Whittier Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Whittier Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents are, unfortunately a common occurrence in California. Due to its large population and significant number of vehicles on its roads, accidents are fairly commonplace. If an accident involves a pedestrian, it could lead to serious consequences. A Whittier pedestrian accident lawyer should be engaged if you have been involved in a pedestrian accident. An injury attorney can help you with your civil case and offer the legal advice that you need.

Driver Negligence

In many pedestrian accidents, the driver displayed some form of negligence. It is important to understand what factors can contribute to the negligence of the driver.

• Distractions. Drivers who are distracted by their cell phones, food, other passengers, etc. are more likely to display negligence.
• Impairment. Driving under the influence of substances is never a good idea. Impaired driving can lead to accidents, and the driver will likely be found negligent.
• Fatigue. Driving on a lack of sleep or while tired could cause drivers to become more negligent.
• Weather. Poor or inclement weather conditions can contribute to accidents. These can make it more difficult for the driver to see and, if they are not careful, could lead to them hitting a pedestrian.
• Speeding. Drivers who speed are likely to display negligence, especially if they lose control of the vehicle due to the high velocity and crash into a pedestrian.
• Hazardous road conditions. Driving through a construction zone, construction debris, or an otherwise hazardous road can be dangerous, and drivers should display due caution. Failing to have proper caution could be a form of driver negligence.
• Reckless, aggressive, or dangerous driving. People who drive aggressively or tailgate behind other cars can often become involved in car accidents due to their negligence.

Pedestrian Negligence

There are some cases in which the pedestrian is considered to have displayed negligence. It is possible that a pedestrian’s negligence could contribute to the accident. It is important to consider these instances.

• Jaywalking. If a pedestrian were to jaywalk or cross the street without using the crosswalk, they could be considered negligent. If you have been involved in a situation like this, you should seek the help of a personal injury attorney who can review your case.
• Ignoring traffic signals. If a pedestrian were to ignore traffic signals, such as “stop” and “walk” signals, they could be considered negligent.

FAQs

Q: What Happens If a Pedestrian Causes an Accident?

A: If a pedestrian causes an accident in Whittier, California, then that pedestrian could be held liable for any injuries or damages related to the collision. Although the car driver is usually the one who is responsible for a pedestrian accident, it is possible that the pedestrian could be responsible, especially if they demonstrated some form of recklessness, carelessness, or negligence.

Also, if a pedestrian ignores the traffic laws and that leads to an accident, that pedestrian will most likely be held legally accountable for the incident.

Q: Is California a No-Fault Car Accident State?

A: California is not a no-fault car accident state. This means that the person who is found responsible for the auto accident will be held liable for any injuries or damages stemming from the accident. No-fault generally means that the people involved would have to file claims through their own car insurance policy for injuries or damages. California being an at-fault state means that involved parties have the right to pursue legal action against each other for the damages or injuries sustained.

Q: Does California Have a No-Fault Accident Policy?

A: California is an at-fault car accident state. You should note that this could apply to a pedestrian accident or a motorcycle accident as well. California, being an at-fault state, enables drivers and other injured parties to file claims against each other for injuries and damages. An injured pedestrian or any other injured party can file for compensation for even the most basic medical expenses related to an accident.

Injured parties deserve to be fairly compensated for their damages, and California state law allows just that.

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

A: Pedestrians in California do not always have the right of way in every circumstance. Although pedestrians have the right of way in many instances, there are a few times when they do not. For example, if a pedestrian walks out onto the street and faces oncoming traffic, they would not have the right of way in that situation. If a pedestrian were to blatantly ignore traffic laws, cross the street without the “walk” sign illuminated, or walk in bike lanes, they may not have the right of way.

Q: What If a Pedestrian Is Hit by a Car?

A: If a pedestrian is hit by a car in the Whittier area, they should immediately seek the appropriate medical attention that they need. After you receive the necessary medical attention, you should contact a personal injury lawyer and explain the situation to them. Under California state law, a pedestrian may pursue legal action against the driver who hit them. It is possible that the driver demonstrated some form of negligence, recklessness, or carelessness.

Filing an accident claim is typically the first step toward receiving compensation.

Get the Legal Support You Need

A qualified and experienced accident attorney has dealt with many pedestrian accidents. They can be a great resource to use if you have recently been involved in such an accident. An attorney can help you navigate the California state legal process and ensure that your claim is properly filed, deadlines are met, and the necessary documentation is appropriately filled out. Contacting an accident attorney is usually the right option for you.

The legal team at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, is experienced in successfully resolving pedestrian accident cases to the benefit of the victims. Accident victims deserve to receive full and fair compensation for the damages and injuries they incurred. The right accident attorney can help you with the legal process and answer any questions that you may have. Contact our law firm today to see how we can work for you.