Were you injured in a pedestrian accident in San Diego, CA? Our distinguished San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers are happy to step in and help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today at (858) 551-2090 or visit our law firm.
We have 80 years of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients over the years. Let us use our vast experience and resources for you.
Why Choose Pines Salomon After a Pedestrian Accident in San Diego?
Having the right legal team can make all the difference when dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident in San Diego, California, as these accidents often involve complex liability issues. Our San Diego car accident lawyers have been a pillar of support for clients throughout southern California for many years.
Beyond our extensive experience and substantial case results, we have been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys.
From your initial consultation through the resolution of your case, we will provide you with compassionate, unwavering legal support.
Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation.
What Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
Determining the value of your pedestrian accident case can be challenging, as multiple factors come into play. These include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The impact on your earning capacity
- Whether you are partly at fault for the accident
- Insurance policy limits
- Whether your case settles or goes to trial
Understanding the nuances of your personal injury case is essential. With experienced guidance, you can better navigate the path to a fair and comprehensive settlement that will aid in your recovery.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
When filing a claim, accident victims can pursue two main types of damages:
Economic Damages
These encompass tangible losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. They are calculated based on actual economic losses suffered due to the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
These cover intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life. Calculating these damages can be more complex as they do not have a direct financial equivalent.
In rare cases, victims are able to recover punitive damages as well. These are awarded to punish malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent conduct and deter the defendant from similar behavior in the future.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Many accident victims worry about the financial burden of hiring a lawyer. However, our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay any upfront legal fees. We only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation for you. This fee structure ensures access to top-tier legal representation without additional financial stress.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Pedestrian Accident in California?
California follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and granted $100,000 in damages, you would receive $80,000. Having experienced legal representation from a San Diego pedestrian accident attorney is crucial to minimize your degree of fault and safeguard your right to compensation.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Here is a list of some common injuries that result from pedestrian accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury can occur when a pedestrian’s head strikes the pavement or a vehicle during an accident. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially resulting in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life and independence. The high cost of medical and supportive care required for spinal injuries can be overwhelming for victims and their families.
Broken Bones
Pedestrians involved in motor vehicle accidents frequently suffer from fractures and broken bones. While some fractures heal with time and treatment, others may require surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation, impacting a victim’s daily life and ability to earn a living.
Lacerations and Abrasions
Although they may seem minor compared to other injuries, severe cuts and abrasions can lead to significant pain, scarring, and potential infections. These injuries might require surgical intervention and prolonged medical treatment, resulting in financial burdens.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious and potentially fatal consequences. Prompt and thorough medical evaluation and treatment are crucial.
We will evaluate your case to understand the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. This approach will allow you to fight for the maximum compensation available.
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego?
While San Diego’s vibrant streets and beautiful weather encourage walking, they also present risks for pedestrians. Understanding the common causes of pedestrian accidents is crucial to building a strong case.
Common causes of accidents include:
Distracted Driving
With the increasing use of smartphones and other technology, distracted driving has become a growing concern. Drivers often divert their attention from the road to check messages, use GPS, or attend to passengers. This split-second inattention can lead to catastrophic pedestrian accidents as drivers may not notice pedestrians crossing streets or walking along roadsides in time to react appropriately.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time for a pedestrian, particularly in residential areas or near schools where pedestrian traffic is high. Speeding not only increases the likelihood of an accident but also intensifies the severity of injuries when collisions occur.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks, but not all drivers adhere to this rule. Ignoring traffic signals or failing to yield when required can lead to dangerous encounters. This negligence is a significant factor in many urban pedestrian accidents, emphasizing the need for careful attention and adherence to traffic laws.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic accidents. Alcohol and drugs impair reaction times and judgment, which are crucial for safely navigating the complex environment of city streets. Even a small amount of impairment increases the risk of hitting a pedestrian, given the unpredictability of urban traffic patterns.
Poor Visibility or Adverse Weather Conditions
San Diego is known for its sunny weather, but it is not immune to conditions that affect driver visibility, such as fog, rain, or twilight. Poor weather and low-light conditions can obscure pedestrians from a driver’s view, making it imperative for both pedestrians and drivers to be extra cautious. Accidents are more likely to occur when visibility is compromised, as drivers may not see pedestrians until it is too late to stop safely.
By meticulously analyzing the specifics of your accident, we can identify these and other contributing factors to build a compelling legal case. Whether it’s gathering eyewitness accounts, using accident reconstruction experts, or reviewing traffic camera footage, we will be relentless in our pursuit of justice for you.
How Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me?
A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you in the following ways:
- Conducting a thorough investigation
- Gathering and preserving crucial evidence
- Engaging expert witnesses when necessary
- Handling all communications with insurance companies
- Negotiating to maximize settlement offers
- Representing you at trial if a settlement cannot be reached
Personal injury victims who have legal representation often recover significantly higher compensation than those who try to represent themselves.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident in California?
California law stipulates a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including pedestrian accidents. Victims typically have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Failure to do so could result in missing out on your opportunity to recover compensation. Thus, acting swiftly and consulting with a lawyer is essential to protect your rights.
Contact Our San Diego Pedestrian Accidents Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Accidents can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Pines Salomon, our experienced San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal support. We understand the emotional and financial toll that accidents impose, so we strive to secure the maximum compensation for our clients. With 80 years of combined experience and over $100 million recovered, our legal team has the skills to pursue maximum compensation in your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
San Diego Pedestrian Accident Blog Posts
- Pedestrian Accidents Statistics in the U.S.: A Review of Recent Data
- California Pedestrian Laws: A Quick Guide to a Pedestrian’s Rights in The Golden State
- What Does Yielding the Right of Way Mean?
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in San Diego, CA
Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers
We proudly serve San Diego County and its surrounding areas:
835 Fifth Ave #302,
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (858) 551-2090