Indio Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are a serious issue in Indio, California. However, it also faces a high rate of pedestrian accidents that endanger the lives and well-being of its residents and visitors. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Indio ranked 9th out of 58 cities in the state for pedestrian fatalities and injuries in 2021.

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Indio, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Reach out to our award-winning Indio pedestrian accident lawyers, with a perfect 10.0 Superb rating, for a free consultation and case evaluation. We’ve recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients and have received over 30 awards and honors.

Which Roads and Intersections in Indio Are the Most Dangerous?

Pedestrian accidents in Indio can occur in various locations but are more frequent in certain areas due to heavy foot traffic and vehicle movement.

Highway 111, or Indio Boulevard, is a busy street in Indio where you can find many local businesses, eateries, and landmarks. Some of the notable places along this route are the Indio Performing Arts Center, the Indio Fashion Mall, and the Coachella Valley History Museum. However, this street also poses a high risk for pedestrian accidents, as it has a lot of vehicle and foot traffic, especially near the intersections with Jackson Street, Madison Street, and Monroe Street.

Pedestrians should be extra cautious when crossing Highway 111, as there have been several fatal incidents involving pedestrians and cars on this street in recent years.

Tip
Use designated crosswalks whenever possible when crossing Highway 111. Avoid jaywalking!

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Indio?

Having already sought medical attention after your pedestrian accident in Indio, there are several steps you can still take to strengthen your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, recognized with over 30 awards and honors, is uniquely positioned to guide and represent you through this process.

Detailed Documentation of the Incident and Injuries

Continuing from your initial medical treatment, maintain a comprehensive record of all subsequent medical appointments, diagnoses, and treatments. Documenting the progression of your injuries and how they impact your daily life adds substantial weight to your claim. This information demonstrates the extent of your injuries and their impact on your quality of life.

Gathering and Preserving Evidence of Your Accident

Collect any available evidence related to the accident. This includes photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, witness statements, and contact information. If there are traffic or surveillance cameras that might have captured the accident, note their locations. This evidence can help construct a clear and compelling narrative of how the accident occurred and establish liability.

Pro Tip
Exchange contact information with any witnesses present at the scene of the accident.

Consult with Text Kevin Accident Attorneys’s Experienced Legal Team

With our firm’s impressive track record, including recognition from the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Best Lawyers, and consistent accolades from Super Lawyers Magazine, you can be confident in our ability to handle your case. Our experience in securing top settlements for motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents in California, as evidenced by our Top Verdict recognitions, demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Let Us Handle Communications and Negotiations

Interacting with insurance companies and other parties involved can be tricky and potentially detrimental to your case if not handled correctly. Our skilled attorneys will manage all communications on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you don’t inadvertently say anything that could be used against your claim.

Access to Expert Witnesses and Specialized Resources

At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we have access to a wide range of specialists, including medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and financial analysts. These experts can provide evidence and authoritative opinions that boost the strength of your case.

Medical experts can offer detailed explanations of your injuries, the required treatments, and the prognosis for recovery. This can help in understanding the full extent of your medical needs and the current and future costs.

Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the accident scene and available evidence to determine the dynamics of the accident.

Financial analysts can assess the economic impact of the accident, calculating not only lost wages and medical expenses but also the long-term financial implications, such as loss of earning capacity and ongoing medical care costs.

Incorporating these expert perspectives can significantly enhance the credibility and persuasiveness of your claim, particularly in negotiations with insurance companies or in court proceedings.

Seeking Full and Fair Compensation

Our firm’s experience and recognition, such as the Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys and the Top 40 Under 40 awards, underline our capability to accurately assess and demand appropriate compensation for your damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Preparation for Litigation, if Necessary

While we aim to settle your case favorably out of court, our team, recognized by organizations like the National Trial Lawyers and the American Academy of Attorneys, is fully prepared to take your case to trial if needed. This readiness can often lead to more favorable settlement negotiations as opposing parties recognize our commitment to securing the best outcome for you.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents due to the lack of protection compared to vehicle occupants. Common injuries include:

Head Injuries

Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of pedestrian accidents. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the impact can cause the head to strike the vehicle, the ground, or other objects, leading to various types of head injuries.

Concussions are a common form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur in these accidents. They result from the brain being shaken inside the skull, which can disrupt brain function temporarily.

More severe TBIs can also occur, which can have long-term and even permanent effects. These injuries can range from extended periods of unconsciousness (coma) to long-lasting impairments in cognitive functions like memory, concentration, and problem-solving.

Victims may also experience changes in personality and emotional struggles, including depression and anxiety.

The treatment for severe TBIs often involves a combination of emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy, which can be a prolonged and challenging process for both the victim and their families.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries in pedestrian accidents are particularly alarming due to their potential to cause permanent disability.

The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When it is damaged, these messages can be disrupted or completely blocked. The level and severity of the injury determine the extent of the impairment.

Injuries can result in either partial or complete paralysis. Paraplegia (paralysis of the lower limbs) and quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) are also possible outcomes, depending on where the spinal cord is injured.

In addition to mobility issues, victims may experience loss of sensation and function in various body parts, difficulty in controlling bladder and bowel movements, and even respiratory problems in more severe cases.

Treatment for spinal cord injuries often involves emergency care, surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and sometimes lifelong medical support.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Pedestrians struck by vehicles commonly suffer from broken bones and fractures. The most frequently fractured bones in these accidents include those in the limbs (arms and legs), ribs, and pelvis.

