Moreno Valley Pedestrian Injury Attorney
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Moreno Valley, California
The sudden impact of a vehicle striking a pedestrian can transform an ordinary walk into a life-altering catastrophe in mere seconds. Without the protection of a vehicle, pedestrians often suffer devastating injuries when struck by cars, resulting in broken bones and lengthy recovery periods.
At Setareh Law, we advocate vigorously for pedestrian accident victims throughout Moreno Valley who face overwhelming medical bills and uncertain futures. Our Moreno Valley pedestrian injury lawyers understand the unique challenges pedestrians encounter when dealing with insurance companies that routinely undervalue claims. We investigate your accident thoroughly and pursue maximum compensation while you focus on healing.
Common Causes of Moreno Valley Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents typically result from driver negligence rather than pedestrian error. Understanding the specific cause helps establish liability and strengthens your claim for compensation.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who text, adjust navigation systems, or engage with mobile devices pose significant dangers to pedestrians. Taking eyes off the road for even a few seconds means a driver may fail to notice someone in a crosswalk. These preventable accidents frequently occur near shopping centers and busy intersections throughout Moreno Valley.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Many accidents occur when motorists disregard this obligation, particularly at intersections with limited visibility. Drivers making turns often focus on vehicular traffic while neglecting to check for pedestrians legally crossing with the right-of-way.
Speeding in Residential Areas
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of injuries when collisions occur. In residential neighborhoods and school zones throughout Moreno Valley, speeding drivers may be unable to stop in time when pedestrians enter the roadway. The difference between a driver traveling 25 mph versus 40 mph can determine whether a pedestrian survives a collision.
Types of Injuries in Moreno Valley Pedestrian Accidents
The human body has no protection against the force of a moving vehicle, resulting in severe injuries even in relatively low-speed collisions. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and may cause permanent limitations.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, they frequently suffer head trauma from the initial impact or from striking the ground. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries that may cause cognitive impairment, memory problems, personality changes, and other long-term complications requiring ongoing care.
Lower Extremity Injuries
The position of pedestrians relative to vehicles makes legs and hips particularly vulnerable in collisions. Broken femurs, shattered knees, and crushed ankles commonly occur and often require surgical intervention. These complex injuries typically involve extensive rehabilitation and may result in permanent mobility limitations.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
The force of impact in pedestrian accidents can cause serious internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, and punctured lungs require emergency medical intervention. These injuries may lead to long-term complications even after the initial treatment.
California Laws Protecting Moreno Valley Pedestrians
Several California laws establish the rights of pedestrians and the responsibilities of drivers when sharing roadways. These statutes often play crucial roles in establishing liability for pedestrian accidents.
Right-of-Way at Crosswalks
California Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing roadways within marked or unmarked crosswalks. This protection extends to intersections without traffic signals. Drivers violating this law bear liability for resulting injuries when pedestrians are struck while legally crossing.
Speed Limits in Residential Areas
California establishes a 25 mph speed limit in residential districts and near schools when children are present. Drivers exceeding these limits not only violate traffic laws but also increase pedestrian injury severity. This legal violation strengthens your claim by clearly establishing negligent behavior.
Duty to Exercise Due Care
Beyond specific traffic laws, California requires all drivers to exercise due care for the safety of pedestrians, regardless of right-of-way rules. This broad legal duty means drivers must remain vigilant and take reasonable precautions to avoid striking pedestrians under all circumstances, creating additional liability foundations in accident cases.
Compensation Available for Moreno Valley Pedestrian Accident Victims
California law allows pedestrian accident victims to recover various damages when another party’s negligence causes their injuries. The compensation available depends on your specific circumstances and the impact of injuries on your life.
You may recover compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Lost income during your recovery period
- Reduced earning capacity due to permanent limitations
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Costs for necessary household assistance during recovery
- Modifications to your home or vehicle if disabilities result
- Loss of enjoyment of life and normal activities
Insurance companies frequently undervalue pedestrian injury claims, particularly regarding future medical needs and long-term impacts. Our Moreno Valley pedestrian injury attorney calculate the true value of your damages before negotiating to ensure fair compensation for both immediate and long-term consequences of your injuries.
Overcoming Insurance Company Tactics in Pedestrian Cases
Insurance companies defending drivers who strike pedestrians employ various tactics to minimize compensation. Understanding these strategies helps protect your right to fair recovery.
Comparative Negligence Arguments
California’s comparative negligence system reduces compensation based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party. Insurance companies often claim pedestrians contributed to accidents by crossing outside crosswalks, wearing dark clothing, or failing to make eye contact with drivers. We counter these arguments with evidence of driver negligence and your compliance with pedestrian laws.
Downplaying Injury Severity
Insurers frequently minimize the seriousness of pedestrian injuries or claim pre-existing conditions caused your symptoms rather than the accident. We work with medical experts to document the direct relationship between the collision and your injuries, establishing clear causation that supports your full compensation claim.
Pressure for Quick Settlements
Soon after accidents, insurance adjusters often contact victims with settlement offers before the full extent of injuries becomes apparent. These initial offers typically fall far below the true value of your claim, particularly when long-term complications may develop. We protect you from premature settlements that fail to address your complete damages.
Why Choose Setareh Law for Your Moreno Valley Pedestrian Accident Case
At Setareh Law, we counter insurance tactics with thorough case preparation and aggressive advocacy. Our Moreno Valley personal injury lawyers speak Spanish, ensuring clear communication throughout your case. Our team collaborates with accident reconstruction specialists to establish exactly how the collision occurred and who bears responsibility.
Since our founding, we have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims throughout California. We understand the unique challenges pedestrian accident cases present and develop strategies tailored to your specific needs. Contact Setareh Law today at (310) 659-1826 or through our contact form to discuss your case.
