Pedestrian accidents occur too often in large cities like Los Angeles, where the population is high. Since things are close to one another and traffic may be hard sometimes, many opt to walk, jog, run, or rollerblade.
At the same time, the number of people using vehicles to move from one place to the next is also many. When the walkers, joggers, runners, or rollerblade persons interact with the automobiles, accidents can occur. They can happen on sidewalks, intersections, crosswalks, on the street, and more.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian-vehicle accident, you should seek the help of reputable Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers. Contact us at 213-985-1120 to schedule a free consultation and receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Vehicle Accidents
A driver can hit a pedestrian accidentally for a wide range of reasons, such as:
- Talking on a mobile phone while driving
- Texting and driving
- Running red lights
- Using excessive speed
- Fatigue
- Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
California Right-of-Way Law
Under California law, persons traveling by foot have the right-of-way in nearly all situations. The California Vehicle Code 21950(a) mandates vehicles to yield to pedestrians within designated crosswalks, and unmarked pathways in intersections.
Being struck by a motor vehicle can lead to severe injuries, like fractures, disfigurement, and a physical disability. In extreme cases, a pedestrian vehicle accident can cause deaths.
If you’re hit by an uninsured motorist in California, you might still qualify to get compensation via your insurance company.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Vehicle Accident
Hitting a pedestrian accidently is bound to be a scary experience for any driver. However, you should first take a breath and concentrate on taking the following measures:
- Safety First: Start by getting any injured person to a safe place.
- Seek Medical and Legal Assistance: Next, call the police, emergency healthcare providers, and car insurance providers for the driver and the pedestrian. If you think you might face a potential criminal charge for the accident, call a criminal defense lawyer for yourself promptly. When the law enforcement officers and insurance agents come, answer their questions honestly.
- Exchange Contacts: If the pedestrian hasn’t been incapacitated, you can exchange your name, mobile number, and insurance data with him or her. Do not talk extensively with the pedestrian or any of their friends or family. That’s because saying something like, “I feel very guilty,” indicates that you’re admitting fault, exposing you to an injury lawsuit. Additionally, avoid conversing directly with a pedestrian’s insurer or lawyer.
Who Is to Blame?
When a motorist strikes a pedestrian with their vehicle, usually the main question is who is at fault for the pedestrian accident? In general, blame is established through the negligence law. Someone who doesn’t uphold a reasonable level of care under specific circumstances might be termed as negligent.
But, both the motorist and pedestrian might be responsible for the incident through their negligence. For instance, the pedestrian might have been crossing a road unlawfully whereas the driver may have been speeding.
California is a comparative fault state, meaning that a pedestrian may recover some compensation even if they were at fault.
Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers
Many factors come into play when dealing with pedestrian vehicle accident cases. It’s essential to seek the help of an experienced lawyer to help you determine who’s to blame and how to recover damages.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we have tremendous success representing clients in personal injury claims. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights.