A pedestrian accident is a type of traffic collision involving people who are walking, running, jogging, or simply standing on the sidewalk. Pedestrian accidents can occur in any city or rural area and may range from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious injuries or even death. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include unsafe speed limits, distracted driving, impaired driving, failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians, failure to observe traffic laws and signs, and other negligent behaviors by vehicle drivers. When a pedestrian is injured in an accident due to the negligence of another party, such as a driver or vehicle manufacturer, they may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries. This is where Los Angeles civil litigation attorneys come into play. The right pedestrian injury attorney can help victims pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to their accident.

First step: Seek proper medical care and take pictures

Any potential financial settlement will depend largely on the medical documentation of any injuries related to the event. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention and obtain a proper diagnosis immediately following the accident. Victims should also contact a reputable and experienced pedestrian injury attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents to receive proper legal guidance and insight on how to proceed moving forward.

If possible, the victim should also have someone further document the event by taking pictures of the physical injuries. This added step may be beneficial in a potential legal case where Los Angeles civil litigation attorneys will use the photos to support your claim.

Next, victims should gather any additional information related to the incident, including copies of medical records, police reports, and witness statements. It would also be helpful to collect pictures of the scene of the accident so that your civil litigation lawyer can more accurately assess the situation.

What can personal injury lawyers do for Los Angeles pedestrians?

The best civil litigation attorneys will be expertly familiar with both the state and local laws and regulations governing traffic collisions and pedestrian accidents. They will provide authoritative legal advice regarding the rights of pedestrians under California law and help determine liability for any resulting damages. The most experienced and reputable pedestrian injury attorneys will seek fair financial compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Loss of wages
• Medical bills
• Physical therapies
• Reconstructive surgeries
• Emotional distress or trauma related to an accident
• And so much more

Regarding pedestrian injury lawsuits, the best personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles is well-equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to navigate the complexities of such cases. The right lawyer will provide you with sound advice about your legal rights, help you decide if you should take legal action, and guide you through the legal process. They will also be prepared to navigate the court systems while fighting for your right to full and fair compensation.

Finding a reputable pedestrian injury attorney

Not all personal injury lawyers are alike. When looking for the best civil litigation attorney for your case, take the time to thoroughly research and review a variety of prospects. Look for attorneys who are experienced in handling Los Angeles pedestrian accidents specifically and have a proven track record of success.

Ask if they have experience in speaking with medical professionals and deciphering often complex medical documents. Also, ask if they have dealt with Los Angeles civil litigation prior to your case. Finally, get to know the attorney’s personality and legal approach so you can feel comfortable in a trusting relationship.

A successful personal injury lawyer will be familiar with both state laws and local ordinances pertaining to your case and provide knowledgeable advice on how best to move forward. They also understand the importance of vehicle drivers taking legal responsibility in pedestrian accidents by following all traffic laws, driving within speed limits, being mindful of their surroundings, and avoiding distraction or impairment while driving. 

Possible defenses of the vehicle driver

In pedestrian accident lawsuits, the vehicle driver may employ a variety of defenses to avoid legal liability for your injuries. For example, they might argue that you were partially at fault, that they did not have sufficient time to react, or that the accident was unavoidable due to weather conditions. It is important to note, however, that California has a pure comparative negligence rule which states that even if you are found partially at fault, you can still receive damages from the other party.

• Victim is partially at fault

The driver of the vehicle might claim that the pedestrian’s own negligence or recklessness played a role in the accident. The pedestrian injury attorney you hire must prove that the driver was largely responsible for the accident by gathering evidence, such as police reports and eyewitness accounts.

• No time to react 

The vehicle driver may also argue that they had no time to react because they were already at the point of impact when they first noticed the pedestrian. Your personal injury attorney must be able to refute this claim by showing that there was plenty of time for them to brake or take other evasive action before the collision occurred.

• Unavoidable due to weather conditions 

Drivers may also try to use inclement weather conditions as a defense against liability. Civil litigation lawyers will work with you to gather evidence demonstrating that the driver should have anticipated the adverse conditions and taken reasonable steps to ensure their safety.

Choosing a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles

Retaining the best Los Angeles civil litigation attorney will be crucial in obtaining justice and financial compensation after a pedestrian accident. As such, it’s important for victims of pedestrian accidents to find an experienced personal injury lawyer that they can trust and who has extensive knowledge of local laws and ordinances— as well as how best to navigate the California court systems. 

With the right pedestrian injury attorney on your side, you can be sure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive full and fair financial damages for your losses due to the negligent actions of another party. For more information on the proper role of an experienced and reputable personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles, contact The Point Law Group today.