Lodi Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

pedestrians

When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the pedestrian is usually left severely injured or even fatally injured. This is mainly due to the pedestrian having no protection or shield when hit. Their bodies absorb the full force of impact, often traumatic injuries or loss of life. For example, a pedestrian was killed on I-5 in Lodi after being hit by four vehicles. The tragic collision occurred northbound on Interstate 5 just south of Highway 12. In seconds, the pedestrian was hit by a Hyundai, a Chevrolet, a Chrysler, and a Mazda.

Unfortunately, thousands of pedestrians in Lodi and throughout California are hit by vehicles and suffer serious injuries or death. Over 4,700 pedestrians were killed, and over 150,000 were injured in collisions with automobiles in 2013 alone.

What To Do After Being Hit by a Vehicle

If you have been hit by a vehicle, there are some essential steps you can take to enhance the viability of your personal injury claim against the reckless driver. First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention and contact the authorities. Police need to be called so an accident report can be drafted. This can prove to be invaluable evidence during the litigation process. Seeking medical care immediately is essential for your overall health and when pursuing monetary damages through a personal injury claim. If there are "gaps" in your medical treatment, many insurance companies view that as a red flag and attempt to reduce or deny your claim by arguing that you could not have been hurt that bad if you waited to go see a doctor or delayed filing a claim or personal injury lawsuit. If there is no record of your seeking medical care, the insurance company may very well deny your claim.

Gather Information

If you can, get the reckless driver's full name, phone number, car insurance information, vehicle model, and driver's license number. This will come in handy when filing your personal injury claim since a demand letter must be sent to the driver's auto insurance company.

In addition to getting the driver's contact information, be sure to get the contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident. These witnesses can be interviewed by your Lodi personal injury lawyer and could testify if your case winds up going to trial.

Save All Documents

Make sure to retain all documents associated with your accident. This includes medical invoices, pay stubs, the amount you had to pay for your health insurance deductible, etc. You should also keep a journal or notebook detailing how the injury adversely affects your life. This could be entries discussing that you wake up each night with pounding headaches or backaches or that you missed your child's birthday party because of a physical therapy appointment. This information will be critical evidence in establishing your harms and losses.

The following YouTube video from AAA provides some safety tips on how to stay safe as a pedestrian.

Time Limit to File a Claim

Do not delay in contacting a Lodi pedestrian accident attorney after the collision. Waiting to hire an attorney only helps the driver who hit you because the period shortly after the accident is when vital evidence needs to be preserved. This would include the condition of the road at the accident scene (e.g., skid marks because the driver was speeding), photographs of your injuries, and so forth. Waiting to take action can also jeopardize your personal injury claim since California adheres to a two-year statute of limitations for all personal injury claims.

Lodi Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or someone close to you has been hurt or even killed in a pedestrian accident in or around Lodi, please call us today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly, confidential advice. We can also be reached online at AutoAccident.com.

We have served the Lodi and Northern California community since 1982 as a personal injury lawyer, helping injured parties recover from their losses. 

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

See our client reviews on AvvoGoogle, and Yelp and our past cases on our Verdicts and Settlements page.

Editor's Note: updated [cha 7.25.23] sid rey [cs 744] Photo by Pixabay

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.
★★★★★
"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly
★★★★★
"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.
★★★★★
"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.
★★★★★
"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.
★★★★★
"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.