Walnut Creek Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian involved in a traffic accident can sustain severe or even fatal injuries. Pedestrians are not protected like motorists and other vehicle occupants so their bodies do not have much defense against a 3,000 pound passenger vehicle. On impact, a pedestrian can be thrown several feet or even run over. Often, victims of pedestrian accidents suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, or death.
The cost of recovering from a pedestrian accident can be great. Victims often face expensive hospital bills, ongoing medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages due to taking time off of work to recover, and pain and suffering. These factors and more can cause an injured victim and their family to feel as though they have nowhere to turn. It is in the best interests of anyone who has been injured in a pedestrian accident due to a negligent driver to consult with a lawyer who can advise the best course of action based upon the circumstances. A skilled Northern California personal injury lawyer can also help victims and their families obtain compensation to help pay costs related to the accident, giving them peace of mind and helping them solidify their financial future.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
In 2008, the most recent year statistics are available, 4,378 pedestrians were killed in accidents across the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In about 48 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents, alcohol was reported to be a factor for either the driver or the pedestrian. About 18 percent of the deaths were pedestrians who were 65-years-old and older, while children 15-years-old and younger accounted for around seven percent of the fatalities that year.
About 69,000 pedestrians were injured during 2008 as well. Approximately 10 percent of injured victims were 65-years-old and older, while children 15-years-old and younger accounted for 22 percent of those injured in pedestrian accidents.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Many negligent actions on the part of a motorist can result in a pedestrian accident. Drivers may speed, may fail to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, may break other traffic laws, fail to see a pedestrian in the road, be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. Unfortunately, two major causes of pedestrian accidents are completely preventable: motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and motorists driving distracted, such as using a cell phone to make a call or text. When motorists engage in these harmful and illegal actions, they have a reduced chance of noticing whether a pedestrian is in the road, or whether a stoplight has turned red, both of which may result in a pedestrian suffering severe or fatal injuries in a collision.
Holding a Negligent Driver Responsible
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in the Bay Area that was the result of a negligent driver, contact Balamuth Law. Our Northern California pedestrian car accident attorneys can carefully analyze the circumstances surrounding your accident in order to build a strong case against the driver and protect your legal rights should the case go to trial. To learn more about obtaining the compensation you deserve, call our law offices at 1-888-254-1234. Our attorneys offer free consultations.
Pedestrian Accident Verdicts & Settlements:
Listed below are verdicts and settlements obtained by Balamuth Law on behalf of victims of pedestrian accident injuries:
Case Name: Norman Doe v. Tow Truck Company
Recovery Range: $400,000 - $650,000
Case Name: Victoria Doe v. Driver
Recovery Range: $250,000 - $400,000
Case Name: Carmen Doe v. Cab Company
Recovery Range: $100,000 - $250,000
Click here for more information about these pedestrian accident verdicts and settlements.
