Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Devastating
Pedestrians have no protection against thousands of pounds of metal traveling at high speeds, making even low-impact collisions potentially catastrophic. The human body simply cannot withstand the force of a vehicle impact, resulting in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
The financial impact of pedestrian accidents extends far beyond immediate medical expenses. Victims frequently face permanent disabilities that prevent them from returning to work, requiring lifelong care and adaptive equipment. Lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and ongoing medical costs can quickly overwhelm families already dealing with the emotional trauma of a devastating accident.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Driver negligence causes the vast majority of pedestrian accidents, with distracted driving being the leading factor. Drivers texting, talking on phones, or otherwise failing to pay attention to the road create deadly hazards for pedestrians in crosswalks, parking lots, and sidewalks. Speeding drivers have less time to react to pedestrians and cause more severe injuries upon impact.
Other common causes include failure to yield at crosswalks, running red lights or stop signs, driving under the influence, and making improper turns without checking for pedestrians. Poor lighting, construction zones, and inadequate traffic control devices can create dangerous conditions, but these factors rarely excuse a driver’s duty to watch for pedestrians and drive safely.
Proving Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases
California law presumes pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, but insurance companies aggressively challenge this presumption to reduce their payouts. We gather comprehensive evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, accident reconstruction analysis, and police reports, to establish the driver’s negligence. Cell phone records can prove distracted driving, while skid marks and vehicle damage patterns help reconstruct the accident sequence.
We also investigate whether road conditions, inadequate signage, or municipal negligence contributed to your accident. Government entities responsible for maintaining safe pedestrian facilities may share liability when dangerous conditions exist. Our thorough investigation ensures all responsible parties are held accountable for their role in causing your injuries.
Types of Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrian accident victims may recover substantial compensation reflecting the severity of their injuries and the long-term impact on their lives. Economic damages include all medical expenses from emergency treatment through future care, lost wages during recovery, and reduced earning capacity if permanent disabilities prevent you from returning to your previous work. Property damage compensation covers damaged clothing, personal items, and any assistive devices destroyed in the accident.
Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life that extend far beyond financial losses. The following types of compensation may be available in your case:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization costs
- Surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity from permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering related to your physical and emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium affecting your relationships with family members
The severity of pedestrian injuries often justifies substantial compensation awards, particularly when permanent disabilities affect your ability to work, care for yourself, or enjoy activities you previously loved.
Insurance Company Tactics in Pedestrian Cases
Insurance companies immediately dispatch investigators to pedestrian accident scenes, looking for any evidence to blame the victim and reduce their liability. They may claim you were jaywalking, wearing dark clothing, or otherwise contributed to the accident. These tactics are designed to shift fault away from their insured driver and minimize the compensation they must pay.
We counter these strategies by conducting our own investigation and presenting compelling evidence of the driver’s negligence. Our experience with insurance company tactics allows us to anticipate their arguments and prepare strong responses that protect your rights. We handle all communications with insurers so you can focus on healing while we fight for fair compensation.
Time Limits for Filing Your Claim
California law gives pedestrian accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but acting quickly protects your case’s strength. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and crucial surveillance footage gets deleted if we don’t preserve it immediately. The sooner we begin investigating your case, the stronger your position becomes in negotiations or at trial.
Some pedestrian accidents involve government entities responsible for maintaining safe road conditions, which may require filing a claim within six months of the accident. Missing these deadlines can eliminate your right to compensation entirely, making immediate legal consultation essential after any pedestrian accident.
Our Commitment to Pedestrian Accident Victims
We bring over a decade of legal experience and a proven track record of securing significant settlements for our clients, including recent awards of $2,750,000, $2,250,000, and $350,000. Our approach combines thorough case preparation with aggressive advocacy, ensuring insurance companies understand we’re prepared to take your case to trial if they refuse to offer fair compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Having grown up and lived in the San Fernando Valley, we understand the dangerous intersections and roadways where pedestrian accidents frequently occur throughout Los Angeles County. We’ve witnessed firsthand how insurance companies attempt to minimize payments to accident victims, and we’re prepared to fight for every dollar you deserve while providing the personalized attention that sets us apart from larger firms, where you become just another case number.
Contact Big Joe Law Today
Our commitment to justice and our clients has earned us recognition as top settlement recipients in California. We understand the unique challenges pedestrian accident victims face and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Contact Big Joe Law today at (818) 647-9681 or through our contact form to discuss your pedestrian accident case and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
