TYPES OF PEDESTRIAN Collision INJURIES

Even when a vehicle is traveling at a low speed, a pedestrian accident can result in serious injury or death. It is critical to have your injuries evaluated immediately to determine the severity and the appropriate course of treatment.

Common injuries that occur in pedestrian accidents include:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord damage
Trauma to the neck or back
Broken bones and fractures
Damage to internal organs
Severe cuts and lacerations requiring surgery to repair
Disfigurement
Temporary or permanent loss of function

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you might be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. It is vital to act quickly as you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles can walk you through the legal process and help you obtain the recovery you deserve.

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Despite efforts to improve safety for pedestrians, each year, hundreds of people are injured or killed by a driver while walking in Los Angeles. Across the state of California, nearly 900 people lost their lives in a single year in pedestrian accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), no state has more pedestrian deaths.

The most recent data provided by OTS indicates that:

In one year alone, there were over 14,000 pedestrians injured;
The state’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25% higher than the national average;
Deaths related to pedestrian accidents continue to increase; and
Almost 7,500 pedestrians were killed on roadways between 2009 and 2018.

Tragically, pedestrian accident victims often come from our most vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children. Injuries in pedestrian accidents are rarely minor. Any time a vehicle or bicycle collides with a person, the results can be devastating.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CROSSWALKS

As noted by the OTS, pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections. Drivers should yield to walkers and be prepared to come to a stop. Not all crosswalks are clearly marked. Unmarked crosswalks act as an extension of a sidewalk and are not always at intersections. Unmarked crosswalks may not have painted lines or any signage.

Los Angeles also has uncontrolled crosswalks that are not located at an intersection but where pedestrians have the right of way. Drivers must be hypervigilant, obey the speed limit, and always be on the lookout for pedestrians in these areas. Many of these crosswalks have pedestrian-activated traffic signals that notify drivers to yield while a person is crossing.

WALKING OUTSIDE OF A CROSSWALK

Contrary to what many people assume, a person who is injured while walking outside of a crosswalk may still be entitled to compensation if they are struck by a vehicle. It is important to consult with a qualified Los Angeles lawyer to determine whether you should file a pedestrian accident lawsuit based on your injuries.

OBTAINING COMPENSATION AFTER A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

To obtain compensation after a pedestrian accident, it is recommended that you consult with a Los Angeles attorney as soon as possible. In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit based on personal injury. If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death claim.

Failure to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations may bar your right to recovery and prevent you from obtaining compensation for your losses. A lawyer can help make sure that you meet all legal deadlines.

INSURANCE SETTLEMENTS

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you might be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company with a settlement offer. It is imperative that you wait to sign anything until you have had your case reviewed by an attorney.

Insurance companies may try to get you to settle your case for less than it is worth. Early settlement offers rarely take into account the full extent of your injuries or provide compensation for less tangible losses such as your pain and suffering.

An attorney will review the offer to determine if it provides enough compensation to cover all of your losses. They can also negotiate to obtain a larger settlement or take your case to trial to secure a verdict.

HOW A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER CAN HELP

In the blink of an eye, a pedestrian accident can forever change your life. With aggressive and skilled representation from Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP, you may be able to better recover from this incident.

If we take on your case, we will:

Review evidence such as red light camera and security camera footage
Bring in industry experts, such as accident reconstructionists
Speak with any witnesses
Contact the responsible driver
Negotiate with the insurance companies

If a settlement is not possible, then we are not afraid to take your case to trial. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Los Angeles have helped several people just like you recover substantial damages for their injuries.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, you do not need to determine liability. The most important thing is that you seek medical treatment. The severity of the harm may not be immediately apparent. Even if you do not believe you suffered a serious injury, you still need to be seen by a doctor.

After a pedestrian accident:

Get to safety if you can and contact 9-1-1;
Obtain insurance information from the driver;
Get witness contact information;
Seek medical attention; and
Consult with a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer.

You should not make any statements to other parties or insurance representatives after a pedestrian collision without speaking to an attorney in Los Angeles first. Insurance companies may use your words to attribute fault or liability.

Get Started Today

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A PERSONAL INJURY?

Personal injury cases are some of the most common civil litigation cases—also known as “tort actions” or “lawsuits”—in the United States. They are filed by individuals who have experienced bodily injury, pain and suffering, and sometimes property damage in an accident caused by a negligent third party. These claims can also be filed for intentional harm or defamation of character by a third party.

DO I NEED TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY?

While you are not required to have an attorney to file a claim, having an attorney can make a significant difference in your claim. A personal injury attorney has a deep understanding of the claims process and can help you navigate the complexities of the law. Your attorney can also help you level the playing field with insurers and can tell you whether you are receiving the maximum compensation to which you are legally entitled.

I HAVE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT – WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

If you have been injured in an accident that was no fault of your own, there are steps you should take to ensure you are compensated for costs related to the incident. Taking quick action after your accident can profoundly affect your personal injury claim or lawsuit. After being involved in an accident, you should: Seek medical attention for your injuries, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. Keep a record of your injuries and note any complications that arise because of your injuries. Report the incident as soon as possible after it occurs. Record detailed descriptions and notes about the facts of the incident. Keep receipts of medication and medical care you received Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can help you navigate your claim.

WILL MY PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM GO TO TRIAL?

Not all personal injury claims make it to court. In fact, a majority of injury cases are settled without having to litigate. What’s the difference between a settlement and going to trial? What are the pros and cons of each? There are two ways in which compensation can be awarded to you for your claim: through a settlement or by going to trial. There are pros and cons to each. When your claim is settled, the compensation for your claim is decided outside of court, usually through negotiations between lawyers.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?

In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim against an individual or non-government entity. If the injury is not immediately known, you have one year from the date the injury is discovered. If you’ve suffered injuries from an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should act quickly to ensure you are able to recover compensation for your losses.

Notifying Insurance Companies

You should notify your insurance company and the responsible party’s insurance company as soon as possible after your accident. Most insurance companies request that you file your claim within 24 – 48 hours after your accident. When you file a personal injury insurance claim, you are requesting that the at-fault party’s insurance pay for the losses you suffered as a result of your accident, and the compensation amount is determined during negotiations. Seeking Compensation You can get financial compensation in two ways: filing a personal injury insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Generally, compensation can be sought for two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are those with a measurable monetary value, such as medical expenses and lost wages. On the other hand, non-economic damages refer to losses that cannot be easily quantified, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. It is important to understand the types of damages available in your case so that you can seek compensation for all of your related losses. Soon after your accident, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can explain the time limits to you and help you get the compensation you deserve.

ARE THERE PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS NEAR ME?

Our firm is located in downtown Los Angeles. We can take all personal injury cases based in California.

Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

CAUSES OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

WE HANDLE A WIDE RANGE OF PERSONAL INJURY CASES, INCLUDING: