Santa Clarita Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Newspaper headlines have repeatedly reported that things are getting far worse for pedestrians than they have been in decades. These are not just idle warnings. They are backed by hard data showing that pedestrian fatalities have skyrocketed in the last decade. Not only are more people dying in these accidents, but there have also been more serious injuries.

In the Los Angeles area, a pedestrian is struck and killed by a motorist almost every other day. Fatalities have increased by more than 50 percent in a five-year period. For every pedestrian who is killed in an accident, there are numerous others who suffer life-altering injuries.

Local safety initiatives such as Vision Zero have been launched, but they have not come with enough action to help residents avoid harm. Inaction is consistent with the overall narrative that the entire Los Angeles area was not built for people but instead was constructed for the car.

One Law Group helps pedestrian accident victims pursue and obtain the financial compensation they may be entitled to. We can aggressively defend your pedestrian accident case and hold negligent parties accountable for your injury in Santa Clarita.

Why the Number of Pedestrian Fatalities Is Increasing

Reasons why the amount of fatalities is steadily rising, both in Los Angeles County and throughout the country, include:

• Motorists are distracted because the invention of the smartphone gives them something else to focus on when driving.
• There is much less regard for traffic laws and norms, a situation that got even worse during the pandemic.
• Passenger vehicles have gotten bigger as more drivers opt for SUVs and light trucks.
• More people are out walking, as many have decided to get rid of their cars permanently.

While every single pedestrian is at risk of serious injuries, older adults and children are in harm’s way even more. Drivers may not anticipate the speed at which older adults will cross the street and may not see children in the crosswalk. Regardless of the reason, drivers will still be legally responsible for the crash when they were negligent.

The Seriousness of Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Santa Clarita

Some common pedestrian accident injuries we see include:

• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Lacerations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

There is very little chance that you will walk away from a pedestrian accident unscathed, in which they’re hit by a vehicle weighing 3,000 pounds or more.

The risk of being killed in a pedestrian accident increases exponentially at faster speeds. When the car is traveling at 32 miles per hour, there is a 25 percent chance of a fatality. With an extra ten miles per hour, the fatality rate increases to 50 percent.

Even when pedestrians survive the accident, they will be left with debilitating injuries, sometimes for life. There is nothing to protect them from impact with the steel car. They will either go through the windshield or be thrown to the pavement.

Dealing With the Insurance Company After a Pedestrian Accident

The insurance company may still try to blame you for your injury as a pedestrian. They may claim that you were crossing the street in a place where you should not have been or that you were not careful yourself.

Regardless, when you have the right-of-way, there are very few arguments that can successfully be used against you. Even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk, there is still a chance that the driver could be liable for your injuries. However, your pedestrian injury lawyer can defend your actions when seeking financial compensation.

Assuming you can prove liability for the accident, you will need to negotiate compensation with the responsible driver’s insurance company. Even if you have suffered serious injuries, you can expect a paltry opening settlement offer that does not pay you what you deserve.

It will take a combination of time, tenacity, and patience to negotiate the right settlement. If your claim is denied, or the insurance company will not make you a reasonable settlement offer, you have the option of filing a lawsuit against the responsible driver. At One Law Group, we are experienced with pedestrian accident litigation.

How an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps You

Besides a trusted medical provider, you also need an experienced attorney to handle your pedestrian accident case. Our team of attorneys at One Law Group will:

• Investigate the circumstances of your accident and compile evidence that shows the driver was responsible.
• Review your situation to come up with an estimate of your damages.
• Present your claim to the insurance company or file a lawsuit on your behalf in court.
• Handle all the communications with the insurance company, sparing you from the pressure they may put on you.
• Negotiate a settlement agreement or argue your case to a jury in court.

Contact Our Santa Clarita Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

The One Law Group helps pedestrian accident victims and their families when someone else has caused you great harm. We will roll up our sleeves and get right to work on your behalf, fighting for you to get the full amount of compensation that you deserve. Contact us today for your free initial consultation to learn more about what we can do for you. You can message us online or call us today at (844) 626-1529.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

Can I still get a settlement if I was partly to blame for the accident?

Yes. So long as you were less than 100 percent to blame for the accident, you can recover for the percentage that the defendant was at fault for your injuries.

When should I call a pedestrian accident lawyer?

As soon as possible after the accident. If you are not in a condition to call yourself, you should have a family member make the call.

What if my loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident?

Your family can file a wrongful death claim to compensate you for the injuries that you suffered when you lost a loved one in a tragic accident.