Riverbank is the type of town where walking is popular for exercise and to go to work or run errands. However, a pedestrian accident can happen at any time and any place, and those that involve people on foot can cause the most severe trauma. When this happens, you need the help of a Riverbank pedestrian accident lawyer to help you get fair compensation to cover the cost of your medical care and lost wages and to reimburse you for your pain and suffering.

The injury lawyers and staff at AutoAccident.com understand that you’ve been through a traumatic experience. Our job is to try to relieve some of the burdens you face so you can recover from your injury with the peace of knowing that your claim is in good hands. We will keep you informed of the progress of your case every step of the way because you need to know that we have your best interests always in mind.

Knowing the most common causes of a pedestrian accident can keep the walker safer and alert motorists to the dangers. According to the National Safety Council, in 2019, almost 8,000 pedestrian fatalities occurred, along with countless injuries. Some factors can cause pedestrian injuries, including:

• Speeding is a major cause of injury to a pedestrian. Speeding drivers need a longer distance to stop their vehicles and may lose control, which can cause them to strike people on foot.
• Drivers distracted by texting, talking on the phone, speaking to passengers, and performing other activities rather than concentrating on the road can cause a pedestrian accident.
• Fatigued drivers often appear afternoons when the sun is bright and after dark. Because the driver is sleepy, he/she is less aware of surrounding traffic and not on the lookout for a pedestrian who may cross in front of them.
• When a driver has been drinking, his/her ability to react quickly and reliably in an emergency is impaired.
• Before backing out of a driveway, alley, or parking spot, some drivers fail to check if there are any pedestrians behind them.
• Motorists who run a stop sign or red light at an intersection crosswalk often cause pedestrian injury accidents.
• Tailgaters cannot stop in time to avoid striking a vehicle waiting at an intersection. By hitting the car in front of them, that vehicle can be pushed into the crosswalk, harming a pedestrian.
• Pedestrian accidents can be caused by a government’s negligence when it fails to maintain traffic signals, crosswalks, and intersection corners exhibit overgrown trees and shrubbery. The government may be held responsible for pedestrian injury accidents in these cases.

Because pedestrians are vulnerable to injuries if they are involved in an accident, the following measures can help them stay safe:

• Always use the sidewalk whenever possible. If you can’t, stay along the curb and face traffic. Stay off highways and other restricted areas because they increase the danger.
• Being alert to your surroundings is an important safety measure.
• Never cross in the middle of the street because drivers don’t expect to see you there. Always use a corner to cross. One with a crosswalk and signals is much safer, even if you must walk an extra block to reach it.
• Wear clothing that makes you more visible – bright colors during the day and light-colored clothes at night. After dark, using reflective strips on clothing and carrying a flashlight is a good idea.
• Use care even at designated intersections. Check carefully that traffic has stopped before you step off the curb.
• Don’t text or talk on a phone while walking. Distracted behavior can lead to an accident.
• Alcohol, drugs, and walking in public are a terrible combination. Being under the influence is dangerous both for pedestrians and drivers.
• Be careful of drivers backing out of parking spaces and driveways. Because the driver’s view is limited, they may not realize you are walking behind them.

If a pedestrian is injured by a motorist or others, such as a business or government entity that is supposed to maintain a crosswalk or park, the following compensation may be available with the help of a Riverbank pedestrian accident attorney:

• Accident injuries may result in the recovery of all medical expenses associated with the trauma. Recovery of compensation includes the ambulance fee, surgeries, hospitalization, medical tests and rehabilitation. Modifications such as ramps and caregivers may be needed as part of home health care. If medical care in the future is necessary, that will be factored into the settlement.
• Wages lost due to the inability to work can be claimed, as well as any bonuses, tips, pension, insurance benefits, etc. If the injured person cannot do their previous job and has to take one that pays less, the difference is calculated into the settlement. When they become permanently disabled and can no longer work, the salary and other benefits until retirement age are included.
• Disfigurement or scarring and the cost of prosthetic devices or reconstructive surgery are compensated.
• Compensation can be sought for not only physical trauma but for emotional or psychological damage caused by the pedestrian accident. In some cases, the person who was injured suffers insomnia, nightmares, anxiety, and even relives the accident. It isn’t unusual for them to seek help to treat their post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Damage to the marital relationship can be claimed for the loss of consortium, affection, and society.

In the video that follows, attorney Ed Smith talks about what to look for in an injury lawyer:

Most pedestrian accident injuries are settled through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, because insurance companies are in business to make money, they often offer a low-ball figure to settle the case, hoping the injured party will accept it. In some cases, the insurance company may blame the accident on the pedestrian, at least partially, to try and lower the settlement. In others, the insurer may deny the claim altogether.

Since 1982, our injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com have handled many such cases successfully. We know the tactics used by insurance companies and how to counter them so our clients obtain the compensation they deserve.

Related articles:

• How Vehicle Speed Affects Pedestrian Injuries
• Safety Concerns for Older Pedestrians

Call us at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for our free and friendly advice about the possibility of filing a claim to recover compensation. We can also be reached online. We can set up a free, no-obligation consultation in person or virtually to review your case, tell you about options to recover compensation, and answer your questions. Remember, at AutoAccident.com, we treat you like family, and you only pay us when you win your case.

^{Editor’s Note: updated 11.16.23 Photo attribution: Brian Merrill from Pixabay cd llo [1157]}