Were you involved in an accident with a motor vehicle? Were you a pedestrian when it happened? Did you suffer injuries as a result of someone else’s negligent actions? If so, contact OnderLaw, and we will determine whether we can represent you in your personal injury case.

Pedestrians are at higher risk of physical harm than the drivers and passengers in vehicles. Motorists often don’t pay attention to people crossing the street or walking on the side of the road. They’re usually looking out for other cars or trucks, which may prevent them from noticing a pedestrian in their path. When there’s a collision, you, the pedestrian, end up suffering the full force of the impact. Accidents like these are often debilitating and life-threatening to the victim. Even if you survive, you will likely require emergency medical attention and ongoing treatment to heal.

The Long Beach personal injury lawyers of OnderLaw understand the uphill battle you face. We have been representing injured clients since 2002 and have the experience and resources to take on your case, no matter how complicated it may be. Do not hesitate to contact us and learn more about how we can help you hold the negligent driver accountable. Call us now for a free consultation.

Why Choose OnderLaw?

OnderLaw offers dependable representation to every client. We know that no two cases are alike and tailor our services to each person’s particular needs. We will provide you with the personalized one-on-one attention you deserve from start to finish of the legal process. You will not have to go through this traumatic experience alone.

Our Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers have a reputation for dedicating our experience, skills, and resources to accident victims throughout the Golden State. We have received multiple awards from prestigious legal organizations, such as the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Litigator Awards, and Super Lawyers. We also hold an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible distinction only given to the top-rated lawyers in the country.

Personal injury cases can be complex. You should not have to take on the responsibility for pursuing an insurance claim or lawsuit yourself. When you hire us, we will take over and create a strategy to accomplish your goals. We always fight for accident victims to help them get the justice they deserve. You can depend on the Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers of OnderLaw to be your advocates and protect your rights while we’re seeking a favorable outcome in your case.

Pedestrian Laws in California

Right-of-way laws determine how all individuals sharing the road should behave at intersections, crosswalks, and roundabouts.

Below are the rules all motorists must follow when encountering a pedestrian:

  • Stop or reduce speed for a pedestrian crossing at a crosswalk or corner, whether or not painted lines indicate a crosswalk, even if the crosswalk is at the corner with or without traffic signals or in the middle of the block.
  • Never stop in a crosswalk where pedestrians walk.
  • Only drive on sidewalks to exit or enter a driveway or alley. Yield to a pedestrian on the sidewalk.
  • Stop at a crosswalk where another vehicle has stopped and proceed after the pedestrian crosses.
  • Slow down and get ready to stop for a pedestrian already in an intersection or just entering the intersection when there’s a yield or stop sign.
  • Yield to a pedestrian at T intersections where there isn’t a yield or stop sign.
  • Yield to any pedestrians crossing the road in a roundabout.
  • Proceed with caution while turning to check for crossing pedestrians.

Although, as a pedestrian, you might have the right-of-way in specific scenarios, you should never assume a driver will stop or slow down for you. However, if they caused an accident when they were supposed to yield, you could hold them liable for your injury.

Types and Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur in various scenarios for multiple reasons.

Below are the most common types of pedestrian accidents in Long Beach:

  • Right-turn accidents
  • Parking lot accidents
  • Crosswalk accidents
  • Left-turn accidents
  • Hit and run accidents

The most common reasons pedestrian accidents occur include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Reckless driving
  • Backing out of a parking space without looking

If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, you should immediately reach out to OnderLaw to discuss your case. You might be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver. You should not be forced to pay out of pocket for the costs you incurred when another person’s carelessness led to your injuries.

Common Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents

Many injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents are severe. Surgery, rehabilitation, and other forms of treatment are necessary to recover from the debilitating physical damage and emotional trauma experienced. The most common injuries caused by pedestrian accidents are:

  • Concussion or traumatic brain injury
  • Loss of limb
  • Internal bleeding
  • Broken bones
  • Road rash
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Psychological or mental suffering
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Paralysis
  • Organ damage
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Sprained or pulled muscles
  • Torn ligaments
  • Crush injuries

The months or years of recovery you face can be painful and overwhelming. Some accident victims develop a permanent disability and can no longer work or function as they did before the accident. Performing routine tasks can be a challenge, and daily assistance may be required to walk, dress, or drive. The expenses you incurred from the crash could place you in debt if you can’t afford them. However, the negligent driver should compensate you for your losses so you can heal your injuries and move forward with your life.

Proving the Other Party Was Negligent

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, there are some steps you should take to protect your right to compensation and prove that someone else caused your injuries. The first thing you should do is go to the hospital. If you or someone else calls 911, an ambulance can show up at the scene to transport you.

After your initial evaluation, the physician might recommend various forms of treatment. You should follow up with all recommended doctors until you recover. If you wait long before your first visit or don’t attend regularly scheduled appointments, the insurance company could offer a low settlement or deny your claim. Gaps in treatment can be used as evidence to show that the injury isn’t serious or doesn’t exist.

You should also hire a Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyer. Handling your case on your own can result in a negative outcome. Most people don’t know how to negotiate with the insurance company, locate evidence, and overcome obstacles they encounter. Having an experienced legal team on your side could prevent delays in the process or mistakes that cost you thousands of dollars in lost compensation.

Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident Claim

California is a fault state, meaning the person responsible for the accident becomes liable for the victim’s losses. The losses you suffered will depend on the circumstances of the crash but could include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Personal property damage
  • Past and future medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Mental anguish

You could recover your monetary losses by filing an insurance claim. Even though you were a pedestrian when the collision occurred, you could file with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company. The liability coverage listed on their policy will determine the maximum settlement you can seek.

If you want to file a lawsuit, you must adhere to the statute of limitations. It’s a strict timeframe for pursuing legal action in court. California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. That means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date if you want to seek compensation through the courts.

California and Long Beach Accident Statistics

Long Beach has a warm climate with mild temperatures year-round. People are often outside getting exercise, walking to work, or enjoying their days off with friends and family. With steady foot traffic, the likelihood of accidents involving pedestrians increases.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, over 14,000 pedestrians were injured, and 893 died in accidents in 2018. The fatality rate for pedestrians is around 25% higher throughout the state than the national average.

In Long Beach, 73 pedestrians died in vehicle collisions over five years. Most occurred between 6 p.m. and midnight when it’s harder for motorists to see people walking. Although pedestrians contribute to many accidents involving vehicles, drivers can also make errors that lead to debilitating injuries and fatalities.

Let OnderLaw Help You Fight for Justice

At OnderLaw, our Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers will remain in your corner to help you fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve. We can investigate your claim, gather evidence, and develop a strategy to achieve positive results. We’re not afraid to stand up to intimidating insurance companies and defense attorneys. You can depend on us to put our skills and resources to work for you.

If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, contact OnderLaw immediately. We can review the details of your case during a free consultation and determine the available legal options for holding the negligent driver accountable for their wrongdoing. Call us now.