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Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Serving the San Fernando Valley

If you were hit by a car in LA County, you deserve compensation for your injuries

Being injured in a pedestrian accident that was someone else’s fault can be a life-altering experience. If you’ve been hit by a car in Los Angeles or anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, you may be facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future.

You deserve compensation for the harm you’ve suffered, and our team of experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers at Oaks Law Firm is here to help you navigate the legal process. We are dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Let us provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Throughout California and in the San Fernando Valley, Oaks Law Firm has helped injured pedestrians obtain multi-million-dollar settlements and awards after a crash. While the past is not an indication of future success, our firm’s case results include:

$5.3 Million settlement for a pedestrian accident, in which the victim lost a leg.
$1 Million for pedestrian accident injuries sustained by a worker who was injured at a job site while having lunch. A truck backed up to unload and struck the worker causing facial injuries.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles

Pedestrian accidents can occur under various circumstances, often due to the negligent actions of drivers. Here are some frequent causes of pedestrian accidents:

Distracted driving: When drivers are distracted by activities such as talking on the phone, texting, or looking away from the road, they pose a significant risk to pedestrians. A momentary lapse in attention can lead to a vehicle veering off course and striking someone on foot.
Drunk driving and DUI: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Drunk driving remains a leading cause of severe and fatal pedestrian accidents, despite the availability of alternatives like rideshare services.
Struck at a crosswalk: Even in marked crosswalks, pedestrians are at risk if drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. Drivers may not always stop for pedestrians, resulting in collisions with people on foot.
Hit by a bus: Pedestrians can be injured while boarding, exiting, or waiting near buses. Accidents can occur due to bus driver negligence or other motorists’ actions. Extra caution should be exercised around bus stops and terminals.
Struck on sidewalks or walkways: Pedestrians walking on sidewalks or designated walkways are sometimes hit by vehicles that veer off the road. Causes include distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving.
Hit and runs: In hit-and-run incidents, the driver flees the scene after striking a pedestrian. These situations leave victims without immediate help and complicate the process of seeking justice and compensation.
Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Due to the higher impact force, pedestrians struck by speeding vehicles often suffer more severe injuries.
Driver disregard for traffic lights, signals, and signage: Accidents often occur when drivers ignore traffic control devices, such as running red lights or failing to stop at stop signs. Pedestrians lawfully crossing the street can be caught off guard, leading to serious injuries.

Common types of pedestrian accident injuries

A quick comparison of the size differential between a motorized vehicle and a person on foot will tell you that the pedestrian victim is likely to suffer severe, catastrophic injuries. Pedestrians suffer severe injuries in car accidents due to the lack of physical protection, which contrasts sharply with the safety features available in vehicles, such as airbags and seatbelts.

Furthermore, the significant difference in mass and speed between a vehicle and a pedestrian on impact typically results in more critical and life-threatening injuries to the pedestrian. Common injuries sustained by pedestrians struck by cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles include:

Broken bones.
Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.
Spinal cord injuries.
Internal bleeding.
Lacerations and bruises.
Psychological trauma, including PTSD.
Soft tissue damage (e.g., sprains, strains).
Concussions.
Pelvic injuries.
Amputations.
Organ damage.
Neck injuries.
Road rash.

How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth?

Determining the value of a pedestrian accident claim involves assessing several factors that can vary significantly from case to case. While each situation is unique, the following elements are commonly considered when calculating how much your claim might be worth:

Medical expenses: The cost of medical care, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing or future medical needs, is a major component. Keeping thorough records of all medical expenses is crucial for accurately valuing your claim.
Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the time you have already missed but also any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
Pain and suffering: This non-economic damage covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the recovery process, and the impact on your quality of life are considered when determining pain and suffering compensation.
Permanent disability or disfigurement: Compensation may be awarded for permanent disabilities or disfigurement resulting from the accident, as these conditions can have long-lasting effects on your life and well-being.

If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, you need to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can assess the value of your claim accurately and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation. They can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights.

Pedestrian accident hotspots in LA County

Pedestrian accidents can occur throughout LA County, but certain areas witness higher incidences due to factors such as heavy traffic, poor lighting, and lack of safe crossing points. According to federal data, here are some pedestrian crash hotspots in the San Fernando Valley:

Hollywood Fwy in North Hollywood – At Victory Blvd – 1 fatal crash per year.
I 5 in Sun Valley – Gold State Fwy at Lankershim Blvd – 1 fatal crash per year.
Sepulveda Blvd in Van Nuys – Victory Blvd and Vanowen St intersections – About 1 fatal crash every other year at each intersection.
Saticoy St in Reseda – Between the Wilbur Ave and Lindley Ave intersections – About 1 fatal crash every other year.

Justice for fatal pedestrian accident victims

Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents result in people losing their lives. This often leaves surviving family members in an unstable and financially difficult situation – especially if they are left with unpaid medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses.

In California, surviving family members can file personal injury lawsuits, generally referred to as “wrongful death claims,” on behalf of their deceased loved ones. Along with a range of damages that include emergency medical care for the victim before they died, memorial and funeral expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of future income, loss of companionship, and possibly more.

Contact a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney today

Your future is too important to be left to chance. You need an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of your claim.

At Oaks Law Firm, our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys are dedicated to offering personalized legal representation to victims and families. We are here to listen and advocate for you. We also offer a no fee guarantee to our clients, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

For a free case evaluation, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. With law offices throughout California, including in Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills, we are to help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

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