Fort Bragg Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The town of Fort Bragg, California, offers residents and tourists many wonderful outdoor activities. From hiking the many scenic coastal trails to a downtown walking tour of the historic business district, Fort Bragg offers something for everyone. While walking is one of the best ways to see what the town offers, it can also be risky near motor vehicles.

When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the pedestrian is usually left with catastrophic and life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a pedestrian accident in the Fort Bragg area, call our experienced Fort Bragg pedestrian accident lawyers at (707) 564-1900 for a free consultation.

Pedestrian accidents can happen in several ways. Some common reasons include:

• Failure to yield: Motorists who fail to yield at intersections or crosswalks can cause a catastrophic accident for pedestrians.
• Distraction: Motorists are often distracted as they text or talk on their cell phones.
• Drunk driving: Drunk drivers lack the ability to control their vehicles. This is a major contributing factor to pedestrian accidents.
• Speeding: Drivers who speed can't stop their vehicle in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
• Limited visibility: Overgrown foliage or limbs can make it difficult to see a pedestrian entering a crosswalk.

It's important to know what to do immediately after a pedestrian accident to protect yourself and your legal rights.

• Seek Medical Care - If you were hit by a vehicle while walking, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention. If you are physically able, call 911 and request medical assistance. You need to see a doctor, even if you think your injuries are minor.
• File a Police Report - You must file a police report as soon as possible. This is the time to explain the events that led up to the accident.
• Get Contact Information of Driver and Witnesses - Get contact information including car insurance, driver’s license, phone number, vehicle model, and license plate of the person who hit you. It's also important to get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
• Keep Good Notes - Keep track of everything that occurred after the accident. This includes your doctor visits, opportunities you missed due to your injuries, lost wages due to time off work for rehabilitation, and other issues related to your accident.
• Contact an Experienced Injury Lawyer - Consult with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. Most injury lawyers offer free and confidential consultations. The attorney will review your case, and if it makes sense to move forward, you can retain them on a contingency fee basis. That means you don't pay any upfront fees unless they successfully win your case.

Hiring a Fort Bragg pedestrian accident lawyer means you will have the expertise of someone who will help you navigate through the complex injury claims process so you can focus on your recovery.

Insurance adjusters usually contact the accident victim right away to offer a low-ball settlement before you have a chance to consult with a personal injury lawyer. They want to get a recorded statement to use against you later if a claim is filed. Always remember, an insurance adjuster is not your friend, and they are not on your side.

In some pedestrian accidents, the driver may argue that the pedestrian was at fault.  If liability is unclear, the insurance company for the driver will likely deny your claim. You will need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help investigate the likelihood of who was really responsible for the accident. Even if you were partially at fault, you could still file a personal injury claim since California is a comparative fault state.

In California, there is a statute of limitations governing the amount of time you can file a lawsuit against the driver that hit you. You have two years to file a personal injury claim seeking recovery of damages from your pedestrian accident. However, the statute of limitations is only six months if it involves a city or state vehicle.

Watch YouTube Video: AAA Pedestrian Safety. The PSA below by AAA provides some basic tips on pedestrian safety.

Pedestrian accidents often involve catastrophic injuries that result in huge medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. That's why you need an experienced Fort Bragg pedestrian accident lawyer on your side. If you or a family member has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent motorist, please call our experienced Fort Bragg pedestrian attorneys today at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly, and compassionate advice. You can also reach us online at AutoAccident.com.

We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

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Photo by Chris Hardy on Unsplash

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