Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Porter Ranch

Many residents of Porter Ranch walk as a form of exercise or simply as an environmentally-friendly way to enjoy the weather and the sights. Pedestrians have a much greater risk of serious injury or death when they are involved in traffic collisions. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 893 pedestrians were killed in accidents in 2018, which represented a 26% increase since 2014. In addition to those who were killed, an estimated 14,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in accidents in 2018. California is the leading state for pedestrian fatalities, and more than 7,500 pedestrians died on the state’s roads between 2009 and 2018.

If you have suffered serious injuries in a traffic accident while you were walking in the Porter Ranch area, you should consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer at the Valley Accident Lawyers. We have extensive experience helping the victims of pedestrian accidents recover compensation for their losses.

Common types of injuries in pedestrian accidents

Pedestrians do not have the same types of protection available to them as car occupants do. While motor vehicle occupants are surrounded by a steel cage, pedestrians have nothing protecting them from the violent forces that are released in collisions. When they are struck by cars, their bodies are forced to absorb some of the forces. This means that pedestrians commonly suffer extensive injuries, including the following common types:

• Multiple fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ injuries
• Leg and knee injuries
• Nerve damage
• Paralysis
• Road rash/dragging injuries
• Amputations
• Severe lacerations

Pedestrian accidents commonly result in multiple injuries. The severity of the injuries will depend on numerous factors, including the part of the body that is struck, the speed of the vehicle, the location of the accident, and the angle of impact.

Liability in a pedestrian accident

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident is critical. California has several laws that are meant to protect pedestrians. These statutes can help to prove a driver’s liability for an accident. Under Cal. Veh. Code § 21950(a), drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing the street within a crosswalk or at an unmarked intersection. When a driver strikes a pedestrian who is crossing at an intersection or within a marked crosswalk, it can be easier to prove the liability of the motorist.

Pedestrians who are the victims of traffic accidents must prove the negligence of the motorist. Proving negligence includes providing evidence that shows by a preponderance of the evidence each of the following elements:

• The motorist’s duty of care
• The motorist’s breach of the duty
• Causation by the breach of the accident and injuries
• Harm suffered by the plaintiff

Some examples of the types of negligent actions that can cause pedestrian accidents and serious injuries include the following:

• Speeding
• Drowsy driving
• Distracted driving
• Failing to obey traffic control devices
• Failing to notice crossing pedestrians when turning
• Driving under the influence

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer at the Valley Accident Lawyers will carefully review all of the evidence to identify the causes that contributed to the accident.

Why you should retain an attorney?

Hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer after a pedestrian accident is crucial for gathering evidence and establishing liability. Attorneys might help by working with accident reconstruction experts and investigators to interview all of the witnesses, gathering information from the drivers, photographing and measuring the accident scene, and obtaining any available video footage.

Attorneys also understand the defenses that are commonly raised by insurance companies. Many companies attempt to place the blame for the accidents on the pedestrians to evade the responsibility of paying claims. By carefully investigating an accident, an attorney can build a strong case of liability to encourage an insurance company to offer a fair settlement instead of risking a trial.

Damages available in a pedestrian accident

Placing an exact value on a pedestrian accident claim can be difficult. An experienced attorney can review the evidence and properly value a claim. Some of the types of damages that might be available include the following:

• Past medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Past lost wages
• Future reduction in the ability to earn an income
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring
• Disability
• Loss of the ability to enjoy life
• Loss of consortium and guidance
• Other losses

Get help from the Valley Accident Lawyers

Suffering serious injuries in a pedestrian accident can permanently alter the course of your life. Talking to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer Porter Ranch at the Valley Accident Lawyers might help you to learn about the legal rights that are available to you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling us at 818.565.6600.

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