Pedestrian Accident Attorney Whittier

With more people walking to work, school or just for leisure, L.A. County has witnessed pedestrian and car accidents on the rise. It is a growing problem, especially in busy metro areas like Whittier. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Whittier, California, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Pedestrian crashes can have devastating consequences, such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or fractures. You need a skilled and experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Whittier to fight for your rights and help you recover the damages you deserve.

At Greenleaf Law Group, we represent motor vehicle accident victims in Whittier who may or may not have the resources to defend themselves. We know how to investigate the causes of pedestrian accidents, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and litigate in court if necessary. Our personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success, having recovered millions of dollars for our clients. 

Why Should I Hire a Whittier Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

After suffering a serious injury, your first priority should be recovery. Your second priority should be hiring a lawyer to investigate your case and help you recover compensation. Some of the benefits of hiring a Whittier pedestrian accident lawyer include:

• Expertise in pedestrian accident laws: An attorney possesses a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations governing pedestrian safety. 
• Investigative skills: They can gather the necessary evidence to support your claims, such as witness testimony, medical records, and police reports. 
• Determine liability: An attorney understands the elements of negligence and will help you determine fault so you get the most out of your claim.
• Effective negotiation tactics: Personal injury attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies and their adjusters, who may try to minimize or deny your claim.
• Representation in court:  If a settlement cannot be reached out of court, pedestrian accident attorneys can represent you in a trial and present your case to a judge or jury. 

We understand that every pedestrian accident case is unique and requires personalized attention. That's why our law firm offers a free consultation to evaluate your situation and advise you on the best course of action. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay us anything unless we win your case. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Whittier, CA

Unfortunately, Los Angeles is not known for being a pedestrian-friendly city. While efforts have been made to improve pedestrian safety on city streets, accidents still happen. Many times, it is the motorist who causes an accident due to their negligence. At Greenleaf Law Group, we have represented clients who have been injured in the following types of pedestrian accidents: 

Failure to yield at a crosswalk

Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at crosswalks. Drivers who do not respect the traffic laws and signals may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who have the green light, the walk signal, or the crosswalk. 

Failure to signal before turning

Under California law, motorists must signal at least 100 feet before they turn or change lanes. Drivers who do not signal their intentions to turn may surprise pedestrians who are crossing the street or walking on the sidewalk.

Impaired driving

When drivers are impaired by alcohol or drugs, they have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination. A drunk driving car accident is a serious incident, but a drunk driving pedestrian accident can have far more catastrophic results. 

Distracted driving

Distracted driving has become a dangerous epidemic in the U.S., and Los Angeles is no exception. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using GPS devices may not pay attention to the road and hit a pedestrian. 

Speeding and reckless driving

Drivers who are driving faster than the speed limit or the road conditions may not be able to stop or yield to pedestrians in time. According to the CDC, higher vehicle speeds increase the likelihood of a pedestrian being hit by a car and the severity of the injury. Since drivers tend to speed on open roads, many accidents occur away from intersections. 

Poor visibility

Drivers may not see pedestrians in low-light conditions, such as at night, during bad weather, or in poorly lit areas. It’s important for pedestrians to increase their visibility while walking or jogging at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing reflective or bright clothing. 

Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians are also a growing concern across Southern California. These types of personal injury accidents are especially devastating. Drivers who hit pedestrians and flee the scene may cause serious injuries or death to the victims and avoid responsibility for their actions. Pedestrians must be extremely vigilant and avoid jaywalking or crossing outside of a crosswalk. 

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Car accidents involving pedestrians can be some of the most devastating types of motor vehicle incidents due to the vulnerability of pedestrians. When a pedestrian is struck by a car, truck, or other motor vehicle, there is nothing to protect them from the impact and the resulting injuries. Pedestrians often sustain severe injuries including: 

• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries
• Leg and knee injuries
• Dental and eye injuries
• Amputation
• Wrongful death

How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?

If you have been injured in a pedestrian-car accident, you may be wondering how much compensation you can expect from the at-fault driver's insurance company. The answer depends on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact of your injuries on your life and work, and the clarity of liability for the accident. You may be eligible to claim the following damages in a pedestrian accident case:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

Our Whittier pedestrian accident lawyer can break down each type of damage that is available to you. Car accident victims only have two years to file a claim under California’s statute of limitations. If your accident is older than two years, you will likely not be able to pursue compensation. Contact our law firm as soon as possible so you do not miss the deadline.

Proving Liability in a Pedestrian Case

In order for a case to be successful, you need to prove that the driver was liable for the accident. This means that you need to show: 

1. Duty of care

All drivers owe a duty of care to pedestrians. This is usually easy to establish, as drivers have a legal obligation to drive safely and follow the traffic laws.

2. Breach of duty of care

This means that the driver acted negligently or recklessly and failed to exercise reasonable caution. For example, the driver may have been speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or ran a red light.

3. Causation

The driver's breach caused injury to the pedestrian. This means that there is a causal link between the driver's negligence and the pedestrian's injuries. For example, the pedestrian may have suffered a broken leg or a head injury as a direct result of being hit by the driver.

4. Damages

To prove liability, you may need to collect and present evidence of how the accident happened and how it affected you. Some types of evidence that may be helpful include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, police report, and medical bills. 

Proving liability in a car accident case can be challenging and complex, especially if the driver denies fault or tries to blame you for the accident. That's why you need a skilled and experienced Whittier pedestrian accident lawyer to represent you and protect your rights.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way in California

Just like motorists, pedestrians also have a responsibility to keep themselves safe. Pedestrians have a duty to exercise reasonable care for their own safety and not create an immediate hazard for drivers. Some important pedestrian and crosswalk laws in California include:

• Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. If there is no crosswalk or intersection, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the road and only cross when it is safe to do so. 
• Jaywalking is legal, as long as it’s safe to do so and there is no oncoming traffic. Pedestrians can still receive a citation if they cross when they are at risk.
• Pedestrians may not use bicycle lanes. 
• Pedestrians must obey crossing light signals. 
• Pedestrians must walk on the sidewalk if one is available, or on the left side of the road facing traffic if there is no sidewalk.

Dangerous Intersections and Roads in Whittier and L.A. County

Los Angeles is a city with heavy traffic and many pedestrians, which can create a hazardous environment for those who walk on the streets. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, California had the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the country in 2018, with a total of 893 deaths. 

• San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605)
• Whittier Blvd. (SR-72)
• Hollywood Blvd. and North Highland Ave.
• Avalon Blvd. and Imperial Hwy. 
• S. Vermont Ave. and W. Florence Ave.
• San Pedro St. and Washington Blvd.
• Oxnard St. and Van Nuys Blvd. 

Consult An Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Whittier, CA

If you are injured by a negligent driver who failed to yield to you, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Our Whittier personal injury attorneys are ready to fight the insurance company to help you get back on your feet. Do not let them intimidate you. We will be on your side the entire time to ensure you are treated fairly. 

Contact us today at (562) 550-7676 or send us a message online to schedule your free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Whittier. We are ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.