Alameda Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

pedestrian

When an individual on foot is hit by a motor vehicle, the results are often traumatic or even fatal for the pedestrian. A pedestrian is entirely defenseless against a vehicle due to their lack of physical protection. Unfortunately, many motorists fail to watch out for people on foot, including joggers and walkers. Serious injuries or a loss of life from a vehicle versus a pedestrian accident may result in financial hardship and emotional trauma for the injured person or surviving family members. Obtaining justice requires taking legal action against the negligent party, starting with working with the best pedestrian accident lawyer near you.

As an injured party or a surviving family member in the aftermath of a pedestrian crash, you need a skilled attorney to level the playing field with difficult insurers. Call our skilled Alameda pedestrian accident lawyers for free, friendly advice at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400.

At AutoAccident.com, our legal team has handled various personal injury cases, including those involving pedestrian accidents. Our California personal injury lawyers know how to help clients rebuild their lives and maximize their recovery following traumatic crashes. When you turn to us for assistance, we will help you secure the full financial recovery you are entitled to. While no amount of compensation can undo the damage caused by a negligent motorist, a settlement or court-ordered award may help you recover the cost of losses due to the incident. Learn about your rights and options for recovery through a free consultation with one of our Alameda pedestrian accident attorneys.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Pedestrian Collision Claims?

Motorists have a duty of care to provide the road with their undivided attention and keep a lookout for others, including walkers and joggers. A driver who fails to uphold this duty and causes a pedestrian accident may be liable for economic and non-economic damages. These generally include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost earnings
  • Diminished earning potential
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering

Insurers have teams of claims adjusters and defense counsel who work together to pay the lowest amount possible on bodily injury claims. To protect yourself from complex insurance carriers, you need an experienced Alameda pedestrian accident attorney to protect your rights and best interests.

Why is it Important to Conduct a Pedestrian Crash Investigation?

If an individual has been injured while on foot, a skilled Alameda pedestrian accident attorney can help the injured party determine who is responsible for the incident through an independent investigation. An injury lawyer will send investigators to the crash site to examine the location and gather and preserve evidence. A California personal injury law firm with resources will work with expert witnesses, such as engineering and accident reconstruction experts, to establish liability and build a strong case for full compensation. Learn how our legal team at AutoAccident.com can help with your case in this video.

What if the Motorist Does Not Have Auto Insurance?

An injured party has options if the driver responsible for a car versus pedestrian crash does not have liability coverage. If an injured pedestrian has auto insurance and carries uninsured motorist coverage, they may file a UM claim for damages under these circumstances. Conversely, if an injured party does not have car insurance but a family member in their household does and has UM protection, a claim may be brought through that plan. This option is available so long as the policyholder does not exclude the injured party from the plan. For more details, contact an experienced Alameda pedestrian accident lawyer.

What if Damages Exceed the Driver’s Insurance Policy Limits?

When a pedestrian accident claim for damages exceeds the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits, there may be other options for recovery for claimants in these situations. If an injured pedestrian has auto insurance, they may file a claim through their underinsured motorist coverage to seek reimbursement for losses not fully covered by the other side’s insurance policy. In situations where the injured party did not have car insurance but resided in a household where a relative does and carries UIM protection, a claim may be brought under that plan. This option will be based on the facts of the case.

When to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in California

When an individual has been injured or a family has been deprived of a loved one due to a vehicle versus a pedestrian accident, your initial focus may be emotional and financial recovery. However, it is essential to note that California has a deadline for cases involving personal injury or wrongful death. CCP 335.1 establishes a two-year statute of limitations in these cases. These cases must be filed in the appropriate civil court no later than two years from the incident date. Failure to do so may result in the court’s decision to dismiss the matter and the loss of the right to seek compensation.

About Our Law Firm

At AutoAccident.com, our legal team makes every effort to reach a favorable out-of-court settlement for our client. That serves to avoid the uncertainty and stress of a jury trial. However, if the insurer and defense counsel are unwilling to agree to a mutual settlement agreement, it may be appropriate to proceed with litigation and prepare the case for trial in civil court. If your case proceeds into litigation and goes to trial, you will have our California personal injury lawyers fighting for justice and full compensation. We will use our experience, skills, and resources to build the strongest case possible.

Alameda, California Pedestrian Accident FAQ

Why is it essential for an injured pedestrian to seek prompt medical treatment?

The time between a pedestrian accident and the time that treatment is sought for an injury may be under close observation by insurers. Crash-related injuries must be documented in medical records to establish that they resulted from the incident and not from another cause. Failure to seek immediate medical care may allow insurers to dispute reported injuries and claim that they are unrelated to the crash. Conversely, delayed treatment may exacerbate symptoms and lead to a longer recovery period.

What if the driver responsible for the pedestrian accident left the scene?

After a car versus pedestrian crash caused by a hit-and-run driver, gathering as much information and documentation about the incident as possible is essential. If this is unavailable, a claimant must retain legal counsel with the resources to work with private investigators to track down suspect parties. If an independent investigation reveals that the hit-and-run driver has no insurance, your lawyer will handle a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage if available in your case.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Alameda, California

When it comes to experience and knowledge, you will not find a more skilled team of pedestrian accident attorneys serving Alameda County, California, with a proven track record of success. Our commitment to successful verdicts and settlements and helping our clients rebuild their lives after traumatic crashes set us apart from other personal injury law firms in the Bay Area. Learn how our Alameda pedestrian accident lawyers can help and receive free, friendly advice by dialing (510) 631-0200 locally or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.

Picture Credit: By “Uriel Mont” on Pexels ds llo [cs 1218]

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