Chino Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Chino Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Walking is one of the most beneficial, environmentally friendly forms of exercise, but being a pedestrian can be risky. Pedestrians are vulnerable, and when a car hits a pedestrian, the injuries can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured while out on a walk, a Chino pedestrian accident lawyer can help.

At Amendt Law, we focus our practice on personal injury and accident injury law, serving clients in Chino and the surrounding area. You deserve justice and compassion after your accident, and we are here to listen and offer solid legal advice. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys can help you seek compensation for your injuries, easing your financial worries on your road to recovery.

Factors in Pedestrian Accidents

Drivers and pedestrians both have responsibilities when using California roadways. Understanding the causes behind pedestrian accidents is vital to proving liability and determining fault. Several factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents, including:

• Speeding. Speed is a contributing factor to many accidents, and pedestrian accidents are no exception. A speeding driver may not be able to stop or slow their vehicle in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian, leading to devastating injuries.
• Distracted or impaired driving. Drinking and driving, texting and driving, and many other distractions can contribute to pedestrian accidents. Driving requires full engagement of all five senses, and anything that distracts from driving can increase the chances of an accident. Distracted driving claimed over 3,000 lives in 2023 alone.
• Poorly marked or nonexistent crosswalks. A lack of crosswalks, signage, and traffic signals/walk signals can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.
• Poor visibility. Fog, rain, inadequate lighting, nighttime conditions, and pedestrians in dark clothing can increase the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.

Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Several kinds of serious accidents can result when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, including:

• Severe head trauma, including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Broken bones and severe abrasions
• Spinal cord injuries

Over 9,000 pedestrians died as a result of injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents in 2023. Twenty-two individuals were severely injured or killed in pedestrian accidents in Chino in the same year. Even if you feel fine after your accident, it is vital to seek medical attention, as many life-threatening injuries do not present symptoms right away.

Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accidents

California utilizes a comparative negligence rule when assigning liability in accidents. In most pedestrian accident cases where the plaintiff was the pedestrian, the defendant motorist will carry a higher degree of liability, and the plaintiff will receive compensatory damages that cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to document as much as possible to support your personal injury case. If you are able, take photographs, exchange information with the motorist, request a copy of the police report, and ask witnesses for their information, as they can provide statements to help establish liability. When you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer from Amendt Law, we will help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

It’s important to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible and avoid agreeing to any insurance settlement until you receive legal counsel. Insurance adjusters and claims agents often try to persuade victims of pedestrian accidents to settle for a lesser amount than they are entitled to by law. California has a 2-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, so it is crucial to take timely action to protect your right to pursue legal recourse.

If your case fails to result in an acceptable offer in negotiations, our trial-ready team can confidently represent your interests at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Law

Can You Sue a Pedestrian for Causing an Accident?

Either party can pursue legal action after an accident. Due to California’s comparative negligence rule, liability in accidents is determined by the degree of fault each party contributed to the accident. If a pedestrian fails to obey traffic signals, jaywalks, or displays other negligent behavior, their degree of negligence will be accounted for, reducing the amount of compensation they are entitled to.

What Is the Charge for Hitting a Pedestrian With a Car?

Negligent driving, driving under the influence with aggravating factors, vehicular assault, and manslaughter are all possible charges a motorist might face when striking a pedestrian. Whether a pedestrian accident is prosecuted as a criminal offense is determined by law enforcement and the criminal justice system. In a civil personal injury case, the plaintiff must prove a lesser degree of liability to receive financial compensation for their injuries. Civil and criminal cases may apply in pedestrian accidents, depending on the severity.

What Should I Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?

Never admit fault to an insurance adjuster or to law enforcement when you are reporting an accident. Your statements can be used against you in court. It is important to speak to a qualified Chino pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with an insurance adjuster or agreeing to a settlement offered.

If You Have Been Injured by a Motorist, Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer With Experience

At Amendt Law, we know how devastating an accident can be. We’re here to listen with compassion and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.