Pedestrian accidents can result in serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries. Whether you’re walking on a sidewalk, crossing the street, or simply trying to get from one place to another, the last thing you expect is to be struck by a vehicle. However, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in large cities like Los Angeles, where heavy traffic and a high population density can create dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and a long recovery process. In such a challenging time, a skilled personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can be an invaluable resource. In this blog post, we will discuss how personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles, such as The Krolikowski Law Firm, can help you navigate the complex legal process following a pedestrian accident and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for its bustling streets and busy intersections. As a result, pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality for many individuals. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities account for a significant portion of traffic-related deaths in the state. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, or other forms of negligence, pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences for victims.
In California, pedestrians have the right of way in many situations, but proving fault in an accident can still be a complex legal process. Insurance companies and negligent drivers may attempt to shift blame onto the pedestrian, making it crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to protect your rights.
How Personal Injury Attorneys in Los Angeles Can Help
- Investigating the Accident and Establishing Liability
One of the first things a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles will do after a pedestrian accident is conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and establish liability. The at-fault party in a pedestrian accident is often a driver who was speeding, running a red light, distracted by their phone, or failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Your attorney will gather all the relevant evidence to support your claim, including:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance footage (if available)
- Accident scene photos
- Medical records
The goal is to identify who or what caused the accident and hold them accountable for your injuries. In some cases, liability may also extend to third parties, such as the city or government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions or poorly maintained pedestrian crossings.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize the compensation they pay to injured parties, especially when it comes to pedestrian accidents. After all, they want to protect their financial interests. A personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can help level the playing field by negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Whether dealing with the driver’s insurance company or your own, your attorney will ensure that your interests are represented and that you’re not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement. Insurance companies may try to argue that you were partially at fault for the accident, especially if you were crossing the street at a location that wasn’t a designated crosswalk or if you weren’t paying attention to traffic signals. An experienced attorney can counter these claims and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
- Assessing the Full Extent of Your Damages
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and even permanent disability. A personal injury attorney will work with medical experts to evaluate the full extent of your injuries and project future medical needs. This is essential in ensuring that your compensation covers not only your current medical bills but also any future treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care that you may need.
Additionally, your attorney will take into account non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are often difficult to quantify but are an important part of your claim. A skilled attorney will use their experience and knowledge to ensure that your case accounts for both your economic and non-economic losses.
- Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Most personal injury cases, including pedestrian accident claims, are settled outside of court. Personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement that covers all of your damages. While the insurance company may initially offer a low settlement, your attorney will fight for a higher amount that fully compensates you for your injuries.
If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial. Having an attorney who is prepared to litigate can often encourage the insurance company to make a more reasonable offer, as they know that a trial could result in a larger payout.
- Providing Emotional and Legal Support Throughout the Process
Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic experience. As you recover physically, the legal process can seem overwhelming. A personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can provide both legal and emotional support during this difficult time. They will handle all the legal complexities of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. Additionally, an attorney can keep you informed about the progress of your case and offer advice on potential courses of action.
Why Choose The Krolikowski Law Firm?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, The Krolikowski Law Firm can help. With years of experience representing victims of pedestrian accidents, the team at The Krolikowski Law Firm is dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve. They understand the unique challenges faced by pedestrians involved in accidents and have a proven track record of success.
Attorney Krolikowski and his team will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, The Krolikowski Law Firm is here to support you every step of the way.
For more information on pedestrian safety and pedestrian accident laws, check out these helpful resources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Pedestrian Safety and California Pedestrian Safety Guidelines.
Take Action Now
Pedestrian accidents can be life-changing, but with the right legal representation, you can ensure that your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, personal injury attorneys like those at The Krolikowski Law Firm are here to help. They will fight for your rights, ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, and support you throughout the legal process. Contact The Krolikowski Law Firm today for a consultation.