Everywhere you look, you will see pedestrians. Whether people are walking for exercise, strolling the streets of Rodeo Drive, or simply walking through the grocery store or workplace parking lot, there is the danger of a pedestrian accident. When a car crashes into a pedestrian, it often results in devastating injuries, which is why you need an experienced pedestrian accident attorney on your side.

If you were the victim of a pedestrian collision, you should speak with the experienced pedestrian accident lawyer at Jalilvand Law in Los Angeles right away. The losses in these cases can often be extensive, so you want legal representation you can trust.

The Consequences Of These Accidents

Pedestrians are completely vulnerable to an impact with a moving motor vehicle that may weigh 3,000 pounds or more. Many pedestrian accidents are fatal, and victims who survive often face a long road to recovery from their injuries. Some serious injuries to pedestrians may include the following:

• Fractured pelvis
• Fractured ribs
• Crushed or broken limbs
• Spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Internal organ damage
• Hemorrhaging

These injuries can come with a lifetime of complications, and it is important to secure financial compensation that reflects the current and future expenses related to your injuries.

What Your Claim May Be Worth

Often, pedestrians need emergency help after an accident, and they may face medical bills for an ambulance ride, emergency tests and treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing rehabilitative therapy, and much more. Victims may also lose a significant amount of income as a result of their injuries and recovery period. Some pedestrians sustain injuries that result in permanent impairments or disfigurement, and they deserve to be compensated for the permanent and drastic changes to their lives.

As your legal representation, our mission is to maximize your compensation while reducing the time it takes to receive it. We will explore all available options to negotiate or litigate for the money you deserve.

FAQs: Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents

It is natural to have many questions after being injured in a California pedestrian accident, especially if you are concerned about receiving fair compensation. The answers to the following questions can help illuminate your specific circumstances.

What should I do immediately after being involved in a pedestrian accident?

After any accident, your safety and physical well-being should be your top priority. These steps can protect your health and your compensation.

• Call 911 to report the incident and get an official accident report.
• Seek medical attention to confirm or rule out injury.
• Gather driver information – their name, contact details, license plate number and insurance provider.

Lastly, avoid making any statements to insurers before consulting a personal injury attorney.

Who is liable if I am hit by a car while walking?

Liability typically rests with the party who acted negligently. Often, the driver of the vehicle is legally liable, particularly if they were speeding, distracted or failed to yield in a crosswalk.

However, liability can be shared under California comparative negligence laws. If you were jaywalking or distracted while crossing the street, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our team can evaluate the facts of your case and help determine liability.

How long do I have to file a claim after a pedestrian accident?

In California, the statute of limitations for injury claims involving a pedestrian accident is generally two years from the date of the incident. If the claim involves a government entity, such as a city bus or a poorly maintained public sidewalk, you may have just six months to file a claim.

Failing to file within the applicable time limit can result in the loss of your right to recover damages. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to help ensure you meet all legal deadlines and get your claim off to a good start.

What evidence is crucial in a pedestrian accident claim?

Strong evidence is essential to building a successful pedestrian accident claim. The most critical forms include:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatments
• Photographs or video footage from the scene
• A police report detailing the circumstances and involved parties
• Witness statements supporting your account of events
• Surveillance or dashcam footage, if available
• Documentation of lost wages and financial losses related to the injury

Having clear, comprehensive evidence helps support your claim and demonstrates the extent of your damages. Working with an attorney can help you make certain crucial evidence is preserved and effectively presented.

What if I were partially at fault for the pedestrian accident?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the pedestrian accident, you can still make a claim. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

For example, if your total damages were $100,000 and you were found 20% at fault for crossing outside a crosswalk, you could still recover $80,000. Even if you were 90% at fault, you could still recover the remaining 10%.

Can I still make a claim if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

Yes, you can still make a claim if you were hurt in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Los Angeles. These cases are more complex, but several options may still be available for recovering compensation. If the driver is never identified, you may be able to:

• Use your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage through your auto policy or a family member’s policy
• Seek compensation through California’s Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) in limited circumstances

If the police later identify the driver, you may be able to:

• File a claim directly against their insurance
• Pursue a personal injury lawsuit for damages

Even though hit-and-run claims come with added hurdles, legal representation can make all the difference. Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney can help you explore all possible avenues for recovery.

What are the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents?

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Broken bones, particularly in the legs, hips, arms and ribs
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions or skull fractures
• Spinal cord injuries, which may lead to temporary or permanent paralysis
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Lacerations, road rash and disfigurement
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety, PTSD or depression

If you have been injured as a pedestrian, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. After getting care, speaking with a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney can help protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.

How is fault determined in pedestrian accidents involving multiple parties?

In pedestrian accidents that involve multiple parties, determining fault can be complex. Several factors are analyzed to understand what caused the accident and who bears legal responsibility. To determine fault, investigators may consider:

• A police report from the scene
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Cellphone records
• Accident reconstruction experts’ analysis

California’s comparative negligence law means that each party’s percentage of fault will impact how much they can recover. This makes it even more critical to work with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Los Angeles who understands how to untangle these multiparty claims and fight for your best outcome.

After An Injury, Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

At Jalilvand Law, our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney helps pedestrian accident victims recover for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact lawyer Kamelia Jalilvand for free at 310-478-5800 or contact us online.