Pedestrian Accident Lawyer In Oxnard
You were walking in a crosswalk when a driver suddenly hit you. You have injuries, pain, and suffering, and you can’t work. How will you earn a living and pay your bills after this Oxnard car accident?
This is a common scenario in the busy Oakland area and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by stress and not know where to turn for help. Our pedestrian accident attorneys at Maho Prentice, LLP, sympathize and can help by potentially obtaining significant compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. Contact a pedestrian accident attorney in our office today for a complimentary legal consultation.
What Are Common Causes Of Accidents Involving Pedestrians?
Pedestrian accidents are far too common across the country and there are many pedestrians injured every day. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents with serious injuries are:
- Distracted driving: Many pedestrian accidents happen because a car driver is distracted by a cell phone or something else. Your attorney can review cell phone records to check if the driver was using their phone when they hit you.
- Driver fails to yield: Sometimes, drivers do not yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk as they should. Drivers may be in a hurry and not want to slow down even though it’s the law.
- Backing out when unsafe: Some pedestrian accidents happen when the driver reverses and doesn’t check their mirrors. These backing-out accidents usually occur in parking lots.
- Other causes of pedestrian accidents are drinking and driving, speeding, and failing to stay in a single lane.
If a negligent driver injures you as a pedestrian, you have the right to fair compensation.
What Can A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Do For You?
Hiring a pedestrian accident attorney is the best way to obtain just compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Your attorney will do the following while you focus on healing:
- Talk to your doctors about your injuries and prognosis and obtain your medical records
- Collect accident evidence to prove liability
- Work with your medical team to prove you were injured in the accident
- Present the required proof to the insurance company to prove liability and damages
- Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- File a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary
Remember, when a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle, the injuries can be catastrophic. You could have a serious injury, such as head trauma, broken bones, nerve damage, road rash, internal injuries, and more. You need an experienced attorney in Oxnard to obtain the most compensation for your losses.
Who May Be Liable In A Pedestrian Accident?
If you were injured in a pedestrian crash, your personal injury attorney must prove fault to obtain compensation for your damages. There are several potential liable parties in pedestrian accidents:
- The car driver: The person driving the car is usually held responsible for the pedestrian accident.
- The driver’s employer: If the car driver was working during the accident, their employer could be liable. For example, the company a delivery driver works for could be held liable.
- Vehicle or part manufacturer: If a car or a car part was defective and caused the driver to lose control, the manufacturer could be held responsible for your injuries.
If you have a pedestrian accident claim, speak to a personal injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers usually offer a free consultation to find out if you have a strong case.
What Compensation Can You Get In A Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Pedestrian accident victims often suffer severe injuries and have exorbitant medical bills and other damages. Injured parties can receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. How much you can receive in a pedestrian accident claim varies according to the following factors:
- Severity of injuries: Injury victims with severe injuries have higher case values. Unfortunately, pedestrian accident victims often have catastrophic injuries because they lack the protection of a vehicle in the incident. The severity of pedestrian crash injuries is a vital reason you should have a skilled personal injury attorney representing you.
- Medical treatments: The more severe the injury, the more complex and lengthy medical treatments are needed. For example, if you have compound fractures in your legs, you may need to stay in the hospital and have at least one surgery. Hospital stays cost thousands of dollars per day, at minimum.
- Insurance policy limits: The at-fault party’s insurance usually covers damages in a pedestrian accident. However, the auto insurance policy only pays up to policy limits. If you have $50,000 in damages after a pedestrian accident and there is only $25,000 of coverage, you may not be able to obtain full compensation.
- Shared fault: Were you partially at fault for the accident? Your compensation could be partially reduced if liability is shared for the pedestrian accident.
How To Increase Your Pedestrian Accident Compensation
Many pedestrian accidents result in severe injuries. So, the more money you get for your losses, the better for your recovery. Your attorney will fight for the most compensation in the settlement or lawsuit but you can help by doing the following:
- If you are physically able, collect evidence at the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the crash scene, including damage to vehicles. Give the photos and videos to your personal injury attorney.
- Note the names and contact information of eyewitnesses and get their statements.
- Keep an accident file that contains the police report, medical bills, and any other paperwork related to the accident.
- Get immediate medical attention to ensure your injuries don’t worsen. Seeing a doctor quickly will also preserve your legal options. Any delay in seeking medical care could be used against you by the insurance company.
Remember, the party that provides the most evidence will most likely prevail. Your personal injury attorney will use this evidence to get compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Speak To A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Being injured in a pedestrian accident or car accident is a serious matter. It could take months to recover, and the medical costs could bankrupt you. But if another party hit and injured you, they can be held accountable in a personal injury claim.
Speak to an Oxnard pedestrian accident attorney at Maho Prentice, LLP, today for a free consultation by calling (805) 774-1295. Our seasoned attorneys regularly obtain outstanding compensation for our personal injury clients. We only receive compensation in a personal injury claim if we obtain compensation for you. Our law firm looks forward to serving you. If you need assistance in any other injury case, feel free to contact our personal injury attorney in Oxnard.