BEVERLY HILLS PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Proving Liability After A Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accident attorneys can help you determine who was at fault for your injuries. At Seber Bulger Law, we’ve spent the last 6 years helping clients with their pedestrian accident cases. Now, it’s our turn to help you. Read on to learn more about proving liability, and contact us today for a free consultation.

Gathering Evidence After An Accident

The first step in proving liability is gathering evidence from the scene of the accident. This includes photographs of the area, traffic signs, the condition of the road, and any damage to the vehicle or pedestrian’s belongings. Witness statements can be especially helpful, as bystanders often have a clear view of what happened and can provide unbiased accounts of the events.

Police reports are another key piece of evidence. If law enforcement responded to the scene, their report could include details about the accident, any citations issued, and their assessment of who might be at fault. Your pedestrian accident attorneys can use this information to help you build your case.

Evaluating Traffic Violations

In many pedestrian accidents, traffic violations play a role in determining liability. Drivers may be at fault if they were speeding, ran a red light, or failed to yield at a crosswalk. Pedestrians, on the other hand, could be held responsible if they crossed the street outside of designated areas or ignored traffic signals.

We often rely on traffic laws to determine who had the right of way in a given situation. If a driver failed to follow the rules of the road and this led to the accident, it’s a strong indication of liability. Similarly, if a pedestrian ignored the traffic signals, this could also impact the case. Both parties are expected to follow the law, and any violations can shift liability.

Shared Responsibility And Comparative Fault

There are situations where both the driver and pedestrian share some responsibility for the accident. This doesn’t mean that the pedestrian can’t recover damages, but it could reduce the amount they’re entitled to. Comparative fault laws allow for compensation to be adjusted based on the percentage of fault attributed to each party.

For instance, if a pedestrian is found to be 30% responsible for the accident, their compensation would be reduced by 30%. This system allows for a more balanced approach when determining damages, especially when multiple parties contributed to the accident.

The Role Of Insurance In Pedestrian Accident Claims

Insurance plays a significant part in pedestrian accident claims. In many cases, the driver’s insurance will cover the damages, including medical expenses and lost wages. However, proving that the driver’s negligence caused the accident is key to getting compensation from their insurance company.

In cases where the driver was uninsured or underinsured, the pedestrian may need to rely on their own insurance, such as health or auto insurance if it covers pedestrian accidents. This can add an extra layer to the process, and understanding the available options is an important part of moving forward.

Seeking Compensation After A Pedestrian Accident

At Seber Bulger Law, we understand how challenging these situations can be and are here to help you through each step. Contact us today to discuss your case with pedestrian accident attorneys you can trust.

Drivers can be careless sometimes. This is why there are personal injury lawyers who focus on accidents that happen with cars. If you or someone you care about was the pedestrian in an accident with a car, you need to contact our injury attorneys to represent you in court. Insurance agents may try to give you an appealing settlement, but they will often lowball what your case is really worth because they want to get away with giving as little payout as possible. An experienced lawyer will know what is a fair number and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. 

What Kinds Of Injuries Occur In Pedestrian Accidents?

There are obvious injuries that can happen when a pedestrian is involved in an accident with a car, such as broken bones, cuts, bruising, and other painful looking injuries. There are often underlying issues you need to get checked by a physician to learn about. For example, concussions and internal bleeding may not be obvious from the outside, but extensive testing by a knowledgeable doctor can show what else may be lurking underneath the surface. It is always crucial to be looked at by your primary care physician after any accident to make sure that you take note of any new issues that may have popped up due to someone else’s negligence.

Why You Need Our Lawyer On Your Side

It is important to have a lawyer on your side for any personal injury case, but pedestrian accidents can be especially complicated if you decide to seek damages for pain and suffering and emotional trauma from the incident. Anyone could guess that a pedestrian accident would be particularly traumatic, but filing for damages in any personal injury case can be confusing. It is crucial to have an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA to assist in your case and help determine how much to seek from the defending party. Our attorneys are experienced in the field and know what has worked in past pedestrian accident cases. We have a good track record and will follow through with your case with the best possible strategy to get you the compensation you deserve. 

Why An At-Fault Motorist May Not Look For Pedestrians

When an accident happens, the driver who caused it is legally responsible for its consequences. However, the people involved in a collision may not act according to their obligation. They might be distracted, or they might have suffered a traumatic brain injury that makes them irrational. If you thought you were safe crossing the road and then got hit by a reckless driver, you need help. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer Beverly Hills, CA could put you back on your feet after this unfortunate event.

