Those who have been involved in pedestrian accidents often come to our law firm with a desire to earn compensation for their damages, and rightly so. Individuals struck by cars deserve to have their full expenses paid for; they almost always were not at fault in the incident, and it is the driver’s responsibility to avoid any and all objects on the road and to make sure that he does not cause harm to anyone. Pedestrians are included in this tacit agreement. Pedestrian accidents usually occur around the same areas, such as crosswalks and busy streets, but they can happen elsewhere, too. Virtually anywhere that features cars that are in close proximity to people walking can be an accident site for a pedestrian crash. Our Porterville pedestrian crash law firm, Normandie Law Firm, is dedicated to helping anyone who has been struck by a vehicle in an auto accident. We know that pedestrians may be severely injured and unable to handle the cases themselves – let us litigate your claim, and we promise to bring you the fairest compensation possible under the law. Clients often call us with questions about the legal process after being struck by a vehicle; some of these questions include:
- Who is the best Porterville pedestrian accident lawyer?
- Where can I find a Pedestrian accident attorney in Porterville?
- What is the best Porterville law firm for pedestrian accidents?
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has issued a series of pamphlets and guides that offer assistance, tips, and advice to anyone who reads the material. This literature can help you stay safe as both a driver and a pedestrian. It outlines what you should and should not do while in a vehicle or on foot. For example, although you are permitted to turn with traffic on a red light, you still have to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road. Sometimes, these pedestrians walk slowly or do not immediately enter the crosswalk, and drivers think they can be them before they go. This has led to many accidents where pedestrians get clipped or swiped by a turning car.
In crosswalks themselves, many pedestrians get involved in accidents through no faults of their own. Drivers may not come to a complete stop or may try to beat a yellow light. This can cause pedestrians who have already entered the crosswalk to be struck at high rates of speed.
Essentially, both drivers and pedestrians have a responsibility to be on the lookout for each other. Pedestrians should know that not all drivers are safe and careful when they drive, and thus they should be absolutely certain there is no danger when walking in the street. Drivers, too, should know that pedestrians do not always give other cars the highest consideration, and thus, the drivers must take care to stay safe around those on foot.
In the event of a pedestrian accident, consult with a Porterville lawyer.
Common Injuries
Because of how devastating even a slow-moving vehicle can be if it collides with a person, it is important that pedestrians protect themselves by remaining aware of their surroundings at all times. They are not afforded the same kinds of protection that those inside vehicles are; for instance, drivers are protected by seat belts, air bags, cushioned seats, and more. In the event of a crash, the car will automatically act in a way meant to save the driver and the passengers. Pedestrians are as vulnerable as possible, usually only clothed and occasionally wearing a heavy jacket.
Some of the most commonly seen injuries include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Back pain
- Broken bones, fractures, sprains, and strains
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Hemorrhages
- Collapsed lungs
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
If a driver crashed into a pedestrian, the pedestrian can sue for damages stemming from the accident. You should reach out to an attorney in Porterville for more information.
Taking Legal Action
Victims of pedestrian accidents can file a lawsuit up to 2 years after the accident happens, or up to 6 months if the driver or vehicle were related to the government in some way. This statute of limitations is put into place to ensure that all claims are filed in a timely manner and not delayed for years so that evidence will not get destroyed or misplaced, witnesses will have fresh memories, and the damages will be clear and apparent in the moment and will not have accumulated after a long hiatus.
The simplest lawsuit to file is a personal injury claim that is predicated on negligence. The four points of negligence must be proven in order to successfully win a claim. These points are: the driver owed you a duty of care, which he did, as all drivers owe everyone else a duty of care when they get behind their wheels; the driver breached that duty of care, perhaps by driving recklessly or carelessly; the driver’s breach resulted in an accident, such as a t-bone or sideswipe; and the accident led to real physical injuries. If there were no injuries, there could be no case. These four points may be difficult to prove if you are not experienced in the legal field; as such, we recommend hiring an expert Porterville car accident lawyer for assistance.
In the event of a death, a family member of the victim can file a wrongful death claim. This claim is slightly different from a personal injury claim in that it allows other forms of compensation to be earned.
Pedestrian Injury Compensation You Can Earn
Our Porterville law firm can help you receive fair compensation for your damages from a pedestrian accident. You may be able to receive coverage for:
- Medical Expenses: Surgery, hospitalization, medication, ambulatory transportation, physical therapy, and more. If you require additional medical procedures in the future, those treatments can also be taken care of.
- Property Damage: You may have had belongings on you at the time of the accident, and these items may have been broken, lost, or damaged. The costs of these items can be reimbursed.
- Lost Wages: In the event that you miss time at work because of your injury or ensuing recovery time, these past and future earnings can be recovered.
- Pain and Suffering: emotional damages, psychological scarring, PTSD, fear, anxiety, and more can be given out.
- Punitive Damages: Additional forms of compensation meant to punish the defendant. Many courts view these damages as excessive and will not hand them out; thus, only a skilled lawyer will be able to win them.
- Funeral Expenses, Loss of Consortium, Loss of Inheritance, and more: In the event that you file a wrongful death claim, you can recover various expenses that will arise in the wake of your loved one’s death. The responsible driver can cover additional costs because of his negligence.
If you need more assistance in filing a claim, reach out to a Porterville attorney with experience in pedestrian accidents.
Normandie’s Role
Our lawyers with experience in pedestrian accident cases at Normandie Law Firm in Porterville are here to make sure you earn the proper settlement for your damages. You should not worry about legal issues and negotiations with insurance agencies when you’re injured – your primary goal should be to recover. Let us take care of your legal troubles and we promise to do everything we can to bring you the maximum compensation available under the law. Our attorneys will aggressively fight for your rights and settlement, and we will not stop until we’re satisfied – we will go all the way to court if necessary.
Call us today for a free legal consultation with an expert attorney. You can discuss your case and ask any questions you want about the litigation process. We will be happy to provide you with all the necessary answers and will give you proper information so you can make an information decision about what to do next. Our conversations are always free of charge.
If you choose to move forward with our legal services, you are entitled to a zero fee guarantee on your claim. We promise that you will pay no out of pocket expenses at all throughout your case. Our legal fees are only paid if we win, and the money comes out of the settlement we bring you. If we lose, you do not owe us a cent.
Contact Normandie Law Firm today to speak with a Porterville lawyer with experience in pedestrian accident cases.
