Santa Clara Pedestrian Accident Lawyers ca

Most Common Causes For Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian accident is one of the most traumatic kinds of accidents anyone can experience. These kinds of accidents can happen for several reasons. It is a good rule of thumb to be familiar with some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents to avoid an accident happening in the future. 

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents are:

Speeding

Speeding is a common cause of most motor vehicle accidents. In the same way, speeding does not give a driver enough time to come to a complete stop safely. This could cause them to hit a pedestrian in their path.

Running Through a Pedestrian Crossing

When a driver fails to yield at a pedestrian crossing, they create an unsafe environment for the pedestrian. Especially if a young child decides to cross the street, they may not see the oncoming car or move out of the way fast enough to be safe. Drivers must always give pedestrians the right of way in a pedestrian crossing. 

Distracted Drivers

Drivers who are preoccupied with other matters instead of focusing on the road may have the tendency to not notice pedestrians crossing the street. As with speeding, distracted drivers have little reaction time to make safe decisions and veer away from pedestrians. 

Impaired Drivers

Intoxicated drivers are prone to driver error due to their loss of motor control and reduced information processing ability. This puts pedestrians in dangerous situations.  

Bad Weather Conditions

Slippery roads caused by bad weather can make it difficult for a car to come to a stop. Heavy rain can also impair a driver’s vision. 

Road Construction

Due to the closure of some parts of the road during road construction, pedestrians might find themselves walking different parts of the street to be able to get to their destination. Drivers may not expect pedestrians to be where they are and may increase their chances of colliding with them. 

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Due to their lack of protection, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to sustaining severe injuries. These injuries could result in days of missed work, mounting medical bills, and prolonged medical treatment. 

Among the most common pedestrian injuries we encounter at Farahi Law Firm are:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones or fractures
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal organ damage
• Disfigurement
• Amputation

Pedestrians’ Right of Way in Santa Clara, CA

All drivers have a duty of care to ensure that pedestrians are safe while on the road. The California State statute requires that pedestrians and drivers know their obligations.

According to California Vehicle Code §21950, drivers must yield the right of way to a pedestrian at an intersection, regardless of whether or not they are within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. This section, however, does not relieve pedestrians of their duty to take care of their own safety when crossing the street. 

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Pedestrians must always remember to remain vigilant when crossing the street. There are several tips one can keep in mind to ensure their safety when on the road. 

Listed below are some tips pedestrians can take to reduce their chances of being hit by a motorist:

1. Be visible: If you decide to walk at night, wear brightly colored clothing or bring a flashlight to help combat inadequate lighting. 
2. Avoid dangerous actions: Make eye contact with drivers, stay sober, and keep to the sidewalk – you must not assume that a driver can see you. 
3. Be aware of your surroundings: Pedestrians also have a responsibility to be aware and vigilant while walking on the street. Always look both ways before crossing the street, and do not allow yourself to be distracted.
4. Do not jaywalk: Remember to always cross the street using marked crossings meant for pedestrians.

How to Strengthen Your Pedestrian Accident Claim

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident and wish to file a compensation claim, there are several tips you can do and keep in mind to help strengthen the integrity of your case, such as:

• Contact the police – It is crucial that you contact the police immediately after the accident. Ensure that the officer files a police report while at the accident scene. Procure the number of the accident report. You may want a copy of this to help the validity of your claim. 
• Seek immediate medical care – Regardless of whether or not you feel you may only sustain minor injuries from the accident, you must receive medical treatment from a professional to ensure you have not sustained any internal injuries. Keep a copy of your medical records.
• Collect the at-fault driver’s information – Note down the driver’s full name, license number, license plate, and if possible, their insurance company’s information. 
• Collect witness information – If there are any witnesses at the scene, collect their pertinent information as well. 
• Take photographs – Take photographs of where the accident happened. Take these photos from varying angles and include anything you may think is important such as road signs or stop lights, road conditions, crosswalks, and more. 
• Document your injuries – Do not forget to take photos of your physical injuries right after the incident. Take photos of your injuries during the healing process as well. 
• Get in touch with a Santa Clara pedestrian accident lawyer – During this difficult time, it is in your best interest to have an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer by your side to guide you through the complicated process of your personal injury claim. The personal injury lawyers at Farahi Law Firm will ensure that you recover the financial compensation you need and deserve. 

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

As the injured party, it is within your legal right to file an insurance claim against the liable party for your injuries and damages. Some of these accidents may lead to catastrophic injuries that can be debilitating. Some victims may lose a significant amount of work days and lose income. Other injuries may also require long-term medical care and treatment. These scenarios can lead to substantial financial losses and cause emotional distress to the victim and their family.

Depending on the details of your accident, you may be entitled to the following compensatory damages:

• Medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of companionship
• And more

If a fatal accident caused the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. For cases such as these, it is crucial that you have the legal counsel of a personal injury attorney. 

In some cases, an insurance adjuster might take the opportunity of this vulnerable time to trick you into lowering the value of your accident claim in order to avoid offering you fair compensation. 

Our Santa Clara pedestrian accident lawyers will ensure that your rights are protected from insurance companies that wish to lowball you.

Expert Santa Clara Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

At Farahi Law Firm, our pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to fight tooth and nail to recover the monetary compensation you deserve. Not only will we ensure your rights are protected, but we will also handle all the complex paperwork and put you in touch with the right doctors so you can focus solely on your recovery. 

We will determine the true value of your claim and work with accident reconstruction professionals if need be. 

We are dedicated to winning. We have also recovered millions of dollars for hundreds of clients. We work on a contingency fee basis and offer our clients a No Fee Guarantee policy. This means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case. 

Contact Farahi Law Firm at (408) 715-3296 today for a free case consultation. Our expert team of lawyers, doctors, and case managers is ready to fight for you. Your justice is our cause!