Pedestrian Accident Attorney Pasadena

Walking in public streets is both healthy and an everyday necessity to get some things done in a city like Pasadena. However, there is always an unseen risk from motorists to pedestrians minding their own business. In California, approximately a thousand innocent pedestrians die from injuries caused by auto accidents annually.

Many accidents involving pedestrians are caused by motor vehicles and are often preventable when drivers follow traffic rules and remain attentive.

At Setareh Law, we understand how unprepared and shocking it is to be struck by a vehicle while standing or walking in the streets. We provide comprehensive legal support to victims of pedestrian accidents. Therefore, if you have been injured in an accident, our qualified Pasadena personal injury lawyers may be able to help you get compensation. We’ll ensure that all evidence and losses associated with the accident are on the table before filing a compensation claim against the at-fault party’s insurer.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Pasadena, California

Pedestrian accidents in California can result from various factors, many of which involve the negligence of drivers operating vehicles such as cars, trucks, or buses. Most pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence, such as distracted or impaired driving. California drivers have a duty to care about the safety of other road users, including pedestrians. Unfortunately, not all drivers tend to be that reasonable, and some may end up hitting bystanders due to distraction or carelessness. Accidents occur frequently at intersections and crosswalks due to negligent driver behavior. We must understand some of these causes of an accident involving a pedestrian so that we can know how to avoid them whenever possible. They include:

• Impaired driving and other forms of negligence, such as distracted driving or reckless behavior
• Speeding drivers who are unable to react in time significantly increase the risk and severity of pedestrian collisions
• Driver exiting a parking space without carefully looking behind or on either side of the vehicle, especially in parking lots where pedestrians are at increased risk
• Failure of the driver to yield
• Drivers ignore traffic signals, which often leads to pedestrian collisions at intersections and crosswalks
• Compromising traffic laws, such as speeding or running a red light
• Bad weather might reduce visibility or cause the vehicle to slip onto the sidewalk
• Inattentiveness by pedestrians
• Bikers hitting a pedestrian

In some cases, both the driver and other parties may share responsibility for a car accident involving a pedestrian, depending on the circumstances of the pedestrian collision and the actions of each party.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a Pasadena injury lawyer at Setareh Law to discuss your legal options.

California Pedestrian Laws

California has enacted specific laws to protect pedestrians and promote safety on the roads. For instance, California Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the street in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers are also obligated to exercise due care and reduce their speed when approaching pedestrians, regardless of whether they are in a crosswalk. Understanding these California pedestrian laws is critical when determining who is at fault in pedestrian accident cases. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you interpret the California Vehicle Code, assess the circumstances of your accident, and ensure your rights are upheld throughout the legal process.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

It’s unbelievable to think of how significant the impact of a vehicle driving as slow as 10 miles/hour can have on a pedestrian. Pedestrian accident injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe or even fatal injuries. Broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, concussions, and other life-changing injuries can arise even from a low-speed collision. In some cases, these collisions tragically result in fatal injuries.

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident to ensure your injuries are properly documented, which is essential for any future claim.

The medical costs for treatment can have detrimental effects on your finances. Besides, you may lose the ability to work, causing you to lose more money in terms of lost wages. These financial losses are considered economic damages, which include medical expenses, lost wages, and other tangible costs. Obtaining medical attention is not only vital for your health but also for the success of your personal injury case.

Luckily, you have a right to compensation. A pedestrian accident claim can help you recover various damages, such as economic damages for medical expenses and lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. Personal injury cases often involve complex legal proceedings, and dealing with insurance companies is a whole new challenge. After a serious pedestrian accident, consulting a Pasadena pedestrian accident attorney promptly is crucial to protect your rights and meet important legal deadlines. As such, it’s only wise to let someone with legal experience and tenacity act on your behalf for optimal outcomes of your case.

