Every day, pedestrians are injured and killed by reckless drivers all over the U.S. Regrettably, most of these accidents are preventable.
After a pedestrian accident, you should reach out to a Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyer to find out if you have a case. The earlier you reach out to an attorney, the better. Don’t wait too long after your accident to contact a lawyer.
At Crockett Law Group, our Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyers and legal team is well-versed with personal injury cases. We have been representing the residents of Fullerton, California, ensuring they get the justice they deserve after sustaining injuries. We are ready to help you secure the best compensation for your claim.
Call [phone] today to schedule your case. Our legal team is eager to compassionately hear your side of the story. Our Fullerton personal injury lawyers will advise you accordingly and help you throughout every stage of your claim. Get started now to recover damages for your injuries and losses.
What Are Some of the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Approximately 6,205 pedestrian deaths occurred on U.S. roads in 2019. Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 17% of all accident fatalities that year. Roughly 21% of pedestrian deaths ā 1,290 deaths ā in 2019 were from hit-and-run crashes.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, California had the highest pedestrian traffic fatalities by state ā 1,020 fatalities. These fatalities occurred in 2020.
There are many reasons why pedestrian accidents occur, including:
Failure to Yield Right of Way
Right of way is the legal right for road users to proceed with precedence in particular situations or locations. This applies to both pedestrians and motorists. For example, if a traffic light directs pedestrians to proceed onto the crosswalk, drivers must allow them to cross the road before they can drive.
Failure to yield implies that a road user commits a violation by proceeding without giving precedence to other road users. For instance, if a driver doesn’t stop at a red light to allow pedestrians to cross, this amounts to a failure to yield right of way.
Speeding
Traveling above the posted speed limit significantly increases one’s chances of crashing. It is harder to control a speeding vehicle. Drivers should completely avoid speeding in busy places, like school zones or parks.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving while intoxicated contributes to thousands of accidents every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28 people die every day in drunk driving crashes in the U.S.
In California, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more. For commercial vehicles, the limit is 0.04%.
Drugs, alcohol, and medication can make driving a vehicle more difficult. Pedestrians and drivers who’ve had too much to drink risk causing accidents while driving or walking on the road.
Poor Visibility
Various factors can reduce visibility on Fullerton roads and risk causing pedestrian accidents. They include:
- Poor headlights
- Poor weather conditions
- Hazards on the side of the road
- Bright lights shining in the pedestrian’s eyes
- Dark clothing at night
In the event poor visibility leads to an accident, liability may fall on motorists, pedestrians, or entities like the city. Motorists and pedestrians should always exercise caution in moments of poor visibility.
Distracted Driving
Drivers should, at all times, never take their eyes off the road. Actions like texting while driving, eating, applying makeup, changing the playlist, and talking to occupants in the vehicle distract drivers can cause pedestrian accidents. When a driver is distracted, they may fail to notice pedestrians on the road. Such recklessness may result in pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrian accidents mainly occur in urban areas. To avoid pedestrian accidents, never assume drivers are paying attention. Remember to use designated crosswalks and wait until the light gives you the right of way.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
After an accident, you may be in shock. Still, there are various things that you should do to strengthen your claim. It’s prudent that you take a deep breath and compose yourself after an accident. Here’s what the Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyers at Crockett Law Group recommend:
Seek Medical Assistance Immediately
The first thing to do is to make sure you are okay. Check if you have any visible injuries after your accident. If you are hurt, seek medical assistance immediately.
You shouldn’t ignore visiting a doctor simply because you feel okay. Remember, some injuries, like concussions, may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms may emerge days after your accident.
Document Your Injuries
Take pictures and videos of your injuries soon after your accident. This can help to prove the severity of your injuries. As time passes, wounds heal and may seem less severe.
Call the Police
Don’t let anyone talk you out of this stage. If you don’t call the police, you may jeopardize your Fullerton pedestrian accident claim. They will conduct an investigation to determine who is liable for your crash. The insurance company may also require a police report from the incident.
Do Not Discuss Fault on the Scene or to the Motorist’s Insurance Company
After an accident, don’t discuss the details of your crash with the other party’s insurance adjusters or lawyers. Don’t also start blaming them for the accident. You may end up making statements that hurt your chances of receiving compensation.
Contact Your Insurance Company
It’s important to notify your insurance company about the accident. This ensures that they carry out their own investigation and prepare an offer for your claim.
Seek Professional Legal Assistance with a Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After an accident, reach out to a reputable pedestrian accident law firm near Fullerton. At Crockett Law Group, our Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to protect your rights. We will help you throughout the claims process, ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Do You Determine Liability or Fault in a Pedestrian Accident in California?
To determine liability in a pedestrian accident claim, there are four elements that you must establish. An experienced Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyer can gather and analyze evidence to prove these elements:
- Duty of care: Did the defendant have a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care?
- Breach of duty: Did their actions or omissions violate that duty?
- Causation: Did this violation cause your injuries?
- Damages: Did you suffer losses, like medical bills, due to their actions?
If the answer to these questions is “Yes,” a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer near Fullerton will have the grounds to proceed with a pedestrian accident claim. At Crockett Law Group, our Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyers won’t rest until we establish these four elements.
How Can a Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Assist With My Claim?
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s advisable to contact an experienced Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyer immediately. A lawyer can look into the facts of your case and advise you accordingly. At Crockett Law Group, here’s how our Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyers can help:
Case Preparation
The first step is to determine if you have a case. Our attorneys will collect and analyze evidence to determine who is to blame for your accident. We will go through dashcam footage, CCTV videos, medical records, police reports, and eyewitness statements to establish liability.
Once we establish liability, we will file a demand letter with the insurance company and push for the best compensation for your claim.
Settlement Negotiations
Our attorneys are prepared to aggressively negotiate with insurance adjusters for the best settlement. We won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. Crockett Law Group will ensure your compensation covers economic and non-economic losses that you suffered after the accident.
Local Results
Young Boy Awarded $1 Million Settlement from Truck Driverās Policy for Head Injury Sustained While Crossing Road
Case Type | Pedestrian Accident |
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Location | California |
Settlement | $1,000,000.00 |
Trial Preparation & Representation
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. Nonetheless, if the insurance company offers a lowball settlement, we will advise you to consider litigation. Our trial lawyers are ready to build the best case to ensure you get a favorable ruling in California civil courts.
What are the Time Limits for Filing a Pedestrian Injury Claim in California?
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a pedestrian injury claim. This implies that you have 24 months to file a claim for damages under California’s personal injury laws. If you are unsure about the time limits for your claim, speak to a Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyer immediately.
How Much Will a Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?
The Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyers at Crockett Law Group operate on a contingency basis. This implies that you don’t pay any upfront fees for our legal guidance. You will only pay a percentage of your final settlement once we win your case. With Crockett Law Group, you don’t have to worry about any retainers for legal representation.
Speak to a Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. You should contact an experienced Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyer to find out if you have a case. You may recover damages for losses like medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering after a successful claim.
At Crockett Law Group, we deal with insurance companies on your behalf. This allows you to rest and recover after your accident. Let us handle all negotiations to ensure you get the best settlement for your claim.
Contact us today to find out if you have a case. Get started before the two-year time limit expires.