the driver responsible for a pedestrian accident, injury victims need strong evidence and witnesses proving the driver broke traffic laws. An Orange County injury attorney can help you build a strong case. They do this by proving a driver’s negligence, which can result in a fair settlement for you.
Besides The Driver, Who Can Hold Responsibility in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
Other parties aside from drivers may bear responsibility in a pedestrian accident. Property owners or cities can be responsible for dangerous conditions such as no street lights, uneven sidewalks, and lack of traffic signs.
An accident may also stem from a faulty or recalled car, in which case the driver may not be at fault. In these cases, the vehicle manufacturer is liable. In accidents involving commercial vehicles, the company or employer is liable. It is crucial to understand who is involved and who could be held accountable in the lawsuit.
When Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault For The Accident?
There are situations in which the pedestrian can be completely responsible for their own injuries. Usually, this occurs due to jaywalking or crossing streets with no crosswalks. Accidents can also occur when pedestrians fail to obey traffic lights, or are texting or distracted when crossing roads. A pedestrian’s awareness and reaction time are crucial pieces of evidence in an injury lawsuit.
What is Pure Comparative Negligence and How Does it Apply?
Pure comparative negligence is a legal rule that assigns fault in a lawsuit based on how much each party was negligent. The injured pedestrian can still receive compensation, even if both the pedestrian and driver share some responsibility for the accident. However, the court will reduce the amount of compensation based on the degree of fault assigned to the pedestrian.
This law only applies in some states, like California. A personal injury attorney in Orange County can explain how a pedestrian injury case affects responsibility percentages and compensation.
File a Personal Injury Claim Today
Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, and you shouldn’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. An attorney in Orange County can help you file a personal injury claim. They will ensure that you receive full compensation for your losses.
At the Offices of John J. Perlstein, we help gather evidence from the accident in order to hold the responsible party accountable. Additionally, we actively work on building a strong case to serve justice. Our law firm specializes in all aspects of personal injury and wrongful death services. Our Orange County lawyers will handle compensation with the responsible person and insurance companies, so you don’t have to.
Our Southern California personal injury law firm is here to protect you. To get a free consultation about your pedestrian accident claim, call (213) 252-1070 or fill out this form. An Orange County injury lawyer will be available to speak with you about any concerns plaguing your potential claim.