Pasadena Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Recovering Compensation for Injured Victims

Being hit by a car while walking is an incredibly frightening experience. Unfortunately, with so many cars on the road, pedestrian accidents are becoming more and more common. Distracted driving, drunk or drugged driving, and other forms of negligence can cause innocent people to suffer from severe injuries. If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian, you deserve compensation.

Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, A Professional Corporation, is here to advocate for your rights and get you the money you deserve. Negotiating with insurance companies, proving negligence, and holding at-fault parties liable can be difficult as you recover from your injuries. We are here to handle your claim from beginning to end so you can focus on resting and recovering. For more information and to receive a consultation about your case, call us today at 626-208-9906.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident?

Being struck by a vehicle has the potential to cause devastating injuries with life-long symptoms. In many cases, pedestrians are struck in the lower extremities and thrown to the ground, causing further injuries. Your injuries will vary depending on how fast the car was going, how hard you were hit, and where you landed.

The most common injuries after an accident include:

• Skull fractures
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations
• Road rash
• Internal organ damage

Catastrophic injuries are any injuries that change the way you live and perform daily tasks. Long-term damage like paralysis and brain damage can impact you for the rest of your life. Our team is dedicated to seeking the compensation you need for what you have gone through.

If your loved one died after a pedestrian accident, you may be able to seek compensation on their behalf. A wrongful death suit provides money to the surviving family of the deceased. While no amount of money will make up for your loved one’s death, you can use it to pay for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more. Contact our Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyers today to learn more.

What Are the Laws Pertaining to Pedestrians in California?

The rules and regulations of the road can impact your personal injury claim. Just like cars, pedestrians must follow the applicable laws to not be held accountable for their accidents. According to the California Vehicle Code, pedestrians do not have the right-of-way when crossing the street unless they are at an intersection or crosswalk.

California law states the following about pedestrians:

• Cars must yield to pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk. Crosswalks are marked by white lines or unmarked but present at any intersection. Motor vehicles must slow down or stop when a pedestrian crosses.
• A pedestrian cannot delay traffic by stopping in the middle of a crosswalk, nor can they suddenly leave the sidewalk and step into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• Pedestrians have the right to cross at a marked intersection when given the walk signal.
• Pedestrians must yield to drivers at red lights and Don’t Walk signs.
• Pedestrians cannot cross the road at any place between two marked intersections. Crossing the road at a non-intersection is against the law and can result in the pedestrian being fined.

Anyone who uses the road is expected to do their due diligence to keep themselves and others safe.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

In most cases, pedestrian accidents are avoidable. Many accidents are caused by cars not following the rules of the road. When a driver is negligent, they can hit a pedestrian, causing severe injuries.

The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, and eating
• Reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Running red lights or failing to stop at stop signs
• Speeding in a school zone
• Reversing without looking
• Failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection
• Unsafe passing at a crosswalk
• Driving too close to a sidewalk

Anyone operating a motor vehicle has an obligation to be aware of their surroundings. When drivers behave recklessly or don’t follow the rules of the road, innocent people can be hurt. Personal injury claims help you get compensation for the actions of another person.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

When pursuing a personal injury case, it’s essential to assign liability. Liability is the legal and financial responsibility for another person’s injuries. Sometimes, liability is straightforward, while other times, it can be harder to assign.

The following parties may be liable for your injuries:

Driver

If the driver of the car made a mistake or acted negligently, they are at fault for your injuries. Most of the time, the driver’s insurance company will pay for your damages.

City

Defective roadways, sidewalks, or street signals can contribute to an accident. The city is responsible for maintaining these aspects of the road. In this case, the government would be liable for your accident.

Company

Drivers for a delivery service like Uber, UPS, Lyft, and other establishments could hit pedestrians. In these cases, the company they work for could be liable. The company’s insurance policy would likely pay for your damages.

It’s also possible to hold multiple parties liable for your injuries. A complicated personal injury case could take many months to resolve fully. Contact our attorneys if you’d like to learn more about your pedestrian accident claim.

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

Being hit by a car is a very scary experience. As the adrenaline and shock course through your body, it can be hard to know what to do next. Understanding the proper steps to take can help you recover compensation later.

If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, be sure to do the following:

• Call the police and ask for emergency services if you need medical attention.
• Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, and the accident scene.
• Get the driver’s personal information, including their name, phone number, driver’s license, and insurance information.
• Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
• Get medical attention immediately, and record any expenses that you pay out of pocket.
• Inform your insurance company about the accident.
• Don’t post about the accident on social media.
• Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer right away.

Do You Need an Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident?

When you’re in an accident, your medical expenses alone can lead to thousands of dollars in debt. A Pasadena pedestrian accident attorney on our team will handle your personal injury case so you get the compensation you deserve.

Our team at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, A Professional Corporation, is here to support you when you need it most. For more information about our services and how we can help you, call today at 626-208-9906.