Pedestrian accidents are a common, everyday occurrence in Los Angeles. They result in major if not catastrophic injuries for pedestrians. Even when pedestrians survive these collisions, they are left with disabling, debilitating injuries for which they may need to undergo lengthy treatment or costly rehabilitation.
Victims of pedestrian accidents often deal with costly medical bills, lost income and significant emotional trauma. These accidents take a physical, emotional and financial toll not just on victims, but also their families. At the Vaziri Law Group, we help injured pedestrian accident victims understand their legal rights and options.
If your injuries were caused by someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve maximum compensation for your losses.
Pedestrians' Rights in Los Angeles
Under California law, motorists have a duty of care toward pedestrians, which means they have a legal obligation to drive in a manner that is reasonably safe and look out for the safety of pedestrians.
Here are some of the important laws that protect your rights as a pedestrian in Los Angeles and in California:
Crosswalk laws:
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a), motorists must stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians while they are walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Vehicle Code Section 21970 prevents drivers from stopping in a crosswalk thereby preventing pedestrians from using the crosswalk.
Remember, you can seek compensation even if you were not walking in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. You still have the right to take legal action.
Use of sidewalks:
Pedestrians have the legal right to use sidewalks, unimpeded. Whenever a vehicle is crossing over a sidewalk, the driver must always yield to pedestrians. This is also true when a driver is pulling out of an alley or parking lot. In such cases, drivers should yield to pedestrians as well.
Right to use the road safely:
The law also states that pedestrians have a responsibility to act in a safe manner. However, all pedestrians have the right to walk areas designated for pedestrians in a safe manner. A driver is said to have violated the pedestrian's rights when he or she operates in a reckless, negligent or dangerous manner. In such cases, drivers may be held financially liable for their negligence.
Proving Pedestrian Accident Claims
It is wrong to think that a driver who hits you will be held automatically liable for your losses. As the plaintiff in a personal injury case, the burden of proof is on the injured pedestrian. An accident victim must prove that the driver was at fault or negligent.
Here are a few examples of negligence in a pedestrian accident case:
- A driver strikes a pedestrian legally walking in a crosswalk while texting and driving.
- A driver under the influence of alcohol strikes a pedestrian.
- A speeding driver loses control of the vehicle or is unable to stop the vehicle in time, and strikes the pedestrian.
- A reckless driver runs a red light and strikes another vehicle and the impact causes one or both vehicles to strike pedestrians.
What is Your Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your pedestrian accident claim will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries and the degree of negligence on the part of the defendant. For example, if you've suffered severe injuries that keep you away from work for an extended period of time or leave you permanently injured, your claim will be worth much more than if you had suffered relatively minor injuries.
You need solid evidence to back up your claim. Our experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers will help assemble crucial evidence including police reports, photos, surveillance videos, medical records etc. to prove your case and maximize your chances of getting fair and full compensation for all your economic and non-economic losses including past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Contact Our Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it would be in your best interest not to take the first offer from the insurance company. Never rush into a settlement. You might regret it later. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at the Vaziri Law Group consists of skilled negotiators and litigators who have a reputation for success.
We've secured verdicts and settlements for our injured clients adding up to millions of dollars. If you have suffered severe injuries in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident, call us at (310) 777-7540 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.