The severity of these fractures can vary significantly. Simple fractures, where the bone cracks but does not break through the skin, might heal with casting and rest. More complex fractures, such as compound fractures (where the bone breaks through the skin), may require surgical intervention involving the insertion of pins, screws, or plates.

The recovery process for broken bones and fractures can be long and sometimes complicated, involving physical therapy and rehabilitation. During this time, victims might experience limited mobility and may be unable to perform their usual work or daily activities.

The impact of these injuries can extend beyond physical pain to include emotional distress and financial burdens due to medical bills and lost wages.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries occur when the force of the impact damages internal organs or causes internal bleeding. The most commonly affected organs include the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen.

Signs of internal injuries might not be immediately apparent, making them particularly dangerous. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, dizziness, and fainting, along with visible bruising.

Delayed treatment can lead to severe complications or even death. Treatment may involve surgery to repair damaged organs or control internal bleeding. The recovery from internal injuries can be lengthy and may require a stay in the hospital, followed by a period of rest and recuperation at home.

Note
Pay attention to any unusual pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or changes in consciousness following an accident.

Road Rash and Burns

Road rash refers to severe skin abrasions that occur when a pedestrian’s skin is scraped against the road surface. This type of injury is common when a pedestrian is knocked to the ground or dragged along the pavement.

Road rash can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds that expose underlying tissues. These injuries are painful and can be prone to infection. In more severe cases, victims may require skin grafts and could be left with permanent scarring.

Burns are another type of injury that can occur in pedestrian accidents, especially if a vehicle catches fire or hot surfaces or fluids come into contact with the pedestrian during the accident.

Burns are categorized by degrees, with first-degree being the least severe and third-degree the most severe. Treatment for burns can include pain management, infection prevention, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention such as skin grafting.

Recovery from serious burns can be a lengthy process, often involving specialized care and rehabilitation. Burns can also leave lasting scars and require ongoing medical treatment to manage these effects.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we understand your financial concerns after an accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay nothing upfront. No fees to start your case.
• We only get paid if you do. Our success is tied to yours.
• No recovery, no fee. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

Let us focus on fighting for your compensation while you focus on healing.

Local Results

Out-Of-State Visitor Awarded $210,000 Settlement for Neck Injury Sustained in Single Vehicle Accident

Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Pedestrian Accident in Indio?

It’s important to understand that even if you made some mistakes leading to your accident, you might still be entitled to compensation. California follows a “comparative negligence” system. Here’s how it works:

• Even with shared fault, you may have a case. Let’s say you were crossing the street outside of a crosswalk when a distracted driver hit you. You might still have a strong case.
• Compensation is adjusted. The amount you receive may be reduced depending on your percentage of fault in the accident. If you’re found 30% at fault, you could still recover 70% of your damages.

Don’t assume you have no options after an accident. An experienced Indio pedestrian accident lawyer can assess your case and help you understand your rights.

Further Reading

• Fault In A Car-Pedestrian Accident

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Indio, CA?

California law offers protection to pedestrians and allows victims of negligence to seek compensation. Some of the main laws include:

Right of Way

California’s right-of-way laws, specifically outlined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Sections 21950-21954, establish clear rules to protect pedestrians. According to CVC 21950, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

This includes reducing speed, stopping if necessary, and taking all precautions to ensure pedestrian safety. However, pedestrians are also cautioned under this law not to suddenly leave a curb or other safe places and walk or run into the path of a vehicle, creating an immediate hazard. Additionally, the law does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety.

Distracted Walking and Driving

For distracted driving, California has strict laws under CVC 23123 and 23123.5, which prohibit all drivers from using handheld wireless telephones or electronic wireless communications devices while driving. Exceptions are made for hands-free operation and for emergency use. As for pedestrians, there isn’t a specific state law that prohibits the use of electronic devices while walking. However, local ordinances might exist, and overall, pedestrians are encouraged to remain alert and avoid distractions, especially when crossing streets or navigating high-traffic areas.

Speed Limit

Under CVC 22350, known as the Basic Speed Law, drivers are required to drive at a reasonable and prudent speed, given the current conditions. This law implies that regardless of the posted speed limit, drivers must consider factors like traffic, weather, visibility, and the presence of pedestrians and adjust their speed accordingly. Special attention is paid to areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as school zones and residential neighborhoods, where lower speed limits are often enforced to enhance safety.

Intoxication

California’s DUI laws, primarily found in CVC 23152, specify that it is illegal for anyone who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or a combination of both, to drive a vehicle. This includes specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits: 0.08% or higher for drivers aged 21 and over operating regular passenger vehicles, 0.04% or higher for commercial vehicle drivers, and 0.01% or higher for drivers under 21 or those on DUI probation.

While specific laws addressing pedestrian intoxication aren’t as comprehensive, it’s broadly acknowledged that being under the influence of alcohol or drugs greatly impairs a pedestrian’s judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.

The Crockett Law Group, by far is the best. Hopefully, I will never need to use an attorney again, but should it arise, I know that Kevin Crockett will do a GREAT job!

Kathy Jones
Indio, CA Resident

Contact Our Indio Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

As a victim of a pedestrian accident in Indio, partnering with our law firm, which holds a Perfect 10.0 Superb Rating from Avvo and numerous other accolades, means choosing a path towards justice and maximum compensation. Schedule your free case evaluation with us today.

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