Lancaster Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Most Common Causes for Pedestrian Accidents

There are several factors that may lead to a pedestrian accident. However, most often than not, a negligent driver is responsible for such an accident. Knowing and recognizing the potential causes of such accidents is instrumental in protecting oneself from becoming involved in an incident.

Here are some of the most common reasons for pedestrian accidents:

Aggressive or Reckless Driving

In California, pedestrians have the right of way at both marked and unmarked intersections. Drivers should take extra care when traveling and ensure that they do not exceed the speed limit. This is to help ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Dark Clothing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the majority of pedestrian accidents happen during darkness. To increase visibility, pedestrians must wear bright clothing when walking at night. Even though many crosswalks and intersections are illuminated, it can still be hard for drivers to spot pedestrians in the dark.

Impaired Drivers

Drunk drivers pose a great threat to other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Intoxicated drivers are prone to making reckless decisions while behind the wheel, creating hazardous situations such as running through crosswalks or making risky left turns. These reckless actions may endanger the safety of all road users.

Distracted Driving

Drivers distracted by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or even eating can be unaware of pedestrians in their vicinity. This not only puts these individuals in harm’s way but other drivers on the road too. Pedestrians should remain watchful and refrain from being preoccupied with their phones when crossing streets.

Poor Weather Conditions

Slippery roads can make it hard for vehicles to slow down quickly. It also creates hazardous conditions for pedestrians. Additionally, heavy rains reduce a driver’s visibility, which increases the chances of pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Therefore, pedestrians should be extra cautious when crossing the street in stormy weather.

Left Turns

When drivers make a left turn at an intersection, they may become distracted by any vehicles coming from the opposite direction. This can take away their attention from pedestrians in the area.

Commonly Sustained Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accident victims tend to suffer more severe injuries in an accident because they lack any type of protection from the impact. This can result in substantial medical bills, missed days at work and significant financial losses and emotional trauma.

Some of the most common pedestrian injuries include:

• Internal injuries – It is common for pedestrians involved in an accident to suffer severe internal injuries due to the force of impact. For this reason, it is essential for victims of a pedestrian-vehicle crash to seek medical assistance right away.
• Traumatic brain injuries – A traumatic brain injury can occur when there is a sudden impact on the head. Possible indications of a head injury include difficulty speaking, mood changes, challenges with focus, fainting, and headaches. Depending on the degree of seriousness of the accident, these symptoms may vary significantly in terms of severity.
• Spinal cord injuries – A traumatic injury to the spine can lead to major impairments, typically caused by car crashes or collisions involving pedestrians. Long-term disability is often a result of this kind of spinal cord damage.
• Soft tissue damage – Trauma to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments can result in substantial discomfort and permanent scarring for the pedestrian.
• Broken bones – In pedestrian accidents, broken or fractured bones are a common outcome due to the strong force of impact from the collision. Some of the most frequent fractures experienced by pedestrians involve their wrists, femurs, hips, tibias, arms, and ankles.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Pedestrians should take precautionary measures to stay safe and reduce the risk of being involved in an accident while on the street. Our Lancaster pedestrian accident lawyers recommend that pedestrians keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Don’t jaywalk – Although pedestrians have the right of way in an unmarked crosswalk, it is still advisable to walk on marked crosswalks instead.
2. Be visible – Wearing dark clothing can lead to serious pedestrian accidents, so it is important to make sure you are visible at night. One of the most effective ways to ensure visibility is by wearing brightly colored clothing. This will help reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.
3. Avoid dangerous actions – Do not engage in reckless behavior, and be mindful when crossing roads. Maintain eye contact with drivers, refrain from drinking alcohol, and stick to the designated sidewalks. It is easy for motorists to overlook pedestrians if caution is not taken.
4. Be aware of your surroundings – Pedestrians should be wary and attentive when crossing roads. It is essential to check for traffic in both directions and avoid any distractions that could put your safety at risk.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you were the injury victim of a pedestrian accident, you may wish to file a personal injury claim for financial compensation for your accident injuries and damages. To ensure you file a valid claim, the following steps may be taken:

• Contact the police – It is crucial that the police are contacted immediately following an accident. A police officer must be present at the accident scene to file an official police report. Remember to obtain the number of this report, as this may be used as evidence in your pedestrian accident claim.
• Seek medical care – Even if you think you may have only sustained minor injuries, you must seek medical care from a healthcare professional. Internal injuries may not present any outward symptoms, and if left untreated may cause long-term health complications for the accident injury victim. Ensure that you keep a copy of your medical records, as this may be major evidence in your case.
• Collect information – Collect the name, phone number, address, license plate number, and insurance company information of the at-fault driver.
• Collect witness information – If there were any witnesses at the time of the accident collect their pertinent information as well.
• Contact our Lancaster pedestrian accident lawyers – You must have an experience pedestrian accident attorney by your side, ASAP. A personal injury lawyer will help guide you through the entire claims process. Do not hesitate to contact Farahi Law Firm today!

Recoverable Compensation in a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Personal injury victims may experience significant financial losses following an accident, as this may hinder them from returning to regular daily activities. This may also cause them immense pain, changing their way of life, and causing them to miss days of work.

As the injured party, you may recover deserved compensation to help pay for these out-of-pocket expenses. The financial settlement you may receive will depend on several factors of your cause, but you may be entitled to the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical bills
• Property damage
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Punitive damages
• And more

If the pedestrian accident caused the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for their injuries and damages incurred due to the accident.

Although no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, this personal injury settlement amount is meant to help the family of the accident victim make a financial recovery from the expenses incurred.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact a Lancaster Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today!

At Farahi Law Firm, our Lancaster pedestrian accident lawyers will fight tooth and nail to ensure you recover the maximum compensation possible for your bodily injuries and damages.

We are committed to winning. Our team of personal injury attorneys, doctors, and case managers has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for hundreds of clients. Not only will we handle the complexities of your cases, but we will also ensure you receive the medical attention you need.

We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case. Contact us for a no-cost consultation to get the medical care you need, and the money you deserve.