Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating types of traffic collisions, often leading to severe injuries or even death. In California, where pedestrian traffic is high, accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles are unfortunately common. These accidents can happen due to distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and other forms of driver negligence. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and secure the compensation you need to recover.

At Knapp Moss, we understand the life-changing impact that a pedestrian accident can have on victims and their families. Our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to helping victims hold negligent drivers accountable and recover the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents often result in complex legal battles, particularly when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize compensation. A pedestrian accident lawyer can make a significant difference in ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Here’s why hiring a lawyer is essential:

• Proving Negligence: To recover compensation, you must prove that the driver was negligent and that this negligence caused your injuries. A lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and build a strong case to demonstrate the driver’s fault.
• Maximizing Compensation: Pedestrian accident injuries can lead to significant financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs. A lawyer will ensure that all your losses are accounted for and will fight for full compensation.
• Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts in pedestrian accident claims by disputing liability or downplaying the severity of your injuries. A skilled attorney can handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Navigating California Laws: California has specific laws governing pedestrian rights and driver responsibilities. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will understand these laws and use them to build a strong case in your favor.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are frequently caused by the negligence of drivers who fail to follow traffic laws or pay attention to their surroundings. Pedestrian incidents can occur in many places, including a parking lot, public sidewalk, crosswalk, intersection, public park or trail.  Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents can help establish liability in your case. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise distracted may fail to see pedestrians crossing the street, leading to accidents. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents.
• Failure to Yield: Many pedestrian accidents occur at crosswalks and intersections when drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians. These accidents often result in serious injuries, especially if the driver is speeding.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. The severity of pedestrian injuries also increases with the speed of the vehicle involved in the collision.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, making them more likely to cause accidents, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs pose a significant danger to pedestrians, particularly at intersections or crosswalks.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic, can lead to pedestrian accidents. Reckless drivers are less likely to notice pedestrians or have time to react.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or other adverse weather conditions can reduce visibility and make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Drivers are responsible for adjusting their speed and driving cautiously in poor weather.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Due to the lack of protection, pedestrians often suffer catastrophic injuries when struck by a vehicle. Some of the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Pedestrians hit by vehicles can suffer traumatic brain injuries, even if the impact is relatively low-speed. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and physical disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Victims of spinal cord injuries often require lifelong care, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment.
• Broken Bones: Pedestrian accidents frequently result in fractures or broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs. These injuries may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation to heal properly.
• Internal Injuries: The impact of a collision can cause internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
• Lacerations and Contusions: Pedestrians often suffer severe cuts, bruises, and abrasions due to being thrown to the ground or struck by the vehicle. Some injuries may require stitches, while others can result in permanent scarring.
• Death: Tragically, many pedestrian accidents result in fatalities. In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms right away but can be life-threatening.
2. Call the Police: Report the accident to the police and file an accident report. The police report will serve as an important piece of evidence in your case and can help establish liability.
3. Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the vehicle involved. Collect contact information from any witnesses and make a note of important details such as the location, time, and weather conditions.
4. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may try to contact you soon after the accident to offer a settlement. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without consulting a lawyer, as they may try to minimize your claim.
5. Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. Your attorney will begin investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and advising you on the best course of action.

Compensation in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Victims of pedestrian accidents in California may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their lives. Common forms of compensation in pedestrian accident cases include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatment required due to the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income. In cases of long-term or permanent disability, compensation for loss of future earning capacity may also be available.
• Pain and Suffering: Pedestrian accidents often result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering is intended to cover the non-economic impact of your injuries, such as mental anguish, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property Damage: You may be entitled to compensation for any personal property that was damaged in the accident, such as clothing, electronic devices, or accessories.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the driver’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where the pedestrian accident results in death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. This can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Why Choose Knapp Moss?

At Knapp Moss, we have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases throughout California. Our legal team is committed to providing compassionate, client-focused representation, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Conclusion

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve. At Knapp Moss, we are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation.