Long Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Long Beach Pedestrian Accident Attorney

A car accident can be a frightening and overwhelming situation, but when it involves a pedestrian, the resulting fallout can be considerably worse. The chance of severe injury or death is much higher when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian. You may want to consider yourself lucky for even surviving a collision with a vehicle, but if you wish to press the matter further and pursue legal action, you should speak with a Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyer.

Best Long Beach, CA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Building a Pedestrian Accident Case in Long Beach

A pedestrian accident can happen for any number of reasons. Most of the time, when a driver hits a pedestrian, the driver is at fault. However, sometimes, accidents can be caused by pedestrians putting themselves at great risk. Either way, the result is often the same. The pedestrian is severely injured and wishes to pursue compensatory damages for the trauma they experienced.

Before you pursue legal action against the responsible party, it is important to remember that the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in California is two years. That means you will have two years from the date of your injury to begin building a case, gathering the necessary evidence, consulting with a personal injury lawyer, and filing a claim for compensatory damages. If you are unable to file your claim within the two-year window, your case may be dismissed.

Building a substantial case against the liable party for a pedestrian accident may take far more time than you expect, so it is recommended that you start developing your case as soon as you can. Remember, if a driver struck you with their vehicle while you were walking, the driver is likely to be held liable and responsible for your damages.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Being hit by a car while walking can be one of the most devastating and emotionally traumatizing events in your life. There are a number of ways that a driver can inadvertently hit someone. With thousands of pedestrians walking on sidewalks around the world, accidents happen more frequently than you may think. Here are some of the more common causes of pedestrian accidents in California:

  • Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Any behavior that causes the driver to take their focus away from the road ahead of them is considered a distraction. This can include talking or texting on the phone, eating and drinking, applying makeup, talking to passengers, tampering with the radio, and engaging in road rage. When distracted, drivers may not notice pedestrians.
  • Poor Visibility: Driving at night or in bad weather can severely limit a driver’s visibility on the road. Drivers should use extra caution during these times, especially when they are driving on roads with heavy pedestrian traffic.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and very dangerous. When a driver is impaired, their judgment is flawed, and their reaction time is limited. They may not even notice a pedestrian on the road until it is too late to stop.

FAQs

Q: What Is a Good Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in California?

A: There is no set amount for a good settlement for a pedestrian hit by a vehicle in California. Every pedestrian accident case is different. Each case has its own set of details and circumstances unique to the individual. If a case similar to yours results in a favorable settlement, that does not automatically mean that yours will, too. Certain factors have to be considered, such as the severity of your injuries and your lawyer’s legal experience.

Q: What Are the Rules for Pedestrian Accidents in California?

A: California has many rules for pedestrian accidents, many of them intended to support pedestrians in the event of a traffic collision. For example, all drivers must yield to a pedestrian walking through a crosswalk, drivers are usually at fault for hitting a pedestrian, and all blind pedestrians have the immediate right of way. If you are ever struck by a car while walking, you should consider taking legal action against the driver.

Q: Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in California?

A: Generally, yes, pedestrians usually have the right of way in California, though there are a number of exceptions to the rule. For example, if there are no stop or yield signs at an intersection, the vehicle has the right of way if it gets there first. Pedestrians have the right of way at a crosswalk, but if they cross against a red light or step into traffic without yielding, they could get a ticket for jaywalking.

Q: How Much Can I Expect From a Car Accident Settlement in Long Beach, California?

A: The amount you could expect from a car accident settlement in Long Beach, California can vary. Every car accident case is different, with each case having to consider its own specific details. When negotiating a settlement, both sides have to consider the severity of your injuries, the type of vehicle that struck you, who was at fault, and how much the driver’s insurance is able to cover. An experienced attorney can help get the most out of your car accident settlement.

Reach Out to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

As a pedestrian, it can be brutal and catastrophic to be struck by a moving vehicle. Surviving the accident is the most important outcome, but you should seriously consider pursuing legal action against the responsible party to hold them accountable for their actions. With the help of an experienced Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyer, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.

At McLachlan Law, APC, we know the kind of legal help you will need for a pedestrian accident claim. We can help you build a strong case, gather evidence, and protect your interests. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a team member today. With our legal team on your side, you can trust that you are getting the quality legal representation you deserve.

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