Winters Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Winters is a small, quaint town in Yolo County with the capability of drawing a huge crowd. It features a historic downtown with elegant shops and restaurants, a rich array of agriculture, and adventurous outdoor recreation. With a combination of old country charm and fresh farm-to-fork culture, Winters is the perfect place to take a stroll.

Most people enjoy walking outdoors for exercise or just to get from point A to point B. However, there's always a risk of getting into a pedestrian accident, no matter how careful we are. A collision with a vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries for the pedestrian due to a lack of protection. Some of the more severe injuries sustained may include brain injuries, bone fractures, and spinal cord injuries. Regaining motor skills after suffering a pedestrian injury can result in high medical bills and prolonged recovery periods.

Pedestrians and motorists must exercise due care on and off the road. However, when a pedestrian accident happens due to driver error, the motorist may be held liable for the incident. Some common causes of driver error in a pedestrian collision include:

• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Failure to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk
• Failure to watch for pedestrians
• Fatigued driving
• Passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian
• Poor weather conditions
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Speeding

Pedestrian accidents may sometimes be the result of the walker's behavior. Like motorists, pedestrians also have a duty of care while out walking to prevent traffic accidents. Some safety tips for pedestrians include:

• Don't wear earbuds to listen to music or talk on the phone.
• Wear reflective or bright-colored clothes at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• When a sidewalk is not available, walk facing traffic and as far from the road as possible.
• Make eye contact with the motorist before crossing.
• Make sure you are not hidden by a parked car or bushes.
• When walking at night, carry a flashlight.
• Do not walk while impaired.
• Watch out for vehicles backing up or turning as some drivers may not be paying attention.
• Stand far away from the curb when waiting for a bus.

As with any pedestrian injury claim, determining who is at fault for the accident is crucial. This is usually done by gathering evidence at the accident scene. An experienced injury attorney knows that motorists often try to put the blame on the pedestrian. Since California is a comparative fault state, partial blame on the walker can significantly reduce compensation. Because there may be other factors that can cause the accident, such as road defects, consulting with an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer in Winters is important. An injury attorney can evaluate your case and fight on your behalf to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.

If you have been hit by a negligent driver while walking, you are entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. You may be able to recover for the following:

• Disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Wage loss
• Wrongful death

When it comes to filing a personal injury claim for your pedestrian accident case, time is of the essence. The injured victim only has two years from the accident date to file the claim. However, the deadline is reduced to 180 days or six months after the accident date if government negligence is involved. If you file after the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case.

Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about the Statute of Limitations and why you must file a personal injury lawsuit before it runs out.

The road is full of uncertainty, no matter how careful a pedestrian is. If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one in wrongful death involving a pedestrian accident, be sure to reach out to an experienced injury lawyer. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner the legal team can start building your case. This way, your lawyer can protect your right to fair compensation.

I’m Ed Smith, a Winters pedestrian accident lawyer. Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries or death. If you or a family member has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident caused by a careless driver in or near the Winters area, please call our experienced injury lawyers at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.

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

See our past verdicts and settlements and our reviews on Avvo, Yelp, Google.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

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