Ventura Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Injured pedestrians may qualify for financial compensation. Under California law, any driver who causes a pedestrian accident is liable for any damages that the victims experience. If you are struck by a motorist in Ventura, you could pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
In these situations, you need an attorney on your side—and the Ventura pedestrian accident lawyers at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP can help. Since 1936, we have fought for the rights of injured people. We will work tirelessly to secure the compensation that you deserve. Call us today. (805) 642-7101
Why Choose Us for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
- Our attorneys have recovered over $5 billion on behalf of our clients. We are dedicated to securing the highest possible settlement in your pedestrian accident case.
- We represent all cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not be charged any legal fees unless we secure a financial award on your behalf.
- Our Ventura personal injury lawyers have won multiple awards and are members of many prestigious legal organizations. We have the skills and experience necessary to advocate for your right to recovery.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Every driver in California has a legal responsibility to pay attention to the road and prevent car accidents. Unfortunately, vulnerable pedestrians cannot trust drivers to uphold their duties of care. Every day, thousands of drivers engage in dangerous, negligent and reckless actions and behaviors behind the wheel. Negligence is the failure to use a reasonable amount of care, resulting in harm to others.
Common causes of pedestrian-vehicle collisions in Ventura include:
- Distracted driving. Texting, talking on a cell phone, eating, drinking, personal grooming or any other activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the driving task.
- Driving while impaired. Driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance, such as drugs and/or alcohol.
- Drowsy driving. Operating a motor vehicle while fatigued enough to interfere with the driver’s ability to pay attention, make smart decisions or stay awake.
- Breaking traffic laws. Any law that a driver breaks or violates, such as speeding, following too closely, running a red light or failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Ignoring pedestrian crosswalk rules. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in most California crosswalks. Ignoring this right can lead to a driver striking a crossing pedestrian.
- Reckless driving. Reckless driving goes beyond negligence and describes a wanton disregard for the safety of pedestrians, such as speeding in a school zone or aggressive driving.
In California, identifying the cause of a car accident is one of the first steps a victim must take to file an injury claim. This is because the at-fault person, driver or party is responsible for paying for a pedestrian accident under the state’s insurance laws. If you are not sure who or what caused your Ventura pedestrian accident, the law firm of Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP can send investigators to the scene of the crash to determine fault.
What Injuries Can a Pedestrian Accident Cause?
Any collision between a driver and a pedestrian can lead to catastrophic, sometimes injuries. Motor vehicles are much larger and heavier than the average person. When a pedestrian is struck, severe damage can occur.
Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include the following.
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain damage
- Bruises, including road rash injuries
- Sprains, whiplash, and other soft tissue injuries
- Psychological damage, such as post-traumatic stress disorder
Legal Options for Injured Ventura Pedestrians
Motorists have a duty to follow applicable traffic laws and drive carefully around pedestrians. If you are injured by a negligent driver, you have the right to pursue a claim against him or her under California’s fault insurance laws.
California requires all motorists to carry liability insurance in the event of an accident. Drivers must purchase the following minimum amounts, but they can choose to buy higher amounts of coverage if they wish.
- $15,000 for bodily injury or death to one person in an accident
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person in an accident
- $5,000 for property damage in an accident
As an injured pedestrian, you have the right to file an insurance claim against the at-fault motorist’s coverage. If the driver does not have enough insurance to meet your needs or the claim is unsuccessful, you could escalate your case to a personal injury lawsuit. Our Ventura car accident lawyer is prepared to take on your case and fight for a fair recovery for your damages.
Potential Compensation After a Ventura Pedestrian Accident
If you get hurt in a pedestrian accident in Ventura, you are most likely facing massive medical bills, thousands of dollars in lost wages, rental car costs, transportation expenses, legal fees and other overwhelming losses. Bringing an injury claim against the driver who caused your accident can provide financial relief by helping you recoup the costs associated with getting hit by a car.
The financial compensation that is potentially available for a pedestrian accident in Ventura includes:
- Medical bills (past, present and future)
- Lost income and future capacity to earn a living
- Disability expenses and accommodations
- Lost enjoyment or quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages, in some cases
A settlement or judgment award for a pedestrian accident case in California could pay for a hospital stay, ambulance fees, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, live-in care, past and future lost wages and employment opportunities, emotional distress, physical pain, and more. An attorney can help you create a comprehensive list of your damages to submit in your car accident demand letter.
How Much Is a Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
It is important to discuss the value of your pedestrian accident case with an attorney in Ventura before you rush into accepting a settlement from an insurance company. Insurance corporations are notorious for devaluing claims and downplaying victims’ injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot renegotiate for a higher value – even if you discover that you settled for less than you deserve or your injuries will cost more than you initially thought. Your case will be closed permanently, with only some exceptions.
The value of your claim depends on many factors, such as your age at the time of injury, your overall health, the amount of income you earned prior to the pedestrian accident and the insurance coverage available. However, the main determining factor is the severity of your injuries. If you can never work again due to a permanent disability, for example, you could be awarded an amount deemed reasonable for a lifetime of potential lost earnings, as well as the full cost of your present and future foreseeable medical expenses.
Calculating how much your pedestrian accident case is worth may require assistance from an attorney. We will add up all of your bills and expenses currently associated with the pedestrian accident. Then, we will estimate your future costs and losses based on your situation. Finally, we will give you an accurate idea of how much your noneconomic damages (pain and suffering) are worth according to the gravity of your injuries. Once we have assessed your pedestrian accident claim’s value, we will work relentlessly to obtain a just amount from the defendant.
Do You Need a Ventura Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Navigating a pedestrian accident claim can be a challenge. These collisions can result in serious injuries, impacting your ability to focus on complex paperwork or legal proceedings. It can be difficult to calculate your settlement or understand your rights during the process.
In these situations, hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer can help. Your attorney can handle all aspects of your claim, leveraging his or her skills, resources, and knowledge to craft a strong case in your favor. Your lawyer can also guide you through each stage of the process, helping you prepare and understand what to expect next.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in California?
A statute of limitations is a law in California that places a deadline on the right to file a car accident claim. This time limit is two years from the date of the accident, in general. However, there are some exceptions, such as in a case involving an injured minor, injuries that are discovered late and claims brought against the government. This is why you should always discuss your case with a Ventura pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing your deadline and losing the right to file.
What Do I Do if You Are Hit by a Car
If you get hit by a car in Ventura or the surrounding area, try to remain calm and remember to take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 to report the accident to the police right away.
- Do not admit fault for the pedestrian accident.
- Try to limit your movements until paramedics can assess you for serious injuries.
- Exchange contact information and insurance information with the driver who hit you.
- If any witnesses saw the accident, ask for their names and phone numbers.
- When the police arrive, give them your side of the story.
- Take photographs of any damage to the vehicle and the scene of your accident.
- Go to a hospital in Ventura for professional medical care without delay.
- Describe the collision to your doctor and ask for copies of your medical documentation, such as x-rays.
- Contact the driver’s car insurance company to file an initial claim.
- Call a pedestrian accident lawyer in Ventura for advice and assistance with the claims process.
Once you hire an attorney, the law firm will help you with these steps, crash investigation and the recovery process as a whole.
Contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP Today
Were you injured in a pedestrian accident? The lawyers at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and secure the justice that you deserve. Contact us or call (805) 642-7101 to schedule a free consultation with a Ventura pedestrian accident lawyer and strategize your next steps.