Walking through Alhambra should not put your life at risk. Whether you were crossing Valley Boulevard, walking near Main Street, or using a neighborhood crosswalk, drivers have a legal duty to watch for pedestrians and operate their vehicles safely.
Unfortunately, negligent driving behaviors continue to cause devastating pedestrian accidents throughout Los Angeles County.
Richard Lara is an experienced Alhambra pedestrian accident lawyer. At Lara Law Firm, we seek maximum compensation for people who negligent drivers have injured.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Serious
Pedestrians have little protection against the force of a moving vehicle. That’s why these accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries. Pedestrians who have been struck by a motor vehicle may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Facial injuries
- Permanent disability
- Emotional trauma
Many victims require emergency treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term medical care. Lost income and mounting medical bills can quickly create financial pressure for families that are already dealing with painful recovery.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers fail to pay attention or ignore traffic laws designed to keep pedestrians safe. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian injuries include:
- Distracted Driving. Cell phones remain one of the leading causes of pedestrian crashes across California. Drivers who are texting, checking GPS directions, or scrolling through social media may fail to see someone crossing the street until it is too late.
- Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of impact. A driver traveling too fast through residential streets or intersections may not stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
- Failure to Yield at Crosswalks. California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Unfortunately, many motorists ignore these rules, especially when rushing through intersections or attempting unsafe turns. A skilled crosswalk accident attorney can investigate whether a driver violated pedestrian right-of-way laws.
- Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced awareness. Alcohol and drugs continue to contribute to serious pedestrian injuries throughout Los Angeles County.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs. Intersections are dangerous areas for pedestrians. Drivers who run traffic signals place walkers directly in harm’s way.
- Aggressive or Reckless Driving. Illegal passing, weaving through traffic, and road rage behaviors can all contribute to serious pedestrian collisions.
What Makes a Driver Legally Negligent?
Negligence occurs when someone fails to use reasonable care under the circumstances. Proving negligence means showing that the driver engaged in an unsafe activity, such as:
- DUI
- Speeding
- Violating traffic laws
- Failing to yield
- Distracted driving
- Operating the vehicle recklessly
Evidence used to establish liability may include police reports, surveillance footage, traffic camera footage, witness statements, cell phone records, vehicle damage analysis, accident reconstruction findings, and medical records. An experienced Alhambra personal injury attorney can help gather and preserve this evidence.
What Compensation Can Injured Pedestrians Recover?
Victims of pedestrian injuries caused by driver negligence may be entitled to substantial compensation depending on the severity of their injuries. Damages in a pedestrian accident case may include:
Medical Expenses
This can include:
- Emergency room treatment
- Ambulance costs
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
Lost Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Future lost income
Pain and Suffering
California law allows injured victims to pursue damages for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
Serious pedestrian accidents can lead to lifelong impairments that affect mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in California
If a pedestrian accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under California law. A wrongful death lawsuit may seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages caused by the victim’s death.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
The steps you take after an accident can affect your ability to recover compensation.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions may worsen over time. Medical records also help document the connection between the crash and your injuries.
- Call Law Enforcement. A police report creates an official record of the accident and may contain valuable evidence regarding fault.
- Gather Evidence. If possible, you should collect photos of the accident scene, the driver’s information, witness contact information, photos of your injuries, and details about the traffic signals or crosswalk involved in the accident.
- Avoid Discussing Fault. Do not admit fault or speculate about the accident with insurance companies or other parties.
- Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer. An attorney can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
Speak With a Trusted Alhambra Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If a negligent driver has injured you, you deserve answers! During your free consultation, Richard Lara will review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward justice and financial recovery.
Call (626) 872-6607 to learn more today.
Lara Law Firm handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents
What should I do immediately after being hit by a car in Alhambra?
Your health should come first. Call 911 and seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. If possible, take photos of the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and request the driver’s insurance details.
Can I still file a claim if I was not in a marked crosswalk?
Yes. California law does not automatically prevent injured pedestrians from recovering compensation simply because they were outside a crosswalk. Drivers still have a duty to exercise reasonable care and watch for pedestrians. A lawyer can evaluate whether driver negligence contributed to the accident.
How do I prove the driver was at fault for my pedestrian accident?
Evidence used in a California pedestrian injury claim may include police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, traffic camera footage, medical records, and accident reconstruction evidence. A pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate the crash and help establish liability against the negligent driver.
What compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
Victims of pedestrian injuries caused by driver negligence may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages related to the accident.