San Dimas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

San Dimas Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents continue to be a high risk in San Dimas, often causing severe injuries due to a lack of protection. These incidents can cause immense physical and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one were hit by a vehicle, a San Dimas pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights under California law and pursue justice.

At Amendt Law, we concentrate on personal injury cases and offer free consultations to residents of Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas. Let us help you carry the weight of your case so you can focus on healing.

California Laws That Outline Pedestrian Safety

California Civil Code § 1714 outlines negligence and fault during personal injury incidents. Driver negligence happens when a driver causes harm to someone else, like a bicyclist or pedestrian. This means the driver did something careless or failed to comply with traffic laws.

The most common walking area in Los Angeles County in 2022 was Hollywood Boulevard. In Los Angeles County, pedestrian fatalities made up 53.3% of all 2023 traffic fatalities, highlighting the serious danger these types of accidents pose.

San Dimas experiences high traffic congestion in various parts of the city, such as Arrow Highway. In a country with very few walkable cities, the risk of injury for American pedestrians is high.

Types of Common Injuries That Result From Pedestrian Accidents

Unlike drivers and vehicle passengers, pedestrians have no physical protection against impact in a collision. Some of the most common injuries seen in pedestrian accident cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Paralysis
• Injuries to organs
• Fractured limbs
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Scarring

Even injuries that seem minor can lead to serious complications. Internal injuries can take longer to appear, making immediate medical attention essential to your health.

California Vehicle Code § 21950 outlines driver responsibilities further. Drivers must stop and let pedestrians cross the street when they are walking within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. They must slow down when seeing pedestrians crossing and take any action needed to avoid hitting someone walking across the street.

Even if a pedestrian doesn’t obey traffic laws, drivers still need to do everything they reasonably can to prevent a crash, as pedestrians are more physically vulnerable. In 2023 in the United States, the average risk of death for a pedestrian was 50% for cases where the driver was going 42 mph, making safe driving vital.

In the United States in 2023, nearly 24% of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were struck by hit-and-run drivers. If a driver flees the scene after hitting a pedestrian, it’s considered a criminal offense. If you were injured in a hit-and-run, law enforcement can investigate, and your uninsured motorist coverage may provide financial recovery. Amendt Law can assist in pursuing all options to hold the driver accountable.

Damages Recoverable in a Successful Case in San Dimas

The time it takes for your personal injury claim to be completed in San Dimas can depend on the severity of your injuries. For minimal injuries with strong evidence of negligence, your case could be settled relatively quickly. For more severe or life-altering injuries, as well as cases where fault is disputed by the other party, your case could take much longer.

Victims need to prove that the driver’s negligence caused the injury. Strong evidence can help win a case. This can include dashcam footage, incident reports, eyewitness statements, medical records, and photographs of the accident and injuries. Amendt Law can help explain and gather any relevant evidence in order to strengthen your case.

There are several types of damages that can be recovered. These include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced future wages in cases where the victim is disabled
• Pain and suffering caused by the incident

In California, 4,527,224 people live with disabilities. Adjusting to a life-altering injury or disability is incredibly overwhelming for the victim, and pursuing compensation can be a step in your healing journey. Amendt Law’s primary focus is personal injury cases, so our team is experienced in all steps of the claim process.

FAQs About San Dimas, CA Pedestrian Accident Laws

What Do I Do After Being Injured as a Pedestrian?

Call 911 to get medical help and file a police report. Your health and safety are priorities. Be sure to take photos of any injuries and the scene. Collect contact information from witnesses and seek medical treatment while following all doctors’ instructions. Contact an experienced lawyer to make sure your rights are properly protected.

Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Partially at Fault for the Accident?

California uses comparative negligence in personal injury cases. This means that even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover partial damages. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but are found 30% responsible for the incident, you’ll receive $70,000. An attorney at Amendt Law can help assess fault percentages and factor them into your claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in California?

The statute of limitations for pedestrian accident personal injury claims in California is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline usually bars you from filing a claim. Prompt action preserves evidence and strengthens your claim. Contacting a pedestrian accident lawyer quickly ensures you meet all legal deadlines.

What Happens if I’m Hit by a Government Vehicle?

When a pedestrian is injured by a vehicle owned by the city, such as a garbage truck, police vehicle, or other government-operated vehicle, the claim process differs from typical personal injury cases. California’s Government Claims Act requires that the injured pedestrian file a claim within six months of the accident. This claim must include details about the injury and the damages being requested. Missing this deadline can result in your claim being denied, making quick action essential.

Contacting a Trusted San Dimas Law Firm

If you or a loved one was injured as a pedestrian in a traffic accident, seeking legal representation is critical to protecting your rights. Amendt Law offers free consultations to injured clients throughout San Dimas and neighboring cities, guiding them through each phase of the claim process.

We help advocate for our clients and seek legal compensation under California law. To get more information about your options after a pedestrian accident, contact our office today.