Pedestrian accidents occur when pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles, and are especially dangerous for young children and elderly people. These crashes can be deadly, and the driver may be held liable for their actions. Drivers are also held liable for pedestrian injuries and fatalities if they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or were negligent.
Pedestrian accidents are largely the result of driver negligence, but there are also many other factors that may contribute to a pedestrian accident. For example, drivers are distracted, and may not check a crosswalk. Pedestrians should be aware of their surroundings, and drivers should never be distracted by their phones.
If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will investigate the accident and secure any security camera footage available. They will also file reports to correct any errors in the police accident report. In addition, an attorney will help you file insurance claims, medical bills, and time off work. By hiring a personal injury attorney, you can receive compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering.
What Evidence Should You Collect After a Pedestrian Accident?
In California, the strength of your pedestrian injury claim depends heavily on the evidence you preserve immediately after the collision. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within crosswalks, but proving a driver failed to do so requires documentation. Collecting photographic evidence of the accident scene, including skid marks, traffic signals, and vehicle damage, can establish liability for negligence in your personal injury case. This evidence becomes especially crucial under California’s comparative negligence rule, where your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault.
Critical evidence includes witness contact information, as bystanders can corroborate how the vehicle struck you. Medical records documenting your injuries create a clear link between the accident and your damages. If available, request traffic camera or business surveillance footage within 48 hours, as many systems automatically delete recordings. Insurance claim adjusters often downplay pedestrian injuries, so documenting the collision site, your visible injuries, and the driver’s information strengthens your position when negotiating fair compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
Pedestrian accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including traffic control devices and street layout. Pedestrians may also be struck by vehicles that are speeding or not following traffic laws. The city may also be responsible for maintaining roads that are too dangerous for pedestrians to safely walk. Pedestrians are often forced to take time off work after an accident, and they may be able to claim lost wages or other benefits.
Broken bones are among the most common injuries suffered by pedestrians. A broken bone will be painful and may need extensive medical attention. In addition, the risk of losing a limb is great. Some cases result in serious brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries. The impact from a vehicle can also cause internal bleeding.
A pedestrian may be able to claim accident benefits from their own insurance policy in a pedestrian accident. These accident benefits can help pay for medical costs. In order to make a claim, a pedestrian must use their own insurance policy and fill out an application. The only exception to this rule is if the pedestrian does not own a vehicle. For example, if a driver does not have liability insurance, they cannot claim through the pedestrian’s insurance policy.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 5,000 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2005. Over 64,000 others were injured in pedestrian accidents. This statistic indicates the importance of preventing accidents between pedestrians and motorists. In addition, distracted drivers and unsafe driving practices increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. This is commonplace in Los Angeles as well sadly.
Pedestrian accidents occur on streets and other surfaces. Some of these incidents are not traffic related and occur on private property. In urban areas, most pedestrian accidents involve a car or truck striking the pedestrian. Many of these accidents also result in broken limbs, head injuries, spinal injuries, and paralysis. In some cases, pedestrians are killed simply because they step into a pothole.
