Glendale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights After an Injury
Glendale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights After an Injury
Blog Article
Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, they are vulnerable to life-changing injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, seeking legal representation from a Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer is crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Claims
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person walking, jogging, or running is struck by a vehicle, bicycle, or even an electric scooter. In many cases, these accidents are caused by negligent drivers who fail to obey traffic laws, drive recklessly, or fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
A Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer can help injured pedestrians pursue legal action against the responsible parties and seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can occur for various reasons, but they are often the result of driver negligence. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Distracted Driving
With the rise of smartphones and in-car technology, distracted driving has become a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are texting, making phone calls, or adjusting navigation systems may fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or on sidewalks.
2. Failure to Yield
Many pedestrian accidents happen when drivers fail to yield at marked or unmarked crosswalks. In California, pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, and drivers must stop to allow them to cross safely.
3. Speeding
Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it more difficult to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. Higher speeds also increase the severity of injuries in pedestrian collisions.
4. Drunk or Impaired Driving
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to cause pedestrian accidents due to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced visibility.
5. Poor Visibility
Many pedestrian accidents occur at night or in poor weather conditions when drivers have difficulty seeing pedestrians. Wearing reflective clothing and using crosswalks with proper lighting can help reduce the risk of accidents.
6. Unsafe Road Design
Poorly designed intersections, lack of crosswalks, and inadequate pedestrian signals can contribute to accidents. In some cases, municipalities may be held responsible for pedestrian accidents due to dangerous road conditions.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians lack the protection that vehicle occupants have, making them susceptible to severe injuries. Some common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:
- Head and brain injuries (including concussions and traumatic brain injuries)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
- Soft tissue injuries (such as sprains and torn ligaments)
The medical costs for treating these injuries can be overwhelming, especially if the victim is unable to work due to their injuries. A Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer can help victims seek compensation to cover these expenses.
How a Glendale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, working with an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how a Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer can help:
1. Investigating the Accident
A lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to determine liability.
2. Determining Liability
In pedestrian accident cases, liability is not always straightforward. Your attorney will assess whether the driver, a government entity, or another party is responsible for the accident.
3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements to pay victims as little as possible. An experienced lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
4. Calculating Damages
A Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer will help you determine the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, and pain and suffering.
5. Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If negotiations with the insurance company fail, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights in front of a judge or jury.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (including hospital bills, physical therapy, and future treatments)
- Lost wages (if you are unable to work due to your injuries)
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was fatally injured in a pedestrian accident)
Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the specific details of your accident. A Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer will evaluate your case and work to maximize your compensation.
Contact a Glendale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to take legal action as soon as possible. California has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and delaying your case could affect your ability to recover compensation.
A qualified Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer will fight for your rights, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward justice.
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