Driving requires a lot of focus. You must have your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on driving at all times. Even the most cautious drivers can be distracted every once in a while, but it only takes the smallest distraction to cause a catastrophic accident.
If you were involved in a pedestrian–vehicle accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Setareh Law. Our personal injury lawyers will fight for justice on your behalf. Even if you’re not sure who’s responsible for the accident, our pedestrian accident attorneys can discover liability through an investigation.
What Is Distracted Driving?
The CDC sorts distracted driving into three categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. Keep in mind that distracted driving is much more than texting behind the wheel. It’s also:
- Checking the GPS
- Eating
- Talking to other passengers
- Engaging with children or pets
- Staring out the window
- Watching videos
- Reaching into the glove compartment, center console, or back seat
- Adjusting the radio
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. More than 2,500 people died and over 400,000 were injured from these collisions in 2018.
Distracted Drivers Can Lead to Pedestrian Accidents
When drivers are distracted, they may strike a pedestrian. Most distracted drivers are also speeding, which can cause serious injury to victims. By focusing on their phone, drivers can easily swerve onto the sidewalk or not see a pedestrian crossing the street.
Many drivers accidentally “zone out” behind the wheel as well. This can cause them to not see a pedestrian or react in time to brake before hitting them. Similarly, drivers might take their hands off the wheel to eat or drink. Any time hands are off the steering wheel, the risk of an accident drastically increases since drivers may not have enough time to gain control of the vehicle when conditions change.
Injuries Pedestrians Can Sustain from Distracted Drivers
Pedestrians don’t have the protection that car passengers do, so accidents can cause severe injuries. Examples of potential injuries are:
- Cuts and bruises
- Concussions
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injury
- Brain swelling or bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
Depending on several factors, including how fast the driver was going, the injuries may result in death.
Types of Compensation an Accident Victim May Receive
If the other driver was driving distracted, you might be entitled to financial compensation to cover any accident-related costs. Obtaining a fair amount, though, will be challenging to do by yourself. The other driver’s insurance company will do everything possible to devalue your claim and pay you as little as possible. A California pedestrian accident attorney can gather evidence proving the other driver is liable and fight for you to receive a fair amount.
While every case is different, your attorney may be able to secure financial compensation for the following losses:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future loss of income
- Physical therapy
- Permanent disabilities
- In-home rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
In some rare cases, a judge may even award punitive damages, which courts give when the defendant acted in a way that was excessively careless, reckless, or negligent. Punitive damages are also used as a way to discourage people from acting similarly in the future.
Contact a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer in California
Setareh Law is a highly regarded personal injury firm in California. In particular, our pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to seeking justice for those injured because of someone else’s negligence.
We firmly believe that every accident victim deserves the highest level of legal service and professionalism, which is why we sit one-on-one with our clients to learn more about the accident and the circumstances leading up to it. While immediate concern may be medical care, it’s always a good idea to have a pedestrian accident lawyer on your side.
Call (310) 659-1826 or complete a contact form to schedule a free consultation.