The town of Discovery Bay provides a scenic view that is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Those on foot with friends and family may enjoy areas such as Cornell Park and Ravenswood Park. While Discovery Bay is a thriving tight-knit community in Contra Costa County, there are some tragic situations that may occur on the road. What is unfortunate is that too many drivers often ignore the right of way of pedestrians and cause catastrophic accidents. As a person on foot who was struck by a vehicle, it may be challenging to know the best way to proceed in your situation. Fortunately, there is help available, and it is only a phone call away. Do not delay discussing your case with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Discovery Bay to learn about your rights and options for recovery today.

Did you or a loved one get hit by a car while walking in Discovery Bay? Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers can help. Call our law firm today to set up a meeting with one of our skilled injury attorneys and receive free, friendly advice on your case at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400.

At AutoAccident.com, our legal team understands how devastating and painful a car vs. pedestrian accident may be for injured parties and their families. You may find yourself in a stressful position while recovering from your injuries, mounting medical expenses, and being temporarily or permanently unable to work. A personal injury lawyer from our law firm can handle all aspects of your case to allow you the time you need to focus on your emotional and physical recovery. Remember that insurance companies may often attempt to take advantage of injured parties with settlement offers that are far below what they deserve. Our accident attorneys will not let that happen. With over three decades of experience, we have recovered full and fair compensation on behalf of our clients. Get started today with a free consultation to discuss the details of your pedestrian injury case.

A pedestrian accident is all too common in the United States, and California is no exception. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), approximately 893 pedestrians were killed in 2018, an overall increase of 26 percent from 2014. In 2018, over 14,000 people were injured in accidents as pedestrians. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than occupants of motor vehicles to suffer fatal injuries in a traffic collision. With this information in mind, it is without a doubt that accidents involving pedestrians are likely to result in some of the most catastrophic injuries on the spectrum.

A case study has suggested that distinct impacts occur in pedestrian accidents involving the adult population. Given that an adult pedestrian’s center of gravity is above the front bumper of a car, that part of the vehicle often collides with the lower region of the leg. From there, the head and upper body may come into contact with the windshield or hood of the car. At relatively low speeds, a person on foot may remain on the hood, and at greater speeds, they may be thrown fully over the car. This may result in an impact with the asphalt and other objects on the road as the pedestrian comes to rest after bouncing, rolling, or sliding.

The severity of pedestrian injuries will depend on various factors, including the design of the vehicle involved in the incident, the part of the car that the pedestrian makes contact with first, the region of the body that is initially struck by the vehicle, the pedestrian’s center of gravity, the angle of impact, and the speed of the car. The most common injuries from car vs. pedestrian accidents include those involving the pelvis, legs, and head, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), ligament injuries to the knee, and tibial plateau fractures. In the pediatric population, the most common types of injuries were found to include TBIs and musculoskeletal injuries, followed by trauma to the abdomen and chest.

Just like any other party injured in a traffic collision, a pedestrian struck by a negligent driver may seek financial compensation for their traumatic injuries and losses. To bring a successful personal injury claim forward, clear and compelling evidence must demonstrate how the injuries occurred because of the other side’s negligence and how they have impacted your life. From there, a monetary value is assigned to each economic and non-economic damage. Losses that may be recoverable in such cases may include but are not limited to medical expenses, wage loss, diminished quality of life, scarring and disfigurement, reduced future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Working with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Discovery Bay may help maximize your financial recovery and prevent the other side from taking advantage of you in your vulnerable situation.

Even if the at-fault party cannot be located after a hit-and-run accident, there is a possibility that compensation may be sought through your insurance policy if you carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. In a hit-and-run pedestrian accident case, the uninsured motorist coverage will pay for damages up to the limits of the plan. When the other side has been tracked down but does not have liability coverage, UM coverage may still apply. Conversely, if the hit-and-run driver is found but has insufficient bodily injury liability coverage, UIM protection may help supplement any losses not fully covered. What is particularly useful about UM and UIM coverage is that it may extend protection to other members of a household so long as the policyholder has not excluded them from the plan. Contact an experienced Discovery Bay pedestrian accident lawyer for more details.

The state of California follows a system of comparative fault. This means that even if the pedestrian’s actions were found to be a contributing factor to the incident, they may still be eligible for compensation. The award would be decreased by the percentage of negligence that is assigned to the pedestrian. For instance, if the pedestrian was awarded $50,000 and was found 20 percent at fault for the crash, they may be eligible to receive $40,000 based on that fact. Keep in mind that insurance companies and defense counsel often utilize comparative fault as a way of paying as little as possible on the case. A skilled Discovery Bay pedestrian accident attorney can help by conducting an independent investigation of the collision, working with expert witnesses to determine fault, and proving liability in civil court.

As with any motor vehicle crash, it is essential to act quickly when involved in one as a pedestrian. The steps that should be taken after a pedestrian accident include:

• Seek Immediate Medical Treatment: Even if you believe that your injuries are minor, it is crucial to get checked out by a physician in the emergency room or in-office right away. Any delay in medical care from the date of the incident may prompt the insurance adjuster to question the claim and reported injuries. Getting treated immediately will help create a medical record of the incident and demonstrate that the injuries are related to the crash.
• Collect Evidence: Take pictures or videos of the vehicle involved in the pedestrian accident, if possible. Try to get the contact information of any eyewitnesses and ask for a traffic incident report to be taken at the crash site if law enforcement is called. All this evidence in an injury case may help establish that the motorist was responsible for the collision.
• Do Not Talk to the Insurer: Remember that the insurance company is not your friend when bringing a claim for a pedestrian accident. The unfortunate reality is that insurers want to avoid financial liability for damages and will use anything you say in a recorded statement against you. When reporting the incident to the insurance carrier, do not agree to a recorded statement and do not sign any documents. Refer the claims adjuster to your injury lawyer if you have one.
• Reach Out to a Lawyer: An experienced accident attorney will handle all aspects of your civil case for you. This way, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while your lawyer will work to ensure that you are not taken advantage of. You can depend on your Discovery Bay pedestrian injury lawyer to keep you informed of your claim’s status and build a strong case for fair compensation on your behalf.

Finding a top attorney in your area to represent you in a pedestrian accident case may be challenging. The video below provides suggestions and tips on what qualities to look for in a personal injury lawyer.

After being involved in a motor vehicle collision as a pedestrian, injuries are not your only concern. You also need to seek compensation from the at-fault party for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related losses. The claims process may present unique challenges that may be difficult to overcome, particularly when dealing with serious injuries. Fortunately, the attorneys at AutoAccident.com are here to help you and your family. When you turn to us for assistance, we will handle your case from start to finish and seek the fair compensation you deserve. To schedule a meeting for free, friendly case advice with a member of our team, call (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400.

Photograph Source: By “Samson Katt” on Pexels

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