It only takes one distracted or impatient driver to create lasting health and financial headaches for someone simply walking down the road. Fortunately, you have ways to seek legal and financial recourse, but these cases demand legal skill and compassion.
Finding a Cerritos personal injury attorney who takes the time to listen makes all the difference on this difficult road to recovery. Contact Avant Law Corporation to schedule a free consultation with a Cerritos pedestrian accident attorney.
Let Avant Law Corporation Handle Your Cerritos Pedestrian Accident Case
At Avant Law Corporation, your recovery and peace of mind come first. For us, you’re not just another case number. Here’s why you should choose us:
- With over 200 years of combined experience, our team knows how to handle setbacks, bureaucratic red tape, and stubborn insurance adjusters, all of which are almost certainly going to come up.
- We’ll come out to meet you wherever is easiest, saving you the headache and energy so you can rest and recover.
- Fast, thoughtful communication is our rule. You’ll never be left in the dark about your case.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, we know how difficult this time is. Reach out and let us help.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Cerritos Can Help You With Your Claim
Having a lawyer after a pedestrian accident takes a lot of the stress and confusion out of dealing with sudden injuries. Here’s how they can help:
- Your attorney will investigate traffic camera footage, crosswalk signals, and accident reports to show who was truly at fault.
- They coordinate with your doctors to collect clear, detailed records tying all your injuries to the accident.
- Your lawyer handles all insurance paperwork and negotiates compensation for your lost wages and medical bills.
This kind of comprehensive support gives you space to focus on your recovery and daily life while your case moves forward.
Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
Figuring out who should be held legally responsible after a pedestrian accident can be complicated, but a lawyer can help you make this determination. Here are some of the parties that could be liable:
- Drivers of Motor Vehicles: Motorists are frequently at the heart of pedestrian accident claims. A driver may be liable if they were speeding, texting, ignoring a crosswalk signal, or failed to yield as required at intersections.
- Property Owners or Businesses: If a dangerous condition, such as an unsafe sidewalk, inadequate lighting, or poorly marked crossings, contributed to the collision, whoever was responsible for maintaining that area might share the blame, like a business owner.
- Public Transit Operators: Accidents involving buses or trains that fail to obey traffic rules can put responsibility on public agencies overseeing transit operators if pedestrian safety isn’t given priority.
- Partially at Fault Pedestrian: Not all pedestrian accidents are entirely the driver’s fault. Crossing outside marked crosswalks, ignoring “don’t walk” signals, or walking while distracted or under the influence can shift some blame onto the person on foot.
Pure Comparative Negligence in California
California’s pure comparative negligence law is important for pedestrians to understand. Even if a walker is partially to blame for an accident, they can still file a claim and recover damages – their compensation is just reduced according to how much they were at fault.
405.Comparative Fault of Plaintiff
[Name of defendant] claims that [name of plaintiff]’s own negligence
contributed to [his/her/nonbinary pronoun] harm. To succeed on this
claim, [name of defendant] must prove both of the following:
1. That [name of plaintiff] was negligent; and
2. That [name of plaintiff]’s negligence was a substantial factor in
causing [his/her/nonbinary pronoun] harm.
If [name of defendant] proves the above, [name of plaintiff]’s damages are
reduced by your determination of the percentage of [name of plaintiff]’s
responsibility.
So, a pedestrian found 30% responsible after jaywalking would receive 70% of what they’d otherwise be awarded.
Identifying all responsible parties and understanding your share of fault can go a long way toward a fair outcome.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident
Taking the right steps after your accident makes the difference between a strong claim and one that falls short. Here are some missteps to avoid:
- Leaving the scene without calling the police or reporting the incident; you need a documented record for your claim.
- Not getting immediate medical treatment could leave a gap in your records or make it appear your injuries weren’t very serious.
- Forgetting to gather information from witnesses and the driver or missing the chance to take photos of the location, damages, or visible injuries.
- Saying too much to insurance adjusters or making recorded statements without knowing your rights – these conversations can be used against you.
- Sharing accident details or medical updates on social media, where insurance companies could misunderstand, twist, or use your words to limit your payout.
Taking the right steps in the hours and days after your accident protects both your health and your claim, making it much easier for your attorney to fight for a fair result down the road.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Avant Law Corporation To Speak With a Cerritos Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When you’re dealing with injuries and insurance claims, having strong legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome. Getting good legal help eases the burden so you aren’t left fighting for answers alone – it’s the most important step you can take after an accident.
Contact us at Avant Law Corporation to schedule a free consultation with a Cerritos pedestrian accident attorney.