Gardena Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Gardena Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Few incidents in your life can be as harrowing or confusing as a car accident, particularly if you are a pedestrian dealing with what may be a devastating injury. The fallout of such an incident can be profound, resulting in lifelong chronic pain, ongoing medical assistance, and severe mental or emotional trauma. If you get hit by a car, there’s a good chance you may not walk away. If you want to pursue legal action, speak with a Gardena pedestrian accident lawyer.

Pedestrian Accident in Gardena, California

There are multiple reasons why a pedestrian accident could happen. In the majority of cases, the driver is assumed to be at fault when they hit a pedestrian. Sometimes, though, the pedestrians themselves may be at fault for causing the accident in the first place, particularly if they ignored traffic signs or put themselves at great risk for no reason. Regardless of how it happened, the end result is still significant injuries for the pedestrian and potential legal action for the driver.

An experienced Gardena pedestrian accident lawyer can help you make sure you aren’t taken advantage of during this trying time. Depending on the details of your accident, you may be in quite a vulnerable state. Insurance companies and opposing counsel may seek to guilt or manipulate you into dropping your case. A good lawyer by your side can absorb these discussions, keeping you away from manipulation and allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Statute of Limitations

If you decide to pursue legal action against the driver who hit you, it is vital to your case that you adhere to the state of California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which include pedestrian accident claims. The state will generally give you two years from the date of your injury to establish grounds for your claim, build up a strong case, gather the evidence you need, consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages.

If you are not able to file your case within the two-year window, your case will likely be dismissed, and your opportunity to pursue compensation will be lost. Building a strong pedestrian accident case may take more time than you think, so you should start as soon as you can. If you are worried your case isn’t strong enough, have your case evaluated by an accident lawyer soon.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in California

Getting hit by a car is likely to be one of the most traumatizing and terrifying moments of your life. You may want to take extra precautions to avoid putting yourself in situations that could result in getting hit by a car as a pedestrian, but it may not always be in your control. Still, recognizing the potential causes of pedestrian accidents can help you do your part in avoiding certain situations. Here are some of the common causes of pedestrian accidents in California:

• Distractions: Distracted drivers cause more car accidents across the country than anyone else. When you are behind the wheel, it is vital that you do what you can to reduce the number of distractions in your immediate area. Otherwise, you could inadvertently cause an accident that may result in serious injury or even death. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating and drinking, road rage, and talking with passengers.
• Poor Visibility: Driving conditions are going to play a big part in an accident, particularly a pedestrian accident. Driving during bad weather or driving at night can severely hamper a driver’s visibility, and it’s during these times that drivers should take extra precautions.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Settlement Amount for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in California?

A: There is no telling what the average settlement is for a pedestrian hit by a car in California. Every pedestrian accident case is different, with each case having its own particular details that define the case and influence the settlement amount. When deciding on a settlement amount, some factors that are going to affect the payout will be the severity of your injuries, how much fault you have in the accident, and your lawyer’s experience.

Q: How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

A: There is no telling how much your accident attorney might charge in California. Since every accident case is different, your lawyer’s fee is always going to be different too. Your lawyer’s overall fee is going to be influenced heavily by their experience, education, availability, and resources, as well as the difficulty of your case.

Q: What Happens If You Hit a Pedestrian With Your Car in California?

A: If you hit a pedestrian with your car in California, you are likely going to face significant legal consequences. You should immediately stop your car and check on the pedestrian. Help them with immediate first aid if you can, call 911, and wait for EMTs and police to arrive at the scene. Be honest with the police and contact a lawyer as soon as you can.

Q: How Long After an Accident Can You Take Legal Action for Personal Injury in California?

A: In Gardena and other areas of California, you will have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action in the form of a personal injury claim. In that time, you should build up your case with a lawyer’s help and file for damages. If you can’t file before two years have passed, you are likely going to miss out on your opportunity to file damages.

Contact a Gardena Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you are ever hit by a car and survive, you should consider pursuing damages to pay for your medical bills and potential ongoing assistance. You should hold someone accountable for such reckless endangerment. The legal team at McLachlan Law, APC, understands the kind of help you are going to need for a case like this. Contact us to speak with a member of our legal team about a consultation. Our legal team can help you explore your legal options.