Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of accidental injury and death in California and nationwide. Each day, countless people suffer because of negligent drivers, often left permanently damaged. Pedestrian accidents often occur when someone walks across a street or beside it.

Victims of pedestrian accidents should get legal advice immediately to receive compensation for their damages!

A pedestrian accident attorney in Costa Mesa, CA, can help you navigate the complex claims process. The Soliman Firm has many years of experience handling these lawsuits.

While many pedestrian accidents are solely the fault of the negligent driver, the victim could be partly to blame. For example, they may have walked outside the crosswalk. Therefore, it might be hard to prove such cases, and a lawyer can help you determine what to do and when.

 

Why You Need Legal Representation for a Pedestrian Accident

 

Navigating pedestrian accident claims without a lawyer is very difficult. You’ve got to file the correct forms with the court system, gather evidence to establish liability, and meet many other requirements to succeed. In most cases, that doesn’t happen because the victim is in pain and doesn’t understand the law.

It’s best to work with a pedestrian accident attorney in Costa Mesa, CA, because they have experience with these cases. They know what paperwork to submit and can communicate to the defense on your behalf. Likewise, they gather evidence to prove your case and help you maximize your compensation amount.

Overall, the best reason to hire an attorney is that you can rest and get better. You have peace of mind because the legal case is in more-than-capable hands.

 

Considerations for Pedestrian-caused Accidents

 

When focused on such accidents, most people think of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian. However, it could be the pedestrian’s fault. California believes drivers have a duty of care to prevent pedestrian accidents because they’re more likely to harm those walking on the streets.

However, California uses the pure comparative negligence statute. Therefore, if the plaintiff contributes to the damage, they lose a portion of the award. Someone must determine the percentage of the accident that was their fault and lower the compensation by that much.

The most common example of pedestrian-caused accidents includes jaywalking. People should only be crossing streets at designated crosswalks when it is safe. Most intersections have signs indicating that it’s safe for a pedestrian to walk. If the pedestrian fails to do that, they are putting themselves at risk.

If you hit a jaywalking pedestrian or didn’t uphold their duty of care, you will still likely pay damages to them. However, the judge will assign a fault percentage to the pedestrian, thereby reducing their compensation award.

It’s best to speak with a pedestrian accident attorney in Costa Mesa, CA, to help you reduce your liability and hold the pedestrian at fault for their wrongdoing.

 

Potential Compensation Awarded for Pedestrian Accident Cases

 

Pedestrian accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries for the victims. You could suffer spinal injuries, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries.

California law lets you claim all damages that result from the incident. Therefore, working with us is best to ensure you get full compensation. Damages can include:

• Lost Income and Earning Potential: You’re likely unable to work while recovering, and it’s possible to claim lost wages. If the injury leads to a permanent disability, you can get compensation for the lost future earning capacity.
• Future and Immediate Medical Expenses: The medical treatments you need to heal after a pedestrian accident can be claimed during the lawsuit. This includes hospital expenses, rehabilitation, and therapeutic treatments.
• Pain and Suffering: California law lets injured parties recover compensation for pain and suffering.
• Property Damages: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you can claim replacement or repair costs.

 

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

 

Pedestrians can suffer significant injuries after being hit by a car, such as:

• Spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Crushing injuries
• Facial injuries

Call The Soliman Firm for Assistance

 

If you were injured while walking across or along the street, it’s best to call a pedestrian accident attorney in Costa Mesa, CA. We can help you determine if you have a case and gather evidence to support your claims. Please contact us at (714) 491-4111 or request a free consultation online.