A pedestrian who was hit by a car may be entitled to compensation for his or her injuries. However, the at-fault driver might not be compelled to pay. It is important to contact us at Seber Bulger Law. A pedestrian injured when hit by an automobile could pursue a claim against the motorist. The injured party may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, future medical expenses, and lost wages from work. He or she could also seek reimbursement for pain and suffering.

However, the at-fault motorist might not be compelled to pay. If that person is uninsured, for example, he or she may lack a financial incentive to pay any award that is granted by a court. The injured party may have to file a personal injury lawsuit in this case.

Additionally, there are situations in which an at-fault driver may even deny responsibility for causing an accident. A driver who is distracted or intoxicated, for example, might deny running down a pedestrian but still face charges from the incident because of other people’s accounts of what happened. In some cases, the at-fault motorist could even claim that the pedestrian was at fault if he or she was walking with headphones and didn’t hear the motorist honk his or her horn before hitting him or her with a vehicle.

Why You Should Look Out for Pedestrians

Turning the key to start your car and getting behind the wheel may make you feel as if you have the whole road to yourself. After all, no one is walking or riding a bike. However, pedestrians aren’t as scarce as they seem. Approximately 60 percent of all vehicle accidents involve pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents are so common that about 5,000 pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle crashes every year. Since pedestrians do not have an engine, these accidents are often severe.

In some communities, more than half of all traffic fatalities involve pedestrians and there’s no sign the trend is slowing down. That’s because distractions and other factors are making it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians – and vice-versa.

Pedestrians have the right of way in a crosswalk, even if the signal says it’s safe for you to go. The law requires that cars must stop for pedestrians crossing the street.

If you’re turning left at an intersection where there is no traffic signal, and a pedestrian is trying to cross the street, you must yield to them. If you are turning right at an intersection with no traffic signal, and there is a pedestrian, you must let them cross in front of you. This applies to any busy or residential street, whether there is a crosswalk or not. If a driver does not grant the pedestrian their right of way, it could be considered careless driving.

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our firm today. Seber Bulger Law will handle your case with the utmost attention to detail and professionalism to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact Seber Bulger Law Today

You need to reach out to our law firm as soon as possible so we can begin working on your case. We can speak to others on your behalf so that you do not say anything to potentially jeopardize your case and will do our best to get the compensation you deserve. Hiring us is risk free, as an initial consultation is free and then we will only take payment if we win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, so will agree upon a certain percentage we will collect from your winnings before even filing the case. Don’t hesitate — reach out to our personal injury firm today so that you do not miss any important filing deadlines.

Beverly Hills Pedestrian Accident Infographic

Let Us Help You Recover Fair Compensation

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Seber Bulger Law, we’ll help you pursue full compensation for both the physical and emotional impact of your injuries. We have 6 years of experience with these types of cases and are ready to help you work toward an outcome you are happy with. Contact our Beverly Hills accident lawyers today to discuss your case and learn how we can support your recovery.

What To Do When Multiple Parties Are Involved In Your Pedestrian Accident

Our Beverly Hills, CA pedestrian accident attorneys know that when multiple parties are involved in a pedestrian accident, determining liability and pursuing compensation can become more challenging. There may be multiple drivers, businesses, or even the city responsible for unsafe road conditions. Knowing how to approach the situation can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim. We have over 20 years of experience. Pedestrian injuries can range from minor to catastrophic, so it is crucial you speak with a lawyer. Below, we answer common questions about handling pedestrian accidents involving multiple parties.

What Should We Do Immediately After The Accident?

After a pedestrian accident with multiple parties, our Beverly Hills pedestrian accident attorneys know that safety and evidence collection are priorities. First, call 911 to report the accident and get medical attention. If possible, gather contact and insurance information from all involved drivers. Take photos of the scene, including vehicle positions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their statements and contact details. A police report will also help document what happened and who may be responsible.

Who Can Be Held Responsible In A Multi-Party Pedestrian Accident?

Liability depends on the circumstances of the accident. In some cases, one driver may be at fault, but in others, multiple drivers may share responsibility. If a rideshare vehicle, delivery truck, or commercial vehicle was involved, their employer could also be liable. In some situations, unsafe road design or malfunctioning traffic signals may mean the city or state shares responsibility. Identifying all responsible parties is important for pursuing full compensation.

