People in California walk a lot – whether you walk for exercise, walk to lunch from your office, walk your dog around your neighborhood, or simply walk from the car into the grocery store. Any time you walk near any type of vehicle traffic, you are at risk of being injured in a pedestrian accident.
A pedestrian accident involves a mishap that causes harm to someone walking. Very often, these accidents involve a motor vehicle colliding with a pedestrian. Not surprisingly, a car or truck can cause serious injury to a person who has no protection from the impact. It is important for injured pedestrians to consult with a California accident lawyer about their rights and options.
Common Locations of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents happen throughout the State of California, and the following occurred in a single year in California:
- About 14,000 injuries to pedestrians
- 893 fatal injuries to pedestrians
California has the most pedestrian accidents of any state, so it is particularly important to stay aware of where these accidents most often occur. While pedestrians can get hit anywhere, common locations include:
- Crosswalks (even when a pedestrian has a walk signal)
- Parking lots and garages
- In front of driveways
- Along roads with no sidewalks
These collisions often happen because of drivers who are distracted, impaired, or otherwise failing to yield to pedestrians when they should. You should always have an attorney review the cause of your accident to determine who should be liable for your injuries and losses.
Injuries to Pedestrians
Pedestrians have no safety protections – not even a helmet like most cyclists wear. This leaves their bodies completely vulnerable to the trauma of a vehicle impact. Often, pedestrians suffer multiple impacts – possibly one or more with the vehicle and one with the pavement. Pedestrians can suffer multiple injuries, especially if they are thrown over a vehicle or sucked under a tire.
Some common injuries to pedestrians in accidents include:
- Broken bones, including limbs, pelvis, hips, or ribs
- Crush injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
Pedestrians regularly need ambulance transportation and emergency trauma care. Some need emergency surgery or hospitalization for their injuries. Victims might require a long course of rehabilitative treatment to get back on their feet, or their injuries might leave them with permanent disabilities or impairments.
The Rights of Injured Pedestrians in California
Pedestrians can face piles of medical bills, lost earnings from missing work, and other financial losses due to their injuries. Severe injuries can also cause extensive pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and long-term disabilities. These are all losses that you deserve to recover compensation for after a pedestrian accident.
Different parties might be liable for your accident, including drivers, employers of drivers, rideshare companies, trucking companies, and more. You want a lawyer to determine who can be liable for your accident, so that you can seek compensation from the proper insurance companies. You can focus on your physical recovery while a California pedestrian accident attorney focuses on your financial recovery. Contact us today for expert legal assistance with your case
