Pedestrian Accident Attorney In Baldwin Park, CA
As a pedestrian, you deserve the right to walk outside without the fear of a vehicle hitting you. This is unfortunately not the reality for Baldwin Park residents who travel on foot. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, working with a Baldwin Park pedestrian accident lawyer is key to protecting your legal rights, either as the driver or as the pedestrian.
Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The team at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor is proud to help our California neighbors during their most difficult times in life. After a car crash, having a stable support system is everything. Our attorneys dedicate their professional lives to being a part of our clients’ support.
When you come into the office for your first consultation, you’ll be able to describe your situation in detail with one of our personal injury attorneys in Baldwin Park. After you explain your desires for the outcome of your case, we’ll offer transparent legal guidance to help you make informed decisions about your future.
From there, we’ll help you navigate your legal case, working tirelessly to ensure the most favorable outcome possible.
What to Do After Being Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
I-10 had four fatalities between 2020 and 2022. Other major accident areas include I-605, with two fatalities in that time, and Baldwin Park Boulevard, with two fatalities. During that same period, 33 pedestrians were either injured or killed in a Baldwin Park accident.
The crosswalk is where pedestrians are at the highest risk. Drivers may make simple mistakes that could lead to lifelong pain. Because of the lack of physical protection, pedestrians are the most vulnerable population on the road.
Knowing what to do after being in a pedestrian accident can ensure the protection of your legal rights. First, call 911 and report the crash. Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay physically. Many injuries, including internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms until it’s too late.
Then, collect the contact information and insurance information from all parties involved in the crash. Get the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses, too. Pedestrian accidents tend to be highly contested, and your lawyer can contact witnesses to get their official statements about what happened during the crash.
During this time, don’t apologize to anyone or admit any fault in the accident. If you do, it can be used against you later in your legal case. Then, hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to represent you. They’ll guide you through the next steps.
California Pedestrian Accident Laws
Courts understand that victims often play a small part in the accident. Knowing this, they’ll allow victims to pursue compensation even if it’s found that they’re 99% at fault for the accident and resulting injuries. However, this also means that any compensation they win will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, in California, pedestrians always have the right-of-way at intersections. If a driver hits a pedestrian, they may be found to be 90% at fault for the incident. However, if it’s discovered that the pedestrian was texting and distracted while crossing, they may be found to be 10% at fault for the incident, as they may have been able to move away before being hit.
For example, if the injured pedestrian is awarded $100,000, it would be reduced by 10%, making their final settlement amount $90,000. To understand what your compensation may be after an accident, speak with your attorney, who will help identify specifics unique to your case that will have an impact on any final settlement.
Types of Damages Recoverable in a California Pedestrian Accident Case
In a California personal injury case, the compensation awarded to the victim is never a random number. Courts calculate it based on the personal damages suffered after the crash. Courts have no monetary limit to the amount of compensation a victim can request, but what’s awarded is dependent on the specifics of the case.
There are two main types of damages that can be pursued. The first is economic damages. These damages are easy to calculate, as they are based on real monetary losses. It can include initial and ongoing medical treatment, such as:
- Rehabilitation services, like physical therapy
- Mental health services
- Medical aid devices
- Medication
- Surgeries
- Loss of income due to missing work from injuries
- Property damage to any personal belongings. It can include your vehicle, if applicable, or other belongings damaged in the crash.
The other type is non-economic damages. These are just as important as economic damages, but are more subjective when being calculated. They’re based on emotional losses after a crash, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
A third type of damages may be awarded in special cases. These are called punitive damages, which are given to the victim when the guilty party acted with extreme recklessness or malice. For example, if a driver hits you while being extremely intoxicated, they may have to pay you punitive damages to further punish them and deter future behavior.
Types of Evidence to Strengthen Your Case
When determining compensation, courts use evidence as their primary determination. You’ll be able to present evidence to the court to help bolster your legal claim.
Initial evidence you can collect after the crash includes:
- Photos and videos of any visible injuries
- Photos and videos of damage to your vehicle, if applicable
- Photos and videos of damage to your personal belongings, such as clothing, headphones, bags, and a cell phone
- Photos and videos of the crash site, including any property damage or skid marks
- Surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses
- Dashcam footage
- Traffic camera footage
You will also want to get copies of the initial incident report and your medical records. If you’ve received ongoing medical care, save copies of those records. Documentation of any medication, physical therapy, or mental therapy can be included in your claim.
One of the attorneys from Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor will be able to gather witness statements as well as statements from various professionals who can analyze accidents and who can provide opinions about what caused the crash.
Speak To Our Baldwin Park Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Thon Beck Vanni Callahan& O’Connor has helped hundreds of injured California residents recover the compensation they need to move forward. Contact our team to schedule your first consultation. Let us focus on fighting for you. You focus on recovery.
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