When you are out on a walk in Castro Valley, California, the last thing you expect is to be struck by a motor vehicle. But, as you may imagine, a pedestrian is no match to a car’s size, weight, and momentum. The injuries that a pedestrian may suffer are often extensive and severe due to the lack of physical protection. When a motorist’s attention is diverted from the road for any reason, it is not common for the driver to get into a crash. Many times, the individual on the other side is a pedestrian. Common causes of pedestrian accidents attributed to driver error include speeding, not yielding the right-of-way, distracted driving, not adjusting vehicle speed to the road or traffic conditions, DUI, and more.

You need a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer serving Castro Valley, California, to obtain the justice and maximum financial compensation you deserve. Our experienced legal team at AutoAccident.com is here to provide free, friendly advice on your potential case at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400.

The knowledgeable and compassionate California personal injury attorneys from our law office can explain your rights, go over your options for recovery, and advise you on what to expect from the process moving forward. When you turn to us for assistance, we will advocate for you, seek justice, and stop at nothing to obtain the full compensation you deserve. If you have lost a family member due to a pedestrian crash, our law firm also assists grieving families by bringing wrongful death cases on their behalf. Make our legal team at AutoAccident.com your team. Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about us and how we can assist you with your Castro Valley pedestrian accident case.

In pedestrian accidents, common injuries include lacerations, contusions, tears, and sprains. Aside from soft tissue damage, other injuries may occur. These include internal trauma, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and broken bones. Fractures that are commonly reported in vehicle versus pedestrian crashes include those of the fibula and tibia. Case studies suggest that lower extremity fractures are attributed to the front-end design of the involved vehicle and impact velocity. Spinal cord injuries have the potential to result in incomplete or complete paralysis. Moreover, a loss of life may occur in some extreme cases.

Injuries from a pedestrian accident require immediate treatment for an optimal outcome for the patient. Conversely, prompt medical care and documentation to support accident-related injuries are essential for a claim for damages. Insurance companies may take gaps in treatment or failure to follow orders from treating providers as injuries that are not as serious as the claimant reports them to be. It may also lead to insurers disputing or denying claims based on these circumstances. To avoid such issues, it is recommended that injured pedestrians seek treatment as soon as possible.

Negligent and careless motorists threaten the safety of others on the roadway, including individuals on foot. When pedestrians are injured in a crash through no fault of their own, they may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries and losses. Eligible claimants may seek recovery of the following losses in a personal injury case:

• Costs of past and future medical treatment, including prescription medications, rehabilitation, surgical intervention, and primary care visits, that are deemed reasonable and necessary.
• Lost earnings from missing work due to the collision and recovery from injuries.
• Diminished earning potential if crash-related injuries lead to permanent disability.
• Pain and suffering experienced due to the pedestrian accident and the injuries that resulted from the incident.
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring caused by injuries sustained by a pedestrian in a traffic collision.

Determining the financial impact of injuries and losses from a crash may be challenging, but our skilled Castro Valley pedestrian accident lawyers can help. When you contact us for a free consultation, we will review your case and advise you on what you may expect from the legal process. This way, you can make well-informed choices to protect your future. Learn more about us in the video below.

In most cases, when a pedestrian is fatally struck by a motor vehicle, the motorist that crashed into the individual on foot may be deemed at fault for the incident. This is particularly true when the pedestrian is hit on the sidewalk or while in a marked crosswalk. Eligible surviving family members that meet the criteria in CCP 377.60 may be entitled to reimbursement of the following:

• Costs associated with final resting arrangements.
• End-of-life medical care (recovered through a survival action).
• Loss of the decedent’s care, companionship, and support they provided to surviving family members.
• The mental anguish survivors suffered due to the unexpected loss of a loved one in a Castro Valley pedestrian accident.
• Loss of the deceased individual’s financial contributions to the family household, including wages, employment benefits, and more.

In California, any family deprived of a loved one in a car versus pedestrian crash because of a negligent driver or entity has two years from the date of loss to file a case. If it is not filed in civil court within the two-year statute of limitations, as outlined in CCP 335.1, the court may dismiss the claim.

How can an attorney help with a hit-and-run pedestrian crash case?

As an injured pedestrian or surviving family member, you want to work with an attorney with experience handling cases like yours. A skilled lawyer can investigate what occurred, collect evidence, work with a private investigator to track down the fleeing motorist, and negotiate with your insurer if you carry uninsured motorist coverage. If you do not have UM protection but a relative in your household does, your attorney will review the contractual language of the policy and bring a claim forward.

Is it expensive to hire a lawyer for a pedestrian collision claim?

Most California pedestrian accident lawyers, like ours at AutoAccident.com, operate on contingency. Under a contingent fee agreement, a client only pays attorney’s fees if a successful case result is obtained on their behalf. We operate this way to ensure injured pedestrians and surviving family members have access to legal representation without worrying about the costs of hiring an attorney. Our law office works hard to secure favorable resolutions for those we represent.

When you work with a California pedestrian accident attorney serving Castro Valley, like ours at AutoAccident.com, you will have someone who understands the pain and devastation you experienced from the incident. Our compassionate and experienced lawyers have the knowledge and resources to build a strong case for maximum compensation on your behalf. Our work and commitment to client success are reflected in our history of verdicts and settlements. Get started today and call us for free, friendly advice on your case at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400.

Photo Credit: By “Sora Shimazaki” via Pexels

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