Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney in the City of Fontana, CA
Proudly serving the community of Fontana for more than a decade.
In the near perfect weather afforded to Southern California residents, jogging, walking, and even hiking is a preferred pastime. Whether to maintain a healthy regimen, as a means to commute, or to simply enjoy the day, pedestrian traffic is a rapidly growing staple.
Regrettably, when a pedestrian is struck by a moving motor vehicle, the injuries sustained by the pedestrian can be catastrophically dire. Unlike most travelers, pedestrians do not account for physical protections. Upon a collision, the pedestrian is likely to suffer serious, life-changing injuries or even death. Because of the seriousness of these types of accidents, seeking compensation is necessary when the accident has been caused as a result of another’s negligence. Discussing available legal options with an experienced attorney in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident is imperative.
Monetary Compensation is Available With the Support of a Knowledgeable Personal Injury Attorney
Walking in Southern California is relatively common, as a majority of neighborhoods have ample stores, eateries and other businesses in just a short walking distance. Sadly, a pedestrian vs. auto accident can occur at any given moment. When an accident ensues, the pedestrian is likely to sustain catastrophic injuries.
If you have been injured while walking or jogging, you may be able to recover compensation for your grievances. In California, individuals who were injured as a result of another’s careless actions or inattention can seek compensation from the at-fault party. Through a personal injury claim, the victim may be able to recover a variety of damages, including the costs for medical treatment and the need for at-home treatment. In order to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available, speak to a well-versed attorney who can advocate on your behalf.
At the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King, defending the rights of injured victims is important. The firm specializes in accidents caused as a result of negligent wrongdoers, and the legal team is prepared to aggressively defend the rights of injured victims. Filing a pedestrian accident claim can present a variety of legal complexities. Allow a skilled attorney advocate on your behalf and help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve. Consider seeking the legal support of the team at the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King today.
Pedestrian Accidents and Associated Environmental Risks
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian accident fatality rates are on a decline. In 2017, the agency reported that there were a total of 940 pedestrian fatalities. By 2018, the number of pedestrian fatalities had decreased by 5% for a total of 893 fatalities. Still, the amount of people who die yearly as a result of pedestrian accidents is considerably high.
Additionally, it is important to note that there is an upward trend of pedestrian fatalities for individuals over the age of 65. In 2017, the agency reported a total of 194 fatalities for individuals 65 years and older. Having increased by nearly 7 percent, the agency reported 155 fatalities for those 65 and older in 2018.
In either case, pedestrian accidents cannot be taken lightly. According to a traffic safety report published by the California Department of Public Health, there were a total of almost 1.7 million fatal and non-fatal injuries between 2007 and 2013 in California. Unquestionably, pedestrian accidents are a serious issue that causes many people’s suffering.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has compiled a list of environmental risks associated with pedestrian accidents, where awareness of these risks can lead to accident prevention.
- A majority of pedestrian fatalities have occurred in urban areas (76%), compared to rural areas (24%).
- 72% of pedestrian accidents occur at non-intersections, 18% at intersections, and 10% in areas such as roadsides, shoulders, sidewalks, medians, driveways, and parking lanes.
- A majority of accidents occur in the dark (75%), compared to daylight, dusk, or dawn (25%).
- During fall and winter months, most accidents occur between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m.
- During spring and summer, most accidents occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight.
- The age groups with the highest mortality rate in pedestrian accidents are those between the ages of 10-14 and 50-54.
- 20% of all fatalities were victims 65 and older.
- About 70% of all those killed in traffic accidents were male.
- 33% of fatal accidents involved a pedestrian with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, compared to 13% of fatal accidents caused by a driver with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
Injuries Typically Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents
In an instant, a pedestrian accident can result in a very serious, life-changing injury. The severity of an injury can depend on several factors, including, the type of vehicle and its velocity. The following are common types of physical and psychological trauma that can result in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident: Traumatic brain injury, Neck injuries, Spinal cord injury, Broken bones or bone fractures, Nerve damage, Amputations, Road rash, Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and/or death.
Damages Available Through a Personal Injury Claim
The State of California protects an injured victim’s right to monetary compensation when the accident was caused as a result of the careless actions or negligence of another party. Seeking compensation can be a challenge, especially when there are multiple parties suspected of being responsible for having caused or contributed to the accident. Nonetheless, compensation can be available for the following damages: Costs for emergency medical treatment, Prescription medication costs, The need for therapy or rehabilitation, At-home medical care costs, Reimbursement for the loss of wages, Loss of quality of life, Loss of future earnings, and/or pain and suffering.
When the pedestrian accident victim died as a result of the accident, the victim’s survivors have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the victim. Qualifying petitioners can seek the following additional damages: Costs for funeral services, including burial or cremation costs, Loss of companionship, Loss of victim’s future earnings, Loss of consortium, and/or the victim’s pain and suffering.
California’s Statute of Limitations
Although pedestrian accident victims are given the right to seek reparations from the at-fault party, the ability to file a claim is subject to a strict deadline. According to California’s statute of limitations, a person seeking damages has two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. When the accident has been caused as a result of a government agency’s negligence, however, the deadline to file a claim is six months from the date of the accident. For example, a pedestrian injured by a county driver will likely only have six months to bring the case forward. Similarly, wrongful death claims are also subject to the same time restrictions.
A Qualified Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Recover the Compensation You Deserve
Pedestrian accidents are some of the most dangerous types of traffic accidents. Sadly, thousands of pedestrians are injured each year as a result of careless drivers. When a negligent accident ensues, the victim or his or her survivors have a right to seek monetary reparations from the at-fault driver. Filing a claim can present a variety of complications, where in-depth legal knowledge in the area of law is an absolute necessity. Following an accident, discuss your legal options with a qualified attorney who has experience in handling these types of cases. With the support of a knowledgeable attorney, the opportunity to obtain a full compensation may be possible.
At the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King, it is well understood that following an accident, many at-fault drivers or their insurance adjusters will do all that is in their power to avoid paying a victim what he or she is owed. Whether it is through a claim denial or a gross reduction in the settlement offer, many victims will face these challenges when filing a claim. As a result, it is imperative to seek the legal guidance and advocacy of a skilled law firm that has the right qualifications.
With more than a decade of dedicated experience, the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King has helped hundreds of accident victims recover the monetary compensation they were owed. Above that, the firm has aggressively pursued the maximum amount of compensation available for their clients. Following a pedestrian accident, consider seeking the legal advice of the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King. Contact the law firm today for a free initial consultation.