Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Representing pedestrians injured by negligent & distracted drivers.

The primary form of transportation in Los Angeles is the car, which means pedestrians are at a disadvantage. Most streets and intersections are not pedestrian-friendly. On top of that, drivers are often negligent when it comes to yielding for pedestrians or watching for pedestrians who are crossing the street or standing near it.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident? You need legal representation right away after promptly seeking medical attention. The next most important step is to retain a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer. At Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP, our attorneys keep your best interests in mind when building a strong personal injury case on your behalf.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our office at (219) 513-5614 to schedule a free consultation.

CAUSES OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

Too often, innocent pedestrians are injured because of negligent drivers who fail to consider their surroundings. These tragedies can result in serious physical, mental, and financial problems.

Many pedestrian accidents are caused by drivers who:

Text while driving
Fail to watch for pedestrians in crosswalks
Fail to stop at stop signs or red lights
Speed
Drink and drive

If a negligent driver’s actions have led to your injuries, then you deserve compensation to cover the various expenses you now face. From medical bills to lost wages, you have a lot on your plate – our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys want to help you pursue the financial compensation you need to move on.

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.

INJURED IN A LOS ANGELES PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT? GET A FREE CONSULTATION.

If you have suffered harm in a pedestrian accident, contact our office to schedule a free consultation. There is never any obligation to retain our services, and there are no fees unless we win. Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers have decades of experience helping those injured in pedestrian accidents. Get the financial compensation you need and the justice you deserve. Call (219) 513-5614 to get started.