Santa Monica Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Santa Monica, CA

A Brief Summary of the Following Article

• In California, pedestrians are protected, giving them the right to seek compensation if harmed due to another’s negligence. Setareh Law assists pedestrians in understanding their rights and pursuing claims in civil court for fair compensation.
• California pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks with favorable traffic signals. Jaywalking is no longer illegal but risky, and the term “pedestrian” includes those on foot, skates, or skateboards, all of whom can take legal action if injured.
• Pedestrians must act within two years (as per California’s statute of limitations) to seek legal recourse for accidents. This involves investigating the accident and filing a civil complaint within this timeframe to pursue compensation.
• Setareh Law offers legal support to navigate the legal process, appealing denied claims and helping clients focus on recovery.

Pedestrians are a protected group in California. This means that motorists, truckers, construction crews, and all other parties owe pedestrians an elevated duty of care. This means that you may have the right to hold a negligent party financially accountable for your recovery if said party’s negligence results in a dangerous accident.

If you’re not sure whether or not you have the right to a pedestrian accident, the Santa Monica pedestrian accident attorneys with Setareh Law can break down your circumstances and help you build a related claim. We can then take that claim to civil court and offer you continued representation should a judge move your case forward. Let’s work together to fight for the fair compensation you deserve. 

What Are Pedestrians’ Rights in California?

What are the specific rules that apply to California pedestrians? In general, pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, as long as traffic lights are in their favor. 

Jaywalking is no longer illegal in California, but it can still endanger the average pedestrian and motorist. Pedestrians have an obligation to stay out of bike lanes if there are walking paths available to them, but they must be treated with respect if they are forced to navigate those lanes.

The term “pedestrian” has also grown more multifaceted. California’s understanding of “pedestrian” applies to people on foot as well as people wearing skates or navigating on skateboards. All of these parties have the right to take legal action against negligent parties should those negligent parties cause dangerous accidents.

Taking Legal Action Against Negligent Parties After a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrians have an obligation to act quickly if they want to take legal action against the party responsible for their recent accident. This means that pedestrians must abide by the statute of limitations established in California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.

This personal injury statute of limitations gives individuals no more than two years to investigate the nature of their accident. You must bring a civil complaint forward within those two years if you want to win the right to pursue compensation for your losses from a California civil judge. 

You May Not Have to Go to Court to Win Fair Compensation

Assuming legal action against a liable party does not mean that you have to go to civil court to win the compensation you deserve. Rather, filing a personal injury claim within your statute of limitations may give you the right to open settlement negotiations with the liable party.

These negotiations can help you discuss the negligence that led to your accident with the other party. As long as you have pre-calculated the possible value of the damages you would like for your losses, you can work with the negligent party to get the economic support you need to recover.

With that being said, pedestrian accident settlement negotiations tend to work best if you have a liable party acknowledge their role in your accident. Parties who refuse to admit their fault may prove belligerent and private negotiations. Fortunately, you can work with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Santa Monica ahead of time to determine whether it’s worth it for you to open negotiations or if you need to go straight to trial.

Filing an Insurance Claim After a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents may also entitle you to compensation for your losses through the negligent parties’ insurance provider. Unfortunately, while you may have the right to file a claim, the insurance provider may refuse to recognize your claim. Insurance claims adjusters acting in bad faith can minimize your right to certain losses or deny you coverage under the false assumption that the liable parties’ coverage does not cover your expenses.

However, pedestrian accident lawyers in Santa Monica can help you appeal a denied pedestrian accident claim. Should an insurance provider continue to deny your right to compensation, our team will give you the support you deserve.

Contact a Santa Monica Pedestrian Accident Attorney for Legal Support Today

Don’t let the party responsible for your recent pedestrian accident deny responsibility for the wrongs done to you. The pedestrian accident attorneys in Santa Monica can help you hold that party financially responsible for your recovery. Setareh Law’s efforts can protect your savings while also giving you the peace of mind you need to focus on your essential physical care.

You can call (310) 659-1826 or contact us online to book a free case evaluation with our team. Let’s break down the different ways our legal services can help you get back on your feet again. We also speak Spanish. 

Setareh Law, APLC