Insurance Company Interaction After a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident, the insurance companies involved are primarily focused on minimizing their payouts and may use various tactics to reduce the amount they owe to accident victims. Insurance adjusters often negotiate settlements and may attempt to undervalue your claim, making it crucial to have proper legal representation to protect your interests. As a pedestrian accident victim, it is important to remember that you are not required to provide a recorded statement or sign any documents without first consulting a Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyer. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that do not fully account for your medical expenses, lost wages, or the long-term impact of your injuries. Additionally, they may use factors such as poor visibility, excessive speed, and the driver’s reaction time to dispute your claim or shift blame. Obtaining a police report is essential, as it serves as crucial evidence in establishing negligence and supporting your claim. By working with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claim process and that you receive the maximum compensation available for your injuries and losses. An experienced pedestrain accident attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance company, gather evidence to support your claim, and advocate for your best interests every step of the way, to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

While we wish you would never get involved in an accident, life is primarily unforeseen. If you are involved in a pedestrian collision, it is important to begin building a personal injury claim as soon as possible. Having some information on what to do in such an incident can be handy in the future, when filing for compensation. Injuries emanating from the accident may prevent you from accomplishing some of the things, but whenever it’s possible, do the following in the moments following the accident:

• Call for immediate medical attention to avoid any further damage to your injuries. Remember to keep all medical receipts with you.
• Gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take pictures/videos of the accident scene or your injuries, know the driver’s/vehicle’s information, and have personal/contact info for the witnesses. This evidence will be vital for your personal injury claim.
• File a police accident report immediately and keep your own copy, as this will support your personal injury claim.
• Call a pedestrian accident lawyer in Pasadena as soon as possible for legal guidance after a pedestrian collision.

You must avoid speaking with the insurance company before you meet your pedestrain accident attorney. Anything you say to the company may be used against you during the claim process. Obtaining medical attention and proper documentation is crucial for a successful pedestrian accident claim, as it helps ensure your injuries are properly recorded and supports your compensation case.

Damages You Can File for After a Pasadena Pedestrian Accident Incident

Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to recover various damages through a pedestrian accident claim. Pedestrian accident lawsuits are often necessary to recover compensation from at-fault parties, especially when liability is disputed or the responsible party’s insurance company refuses to pay. In California, you can file a compensation claim against the at-fault party insurance company or in a court of law anytime within two years of the date of the accident. Some of the damages our personal injury lawyers will consider when filing your claim include:

• Economic damages, such as medical expenses (including those that may be incurred in the future) and income lost (including future income that is lost due to reduced ability to work)
• Pain and suffering (both physical and psychological)
• Punitive damages
• Decreased joy in life due to the injuries
• Wrongful death

Personal injury cases, such as a pedestrian accident claim, often involve complex negotiations to recover these various damages. Attorneys at Setareh Law will do their best to ensure that you receive maximum recompense for your injuries.

What Happens if the Driver Is Uninsured/Underinsured?

In the unfortunate situation that the driver who caused the accident has no coverage or is underinsured, then the pedestrian’s uninsured/underinsured policy will come in handy. That’s why it’s important to buy this coverage, even though it’s not mandatory in CA. In the case of underinsured drivers, the policy helps cover the amount the at-fault party is unable to pay due to the limit restrictions.

Additionally, this type of coverage can pay (up to a specific limit) pedestrian accident victims in accidents where the negligent party has no policy or in the case of a hit-and-run accident. The bottom line is that a Pasadena pedestrain accident attorney at Setareh Law may be able to help you get compensated in such rare and confusing circumstances. The legal team at Setareh Law assists clients with uninsured/underinsured claims by handling all aspects of the process, from negotiations to court representation, ensuring clients receive fair compensation. The California pedestrian accident attorneys at Setareh Law have extensive experience handling these complex cases and are dedicated to protecting your rights.

Get in Touch With an Experienced Pasadena Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

We know how frightening it is to be faced with insurance companies by yourself while still nursing your injuries. Don’t suffer this process alone. Setareh Law‘s legal team includes experienced California pedestrian accident attorneys who are ready to help. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Pasadena have successfully handled many pedestrian accident cases, ensuring clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our dedicated team has your interests at heart and leaves you in peace for a quick recovery.

At Setareh Law, we have helped thousands of pedestrian accident victims in Pasadena navigate the rough terrain of the compensation process. With each client, we have gained priceless experience that we’ll put into action to afford you the best possible outcomes. If you have been injured in an accident, call us at (559) 354-3760 to schedule a free consultation with one of our team members.