Were you injured in a pedestrian accident? If so, contact the Law Offices of Joseph W. Campbell and schedule a free consultation. We are experienced personal injury lawyers who have advocated for the victims of pedestrian accidents for more than thirty years. Our expert team will ensure your case is represented fairly so you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Why you need a Bay Area pedestrian accident attorney
Sadly, pedestrian accidents account for almost 20 percent of all traffic accident fatalities according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In most cases, pedestrians had the right of way, or the driver was distracted when the pedestrian was struck. Unlike the occupants of automobiles, who are protected by the automobile framework, seat belts and air bags, the body of a pedestrian is extremely vulnerable. In many cases, pedestrian accidents result in traumatic and/or life threatening injuries, or the accidents result in a fatality.
It is imperative that you contact a personal injury lawyer who is experienced with pedestrian accidents as soon as possible. Otherwise the other side’s insurance company will be working hard to get you to settle out of court, record your statements, and/or sign documentation that can prohibit your ability to seek the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
California Pedestrian Laws are in place to protect your rights
You may have heard the common expression, “pedestrians have the right-of-way” and, much of the time, it’s true. California has multiple pedestrian right-of-way laws that were created in your defense. Many of the pedestrian accidents that occur are the result of a direct violation of these laws on the part of the motorist. Examples of California pedestrian laws include:
- Drivers must stop and yield to any pedestrians how are crossing the street at intersections, whether or not there are clearly marked crosswalks.
- Motorists never have the right to drive on sidewalks that have been designated as pedestrian-safe zones.
- Drivers must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians who are leaving parking lots or driveways.
- Motorists must allow ample time for pedestrians of all ages and abilities to finish crossing the road.
- If a pedestrian is not using a designated cross-walk, motorists must still use caution.
While it is true that pedestrians must do their part by following local traffic and safety regulations, the ultimate responsibility is placed on motorists to allow pedestrians to maneuver safely on sidewalks and roadways.
How can a pedestrian accident attorney help me?
There are multiple ways a Bay Area accident attorney can assist you. From the beginning, we can provide sound legal counsel and facilitate the communication between insurance companies, law enforcement and others to protect your interests. We will work diligently to obtain any physical evidence, photos, witness’ stories, as well as the police reports, so our professional accident reenactment team can get to work creating a visual representation of your accident scene for the courtroom.
We will also make sure a professional medical team has assessed the extent of your injuries so you can be compensated for the comprehensive damage that may have occurred. If you are no longer able to work, or have lost wages due to your injuries, we can help. Liability and damages include a wide range of categories such as:
- Emotional damages.
- Lost wages.
- Future income losses.
- The loss of spousal or child support.
- Past, current, and future medical bills.
When we represent your case, we will work aggressively to win the maximum compensation allowed by law so you have the resources you need to more forward with your life. In some cases, the municipality can be held partially accountable for the accident. This can happen in cases where the road conditions are unnecessarily dangerous or signage is inadequate. In these cases, expediency is even more important as the California statute of limitations on personal injury claims against a public entity is six months (California Government Code Section 911.2).
The sooner you contact the Law Offices of Joseph W. Campbell, the sooner we can get to work holding responsible parties accountable.
Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Claim
If someone you love was killed in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against a negligent driver. Not only does this help to hold others accountable for their actions, the settlement can help to provide compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and the lifetime loss of income that can devastate a family. We understand financial compensation can never replace a loved one, however, it is a necessary step in securing your family’s future after an unexpected catastrophe.
Contact the Law Offices of Joseph W. Campbell and let us become your advocates. Holding an at-fault driver accountable for a pedestrian accident requires the assistance of investigators, eye witnesses, medical professionals, and the others. We’ll coordinate your case efficiently so you can begin to heal without having to look back.
