If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Escondido, CA, your life can be suddenly turned upside down. You’re faced with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. In this difficult time, an Escondido pedestrian accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
With years of experience handling pedestrian accidents, we’re here to help you. Contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers at (619) 344-0360 to schedule a free consultation if you’re ready to get started.
How Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident in Escondido
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Escondido, CA, is absolutely essential if you’ve been injured in an accident. Here’s how we can help you:
- Evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove liability.
- Coordinate with medical professionals to assess your injuries and future medical needs.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf for a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if necessary to seek maximum compensation.
Contact our Escondido personal injury lawyers today for more information about how we can help with your case. Your initial consultation is completely free of charge, with no strings attached.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Escondido, California?
Pedestrian accidents pose a significant danger, and the following statistics highlight the concerning number of fatalities and injuries in California, San Diego, Escondido, and the United States.
- In the United States, there were 7,388 pedestrian deaths in 2021.
- There were approximately 1,100 pedestrian fatalities in California in 2022.
- San Diego County, where Escondido is located, witnessed 979 pedestrian injuries and fatalities in 2020.
You deserve full compensation from the at-fault party if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident. Call our personal injury law firm today for trusted legal advice and help.
What Is My Escondido Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
The value of your pedestrian accident case depends on multiple factors. These include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The impact of the injuries on your quality of life, earning capacity, and future prospects
- Medical expenses incurred (both current and future)
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Whether punitive damages are awarded
Keep in mind no two cases are the same; a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can help you determine the potential value of your case based on your unique circumstances.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims in Escondido?
Pedestrian accident victims can generally pursue the following types of damages:
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable, financial losses resulting from the accident. They include:
- Medical expenses (including future medical care and rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage (if applicable)
You can receive compensation for almost every financial consequence of the accident you’ve experienced.
Non-Economic Damages
These are more subjective and pertain to the emotional and psychological toll of the accident. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (for the spouse or partner of the victim)
Oftentimes, non-economic damages comprise the majority of a personal injury claim.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence or malicious intent, punitive damages may be awarded as a form of punishment. These damages are intended to deter similar actions in the future and are awarded in addition to compensatory damages.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Pedestrian Accident in California?
California follows pure comparative negligence when it comes to determining liability and awarding compensation in personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation in proportion to the other party’s responsibility for the incident.
For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for a pedestrian accident, you would still be eligible to recover 80% of the total compensation in your case.
We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All of Your Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some of which may be severe or even fatal. Some common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Caused by a sudden impact or force to the head, TBIs can range in severity from mild concussions to severe damage to the brain.
- Broken bones and fractures: Pedestrians are vulnerable to broken bones in the legs, arms, ribs, and other areas due to the force of impact in a collision.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis, as well as other complications such as loss of sensation and motor function.
- Internal injuries: Injuries to organs, blood vessels, or other internal structures can result from the force of the accident and may require emergency surgery or other treatments.
- Lacerations and abrasions: Cuts and scrapes may not seem serious, but they can lead to infection, scarring, and other complications if not properly treated.
No matter the injuries you’ve sustained, you may have a valid compensation claim. Learn about your best course of action by calling our pedestrian accident lawyers in Escondido today.
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in Escondido, California?
There are several factors that can contribute to pedestrian accidents, including:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting or otherwise preoccupied are less likely to notice pedestrians and may inadvertently hit them.
- Speeding: Higher speeds often result in more severe injuries for pedestrians, as well as reducing a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a collision.
- Intoxicated drivers: Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to pedestrians, as alcohol and drugs can compromise their judgment and reaction times.
- Failure to yield at crosswalks: Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks, but drivers may not always heed this rule and collide with them.
- Poor visibility: Low light, severe weather, or other conditions may make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, increasing the risk of an accident.
In some cases, a pedestrian can also be partially at fault for the accident as well. For example, if a pedestrian is jaywalking and isn’t paying attention to oncoming traffic.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Pedestrian Accident in California?
In order to prevail in a pedestrian accident lawsuit, you must prove that the driver was negligent. Negligence is a legal term that describes a failure to use reasonable care to prevent harm to others.
To establish negligence in a California pedestrian accident case, follow these steps:
- Duty of Care: Show that the driver owed you a duty of care. All drivers are required to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm to pedestrians.
- Breach of Duty: Prove that the driver breached the duty of care. This can be demonstrated by showing that the driver acted carelessly or recklessly, such as speeding or running a red light.
- Causation: Establish that the driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: Finally, demonstrate that you suffered damages as a result of the pedestrian accident, such as bodily injuries, medical expenses, or lost wages.
Collecting evidence is crucial to proving negligence in a pedestrian accident case. Some important pieces of evidence include police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and photos of the scene and your injuries.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in California. This time period is known as the statute of limitations. However, certain exceptions can extend or shorten this deadline.
Some of the exceptions that may affect the statute of limitations include:
- Minor Victims: If the injured pedestrian is a minor, the statute of limitations typically does not begin to run until their 18th birthday.
- Government Entity: If the liable party is a government entity, such as a city, the statute of limitations may be reduced to only six months from the date of the accident.
If you’ve been in an accident as a pedestrian, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss your chance to file for compensation.
Contact Our Escondido Pedestrian Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Pedestrian accidents in Escondido, CA, are a serious matter, as they can lead to injuries and even fatalities. If you’ve experienced this type of accident, it’s crucial to obtain compensation from the at-fault party so you can focus on your recovery. Let us help you. Contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers to set up a free consultation with an Escondido pedestrian accident attorney.
