San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Common Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident

Since pedestrians have no form of protection whatsoever, they are more susceptible to sustaining severe injuries. Pedestrian accidents can often cause physical injuries that are serious and life-changing. These injuries can be costly to treat, may require long-term medical care, and cause emotional trauma.

Some of the most common types of pedestrian accident injuries are:

Traumatic Brain Injury

A TBI is a type of injury to the head that can cause a variety of problems, including speech difficulties, changes in mood, difficulty concentrating, loss of consciousness, and persistent headaches.

Soft Tissue Damage

The impact of a motor vehicle can cause damage to the soft tissues in the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This type of injury can be very painful and may result in scarring.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is a serious injury that often occurs after an auto or pedestrian accident. This type of injury can cause long-term problems, may require ongoing medical care, and may cause paralysis.

Amputation

If an accident causes tissue destruction, infection, or disease and this endangers the life of a pedestrian victim, surgical amputation may be necessary. This can be very debilitating and cause emotional distress for the victim.

Internal Organ Damage

If you are hit by a car as a pedestrian, you will likely experience internal injuries. It is crucial to obtain medical attention immediately to ensure that these injuries are properly taken care of.

Most Common Causes for Pedestrian Accidents

There are several potential causes of pedestrian accidents. However, a careless driver may be the primary cause. Awareness of the most common pedestrian accident causes may help in preventing an accident in the future.

The most common causes of pedestrian accidents are:

1. Left turns – When drivers make left turns, they are more focused on the oncoming cars at the intersection. This can cause them to not pay as much attention to pedestrians.
2. Poor weather conditions – Rainy weather can be dangerous for pedestrians. Slippery roads can make it difficult for cars to stop quickly, and pedestrians may slip and fall. Heavy rainfall also impairs a driver’s vision, so pedestrians must be extra careful when crossing the street in rainy weather.
3. Distracted driving – Distracted drivers may happen when they fail to pay attention to their surroundings. This is a danger not just to pedestrians, but also to other motorists. It is important for pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and not use their phones while on the road.
4. Impaired drivers – Intoxicated drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose a danger to themselves and others on the road. Drunk driving can cause drivers to make poor decisions or take unnecessary risks. This can include reckless actions such as running through pedestrian crosswalks or making unsafe left turns.
5. Reckless or aggressive driving – Pedestrians always have the right of way on crosswalks in California, whether they are marked or unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must be cautious and avoid speeding at all times to prevent accidents.
6. Dark clothing – The CDC reports that most pedestrian accidents occur at night. For that reason, pedestrians are advised to wear brightly colored clothing, this will help drivers see them more easily, most especially in low-light conditions. Although most crosswalks and intersections are well-lit, there are still some areas where it can be difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

There are various courses of action pedestrians can take to keep themselves out of harm’s way while on the street. Our San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers have compiled the following list of tips pedestrians can keep in mind:

• Avoid dangerous actions – Do not be reckless. Be sure to make eye contact with vehicle drivers when crossing the street, stay sober, and remain on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, many negligent drivers do not pay enough attention to pedestrians.
• Be visible – As mentioned earlier, pedestrian accidents frequently happen at night. To prevent these accidents from happening, it is best to wear brightly colored clothing, most especially at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings – As a pedestrian, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take extra caution when crossing the street. Be sure to look both ways and remain focused while crossing the street to avoid any accidents.
• Don’t jaywalk – When pedestrians are crossing the street in an unmarked crosswalk, they still technically have the right of way. However, it is always safer to cross at a marked crosswalk whenever possible. That way, both drivers and pedestrians are aware of where people will be crossing the street.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

After an accident, there are several steps an accident victim may take to ensure the integrity of their case if they wish to file an insurance claim. The following are some steps to help strengthen your case:

• Contact the police – It is crucial to contact the police immediately after the accident occurs. A police officer must be present at the accident scene to file a police report. This may be used as evidence by your San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer.
• Seek medical assistance – You must seek medical care from a healthcare provider immediately after an accident, regardless of whether or not you feel your injuries are only minor. Some injuries may not present themselves outwardly and may worsen over time if left untreated.
• Document the accident scene – If possible, take as many photos as you can of the accident scene. Take shots from different angles, showing the vehicle and its position. Don’t forget to include other details you think are important, as well as your injuries. These accident scene photos may also be used by your pedestrian accident attorney as evidence to help strengthen your insurance claim.
• Collect information – Be sure to get the name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details of the at-fault driver. Make sure to collect any witness information as well.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer – It is crucial that you obtain the legal services of an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to help guide you through the claims process. Our San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers will help you get the medical care you need and the monetary compensation you deserve.

Compensatory Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Claim

As the injured party, you may seek compensation from the liable party by filing a pedestrian accident claim. These compensatory damages will depend on certain details of your case, you may be eligible for the following compensatory damages:

• Medical bills
• Medical facility expenses
• Property damage
• Physical therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Non-economic damages
• Other economic losses
• And more

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact Us Today!

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident due to the actions of an at-fault party, you may be entitled to fair compensation. At Farahi Law Firm, our San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers will fight aggressively to recover the maximum compensation possible.

We will handle all the complex paperwork of your case so you can focus on your recovery process. Our experienced attorneys will ensure that your rights are protected and put you in touch with the best doctors.

Do not hesitate to contact us at (619) 776-3851 for a free case consultation. We are available 24/7. Your justice is our cause!