As a pedestrian, you may expect drivers and other motorists to take the appropriate precautions while on the road. Unfortunately, this is far from the case. In the end, innocent and unassuming pedestrians may end up suffering from serious and painful injuries due to the recklessness of other motorists.
Were you or a loved one victims of a pedestrian accident? What are your rights as a pedestrian? How can you prove liability in a claim? Learn this and more now. HHJ Trial Attorneys is a dedicated Chula Vista law firm connecting injured individuals with experienced attorneys who will fight for them every step of the way! If you have been involved in this type of an accident, be sure to get in touch with our San Diego personal injury attorneys.
We are San Diego’s Award-winning personal injury law firm. In the last three years, our San Diego personal injury lawyers have won tens of millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. HHJ Trial Attorneys have been featured in the San Diego local news (ABC 10News San Diego) for recovering some of most challenging personal injury cases in southern California.
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People are constantly out and about in Chula Vista and surrounding San Diego County. Whether walking to school, work, or other social commitments, pedestrians are the norm throughout the city. While seeing so many pedestrians on the go may prompt motorists to be more cautious on the road, this is not always the truth.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021 7,388 pedestrians were killed and more than 60,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. This proves that it can often be dangerous to be a pedestrian simply making your daily commute. Unfortunately, it is usually another motorist that causes serious pedestrian accidents.
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
These are a few common reasons, but there may be a variety of different circumstances that cause pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one are involved in a Chula Vista pedestrian accident, it is crucial you sit down with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your possible claim.
A walking pedestrian is no match for large and speeding vehicles. Cars usually weigh thousands of pounds, so impacting a pedestrian can lead to severe injuries. Just what kind of injuries are common for these types of accidents?
At HHJ Trial Attorneys, our lawyers have seen several different types of injuries, varying from moderate to severe. Some of the most impactful injuries are:
Some injuries from a pedestrian accident can prove to be fatal. If you lost a loved one due to serious injuries from a pedestrian accident, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed. This would hold the motorist or other party responsible and allow the deceased’s estate to recover some compensation for medical expenses and other funeral costs.
Pedestrians actually have quite a few rights that must always be considered by other motorists. This ensures pedestrians can travel safely along the road, and share the space with other drivers.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk at an intersection..” Drivers have a duty of care towards all pedestrians, and must exercise the appropriate responses when it comes to slowing down or coming to a complete stop to let pedestrians cross.
When a driver fails to do this, pedestrians always end up paying the larger price. If you have more questions about your rights as a pedestrian, it is always advised you speak with a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident and suffered injuries, you must speak with a Chula Vista pedestrian accident attorney to learn more about filing a personal injury claim. The basis of any personal injury claim is being able to prove that another party was directly responsible for your injuries. In order to prove liability, having the proper evidence is necessary. This evidence may include:
Taking photos of the road or intersection, including the crosswalk you may have been using, can be key. Try to take photos or record videos of every small detail at the scene of the incident. This can include a photo of the other party’s vehicle, a photo of their license, a photo of the road, and any photos of your injuries.
Oftentimes, there are other motorists and pedestrians who may have witnessed the accident. They can offer supportive details for your claim in an unbiased way that can clearly show liability. Make sure to talk to any people who witnessed the accident and get their contact information for future reference. Oftentimes attorneys will want to interview witnesses to get their version of events.
Proving injury due to another party’s negligent or reckless acts is key. This is why after you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you do not want to delay seeking medical attention as soon as possible. In fact, it is always recommended you seek any help for your injuries right after leaving the scene of the accident. Delaying going to get your injuries checked out may not only be detrimental to your health, but it can also harm your case.
When it comes to further gathering evidence to strengthen your case, talking with a Chula Vista pedestrian accident attorney can help. Attorneys who have worked with injured individuals who were involved in pedestrian accidents have the right resources to collect evidence.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident and are considering filing a claim, you should absolutely consult with a Chula Vista attorney. Many people are still recovering from painful and serious injuries, so they should not have to go through a legal claim alone. A pedestrian accident attorney can help clients gather evidence, offer them representation in court, settle negotiations in their name, and provide legal expertise for any further questions or doubts.
Pedestrian accident attorneys can also help value a claim. This is essential when you are in negotiations for a possible settlement. You do not want to undervalue a claim and end up paying for injury expenses out of your own pocket. Possible damages that can be compensated in a pedestrian accident claim include:
Every claim is different when it comes to monetary value. Speak with an expert lawyer to learn more about how much your claim may be valued at and what unique factors may be considered.
Pedestrian accidents can leave innocent pedestrians with a number of horrific injuries. These injuries can be painful, require long recovery times, and of course, lead to a mountain of expensive medical bills. If your or a loved one were involved in one of these accidents, speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney can help get your claim started for possible compensation.
HHJ Trial Attorneys is your expert Chula Vista law firm that connects injured individuals with compassionate and knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorneys. Our team will be there for you every step of the way. Get started on working through your pedestrian accident claim today, so you can focus on recovery while we handle the rest. Contact us now to book your initial consultation.
