There’s been an alarming increase in car-related pedestrian accidents and fatalities in California in recent years. Speeding, the use of smartphones while driving, and more motorcycles, trucks, and cars sharing the road with people are all factors contributing to this spike. As the number of accidents involving pedestrians increases, so does the need for professional Moreno Valley pedestrian accident lawyers.
Pedestrian accidents, unlike car accidents, are almost always calamitous and can even be fatal. Apart from dealing with devastating injuries, pedestrian accident victims also have to deal with long recovery periods, lost income, and steep medical bills. And that is without bearing in mind the mental toll such accidents have on those affected.
While drivers have a moral and legal responsibility to protect and avoid injuring pedestrians, most people hit by a car, motorcycle, or truck don’t know what to do after being involved in an accident. At Crockett Law Group, our mission is to ensure that accident victims like you have all the information they need to make the right decisions and take the right steps towards resolution and recovery.
Our Moreno Valley pedestrian accident lawyers are here to counsel you and help you understand your legal rights as a pedestrian accident victim. If someone else’s negligence or carelessness caused the accident and ensuing injuries, you deserve compensation. Our top-rated auto accident lawyers in Moreno Valley are ready to help you.
Call (888) 965-3827 now to speak to a professional pedestrian accident attorney from Crockett Law Group for legal counsel and representation.
Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in California
Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in Moreno Valley, California. The following factors are known to cause the most accidents involving pedestrians.
Distracted Driving
This is when the driver does other activities that take his or her attention from the road while driving. Forms of distracted driving involve talking to passengers or using electronic gadgets such as smartphones (texting) while driving.
Driving Under the Influence and Speeding
Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol is one of the main causes of traffic accidents in California. Over speeding is another common cause of pedestrian accidents in the state.
Failure to Respect Pedestrians’ Right-of-Way
Most accidents involving pedestrians are often the result of drivers not giving right-of-way to pedestrians when crossing intersections. A large of people who lose their lives after being involved in an accident get struck at intersections.
Failure to Signal Before Turning
Failure to signal when making a turn is another common cause of accidents involving pedestrians. When a driver doesn’t signal when turning, pedestrians have no warning and may walk into the path of the vehicle.
Visibility and Time of Day
Most accidents involving pedestrians typically occur at night. An increase in the number of drivers operating their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol and other drugs and poor visibility can make for extremely dangerous road conditions for pedestrians. At the same time, dusk and dawn also see spikes in accidents due to glare caused by the rising or setting sun.
Reckless Driving
Fatigue, speeding, and drunk driving all leave pedestrians susceptible to injury. According to some studies, there is not much of a difference between the reflexes of a drunk driver and those of someone who’s falling asleep behind the wheel. On the other hand, aggressive and impatient drivers also pose a serious threat to walking road users.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Moreno Valley?
If you’ve been hit while walking or crossing the road, do your best to remain levelheaded and calm. While you could be in severe pain, stressed, angry, or frustrated at the driver that hit you, it’s in your interest to remain calm and composed. To protect your rights as a pedestrian accident victim, here are a few steps you need to make sure you take immediately after the accident.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first step you need to take immediately after getting hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle is to seek medical attention right away. While you might not be in pain, there is still a chance that you may have sustained serious internal injuries that could worsen with time. As such, even if you’re feeling alright, still make sure you see a medical professional and have your condition evaluated or receive the treatment you need.
Document Your Injuries
Make sure you keep copies of all your medical records. Also, make sure you take photos of any injuries you sustained and the scene of the accident. Remember to write down a list of all injuries and symptoms you experience in a personal journal.
File a Police Report
Once you’ve received medical care, the next step you need to take is to file a report with the police. However, you still need to make sure that you call the police immediately after your accident. If the police haven’t arrived at the scene of the accident by the time you leave, make sure you file a report within 24-hours.
Do Not Discuss Fault at the Scene or With the Motorist’s Insurance Company
After your accident, chances are the driver’s insurer will try and contact you. When that’s the case, then do note that the insurance company may ask you to provide them with a statement. They may also try to convince you to accept a settlement or sign documents. As the victim, make sure you only provide basic or essential information like your name, address, and phone number. Don’t give a statement or sign any documents before contacting a lawyer since by doing so, you may end up surrendering your rights.
Seek Professional Legal Assistance
After you’ve received treatment and filed a police report, the next thing you need to do is get in touch with a Moreno Valley pedestrian accident lawyer who has knowledge and experience handling personal injury claims. You must call one before making any statement with an insurer. For help with your pedestrian accident case, call (888) 965-3827 now to speak to a professional Moreno Valley personal injury attorney.
How Do You Determine Liability or Fault in a Pedestrian Accident in California?
In California, for one to prove that the person who hit you was negligent, the following things have to be established:
Duty of Care
The first thing you’ll have to prove is that the driver who caused the accident had a duty of care. Everyone who operates a vehicle is responsible for following the laws of the road and driving responsibly.
Breach of Duty
To prove liability, you’ll have to show that the responsible party breached their duty of care by either breaking the speed limit or failing to yield or driving while distracted, etc.
Causation
You also must prove the responsible party’s negligence is what caused the accident and the ensuing injuries. If defective brakes are what led to the driver losing control and hitting you, then you have the chance to file a case against the maker of the vehicle or parts rather than the person driving the vehicle. It is essential to have medical records proving the accident is what caused your injuries.
Damages
Losses are often the last element that you have to prove when demonstrating negligence in an accident. You may suffer from emotional, physical, psychological, and financial damages. To receive compensation, you need to prove that the losses you suffered were a result of the driver’s negligence.
How Can a Moreno Valley Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Assist With My Claim?
If you’ve been injured after getting hit by a negligent driver, you need a professional and qualified pedestrian accident lawyer to help with:
Case Preparation
Your attorney will examine available evidence, including security camera footage, medical records, and police reports. After that, he or she will put together a rock-solid case that proves that the motorist is responsible for causing you harm.
Settlement Negotiation
After an accident, the defendant’s insurance provider might try and convince you to take a low settlement offer. Other insurers may even try and deny your claim. Our professional pedestrian accident attorneys will advise you if the amount you are being offered is fair and negotiate with the insurance provider for a better amount if it is not.
Local Results
Man Struck by Car While Running on Busy Freeway Under the Influence Received $75,000 Settlement
| Case Type | Pedestrian Accident |
|---|---|
| Location | California |
| Settlement | $75,000.00 |
Trial Preparation and Representation
If the amount being offered isn’t sufficient or if the insurance provider refuses to pay you, we are ready to take the matter to court and represent your interests. Our attorneys will prepare for trial and are ready to aggressively fight for your right to receive the compensation you need for your injuries and losses.
What’s the Time Limit for Filing a Pedestrian Injury Claim in Moreno Valley, California?
According to Section 335.1 of California’s Code of Civil Procedure, the statute of limitations in California on pedestrian accidents is two years from the day the accident happened. In some cases, the clock starts ticking from the day the injury is discovered. If you’re filing a claim against the government, then please note that you only have 6-months to provide a claim notice.
How Much Will a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?
At Crockett Law Group, we work on what’s known as a contingency fee plan. That means we do not get paid unless we win the case for you. We only take our share, which you will have agreed upon when signing the contingency agreement, once we have secured a judgment or settlement for you.
Call for a Free Consultation With a Moreno Valley Pedestrian Accident Lawyer!
If a pedestrian accident left you unable to work with costly bills to pay, you must do your best to give your pursuit for compensation the chance of success. The accident attorneys at Crockett Law Group can help you understand and navigate California’s claims process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
We’ve helped hundreds of Californian residents recover millions of dollars in compensation and can help you too. If you need help pursuing compensation for injuries sustained after being hit by a motorist, call (888) 965-3827 today to arrange a free case review with our Moreno Valley pedestrian accident lawyer.
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