How Does Shared Fault Affect A Pedestrian Accident Claim?

If multiple parties are responsible, each may be assigned a percentage of fault. In some states, a pedestrian can still recover compensation even if partially at fault, but the total amount may be reduced based on their level of responsibility. California follows a pure comparative fault system. For example, if a pedestrian is found 10% at fault for jaywalking, their compensation may be reduced by 10%. Each state has different laws on shared fault, so it’s important to understand how local rules apply.

What If An Insurance Company Tries To Deny Liability?

Insurance companies often try to shift blame or downplay injuries, especially when multiple parties are involved. If an insurer denies liability or offers a low settlement, we may need to gather additional evidence, such as traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction reports, or medical records, to strengthen the claim. Keeping detailed records of medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages can also help counter insurance tactics.

How Do We File A Claim When Multiple Parties Are Involved?

Filing a claim may require working with multiple insurance companies. Each responsible party may have different coverage limits and liability policies. Claims can be filed against each at-fault party to seek the full amount of damages. In some cases, negotiations may lead to settlements, while others may require legal action to recover fair compensation. It is important to know what your lawyer’s role is in your case and how they will guide you.

Contact Us To Discuss Your Case

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident involving multiple parties, we can help you determine who is responsible and how to recover the compensation you deserve. At Seber Bulger Law, we’ll review your case and guide you through the process. Whether you were injured on a weekday, weekend, or evening, you can give us a call. Contact our Beverly Hills pedestrian accident attorneys today to schedule a consultation.

Pain And Suffering Compensation In Pedestrian Accidents

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. Unlike medical expenses and lost wages, which have clear financial values, pain and suffering compensation covers the physical and emotional toll of the accident. At Seber Bulger Law, we’ve helped many clients recover damages for the full extent of their suffering. We offer free case evaluations, so give our office a call today. We are here to guide you and help dispel myths about these types of accidents. Below are the key factors that are typically included in pain and suffering compensation after a pedestrian accident.

1. Physical Pain and Discomfort. Compensation for physical pain includes the immediate and ongoing discomfort caused by the accident. This can cover injuries like broken bones, nerve damage, and soft tissue injuries. If you experience chronic pain or limited mobility, that’s also factored into the compensation. The severity and duration of the pain play a significant role in determining the value of this portion of the claim.

2. Emotional Distress. Emotional distress refers to the psychological impact of the accident. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after pedestrian accidents. If you have trouble sleeping, flashbacks, or mood changes, these symptoms may be included in your claim. Professional mental health treatment, such as therapy or counseling, can also strengthen this part of the case.

3. Loss of Enjoyment of Life. If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you can seek compensation for loss of enjoyment of life. This could include being unable to play sports, exercise, travel, or engage in hobbies. Even everyday activities like walking your dog or spending time with family may be affected, which contributes to the value of your claim.

4. Scarring and Disfigurement. Our Beverly Hills attorneys can tell you that visible scars, burns, or permanent disfigurement from the accident can lead to compensation for the physical and emotional impact. This type of damage not only affects how you feel about your appearance but can also lead to social discomfort and reduced self-confidence. The location and size of the scars or disfigurement are important factors in calculating this part of the claim.

5. Mental Anguish. Mental anguish goes beyond emotional distress and refers to the deep psychological strain caused by the accident. This can include feelings of fear, humiliation, and shame. If the accident was particularly traumatic or involved public embarrassment, these factors could increase the compensation amount.

6. Loss of Consortium. Loss of consortium applies when your injuries affect your relationships with your spouse or partner. If you’re no longer able to provide emotional support, companionship, or intimacy because of your injuries, your spouse may have a separate claim for these losses. This type of compensation reflects the broader impact of the accident on your personal life.

7. Future Pain and Suffering. If your injuries are expected to cause ongoing pain or emotional distress, future pain and suffering may be factored into the settlement. Medical expert opinions and long-term treatment plans can help establish the expected duration and severity of your future suffering, which increases the value of your claim.

Let Us Help You Recover Fair Compensation

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Seber Bulger Law, we’ll help you pursue full compensation for both the physical and emotional impact of your injuries. We have 6 years of experience with these types of cases and are ready to help you work toward an outcome you are happy with. Contact our Beverly Hills pedestrian accident attorneys today to discuss your case and learn how we can support your recovery.