Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable when traveling along a busy roadway, as most are walking with little to no protection from sudden, violent impacts. If a driver is inattentive or reckless and hits a pedestrian, the results can be disastrous. California continues to lead the United States with the highest number of deaths from pedestrians hit by cars (701 in 2013, up from 653 the year before).
If you or a loved one suffered injuries after being hit by a car, talk to a Temecula pedestrian accident lawyer from The Sargent Firm Injury Lawyers. Let our Temecula personal injury attorneys help you establish liability and get the necessary compensation.
Why Should You Choose Our Expert Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Temecula
In the aftershock of a pedestrian accident, the road to recovery can be challenging. At Sargent Law Firm, we understand the physical, mental, and financial burdens that can arise from such incidents. Our dedicated team of Temecula pedestrian accident attorneys is committed to providing unwavering support and aggressive representation to help you go through this difficult time. This is what we offer all our clients!
- Local expertise: As a firm deeply rooted in the Temecula community, we possess a comprehensive understanding of local laws, regulations, and the nuances of pedestrian accident cases.
- Proven track record: Our firm has an extended history of attaining successful outcomes for our clients. We have the experience and resources to build strong cases and negotiate favorable settlements.
- Compassionate care: We recognize that pedestrian accidents can be traumatic experiences. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate support and personalized attention throughout the legal process.
- No upfront costs: We operate on contingency, meaning you have no legal payments unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor.
Injured in a Temecula pedestrian accident? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Sargent Law Firm. We offer free meetings to assess your case and provide personalized legal guidance. Our experienced attorneys will diligently investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement. If needed, we’re prepared to litigate your case to protect your rights.
Our comprehensive legal services in Temecula include:
- Free consultation: Discuss your case with our experienced attorneys at no cost.
- Thorough investigation: We gather proof, depose witnesses, and consult with specialists to build a strong case.
- Medical care: We assist in securing necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Aggressive negotiation: Our skilled negotiators work tirelessly to obtain a fair settlement from the insurance company.
- Litigation: If necessary, we are prepared to represent you in court to fight for your rights.
Don’t let a Temecula pedestrian accident define your future! Contact Sargent Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve and move forward with your life.
How Our Temecula Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help You with Your Claim
If you just suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Temecula, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the motorist responsible for the harm. An attorney from The Sargent Firm Injury Lawyers can help you pursue the best possible outcome for your case – particularly if you sustained substantial injuries.
For help with your pedestrian accident case, call a Temecula pedestrian accident attorney today or fill out our online contact form. The initial consultation is free.
Your Temecula Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Evaluate Your Injuries to Calculate Damages
Pedestrian accident victims often suffer far more serious injuries than those involved in vehicle collisions. Pedestrians have no physical protection from the impact of a vehicle, making them highly vulnerable in accidents. Unlike drivers or passengers, pedestrians bear the full force of the crash without the shielding effects of a vehicle’s frame.
Due to this, pedestrians are more likely to experience fatal or catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Severe lacerations or contusions
Even minor injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident can lead to expensive medical treatments and an extended recovery period. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Temecula due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve just compensation for your losses. Sargent Law Firm’s pedestrian accident lawyers in Temecula are ready to aid you in seeking the financial recovery you need.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
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Your Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Establish Liability and Determine Compensation
California’s negligence laws exist to help protect victims and family members from the financial burdens of a personal injury accident. Pedestrian injury claims fall under the laws of negligence, which assign liability to individuals having injured another person due to careless or reckless behavior.
Under the law, there are four parts to a negligence claim: duty, negligence, causation, and damages. The first part pertains to the fact that – at the time of the collision – the motorist had a duty toward the pedestrian to drive in a reasonably safe manner. The law requires all drivers to operate a vehicle in a safe manner.
From there, the analysis begs the question of whether at the time the pedestrian was injured the motorist was engaging in some sort of behavior that breached this duty. A motorist may breach a duty of care to a pedestrian in any of the following ways. A Temecula pedestrian accident attorney may be able to assist with accidents caused for the following reasons:
- Driving too fast adjacent to a pedestrian
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk (marked or unmarked)
- Failing to properly scan the area for pedestrians before changing lanes or making a turn
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to obey traffic laws and posted regulations
- Using a cell phone at the time of the accident or otherwise driving while distracted
Of course, this is just a small sampling of ways in which a motorist can breach the duty of care; however, these examples are some of the more common scenarios leading to pedestrian injury or death.
From there, once it is clear the motorist breached a duty of care, the inquiry shifts to whether the breach actually caused the pedestrian’s resulting injuries. In many cases, the causation element is clearly met. However, there are instances of competing forces that may call into question whether it was actually the defendant’s fault – or some other unforeseen event (e.g., weather) – that actually caused the injury.
Lastly, the pedestrian or their Temecula pedestrian accident lawyer must be able to prove damages. In other words, the claimant must have been injured in some way and through those injuries, the victim must have suffered damages, e.g., medical bills, lost wages, etc.
Your Temecula Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Will Meeting the Statute of Limitations for Your Claim
In California, personal injury claims, such as those for pedestrian accidents in Temecula, must generally be filed within two years of the accident. However, certain circumstances can alter this timeline. It’s essential to act promptly, especially when serious injuries require extended medical care, as time can slip away quickly.
To protect your legal rights, contact Sargent Law Firm right after your Temecula pedestrian accident. Our dedicated pedestrian crash attorneys will begin gathering critical evidence and developing your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Your Temecula Pedestrian Accident Attorney Will File a Claim Against the Responsible Party
California law holds negligent drivers accountable for damages caused by pedestrian accidents. The at-fault party’s insurance may cover medical bills and lost wages, but insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. They might offer settlements far below what you need to fully recover.
Sargent Law Firm’s pedestrian accident attorneys in Temecula will guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim. We negotiate with insurers to ensure that your settlement reflects the true value of your losses. If necessary, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court to secure maximum compensation.
Your Temecula Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Will Obtain Compensation for Injuries
Your compensation after a pedestrian accident in Temecula depends on the extent of your injuries and related damages. At Sargent Law Firm, our attorneys will assess your situation and pursue all applicable damages, which may include:
- Medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication
- Travel expenses for medical care
- Property damage
- Lost income, both current and future
- Reduced earning potential
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Temecula, don’t handle the legal complexities alone. The experienced attorneys at Sargent Law Firm will fight for the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today for a free consultation and let us help you start your journey toward recovery and justice.
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Schedule NowCommon Causes of Temecula Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Temecula often occur due to a variety of factors, many of which are linked to driver negligence. Common causes include distracted driving, such as texting while behind the wheel, failure to yield at crosswalks, speeding, and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs. Poor visibility at night or during bad weather, along with reckless driving in high-traffic areas, can also significantly increase the risk of accidents involving pedestrians.
Pedestrian accidents can also result from unsafe road conditions, poorly marked crosswalks, or defective traffic signals, which may place pedestrians at greater risk. In some cases, local municipalities may share responsibility for maintaining safe environments for pedestrians, and these factors can play a significant role in determining liability.
Tragically, pedestrian accidents sometimes lead to fatal injuries. If a loved one has passed away due to a pedestrian accident, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Our Temecula pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you navigate this difficult time, offering the legal support and guidance you need.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Temecula, California
Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries and emotional distress. Knowing what steps to take immediately after such an accident can meaningfully impact the success of your claim and help you secure the damages you deserve. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a pedestrian accident in Temecula, CA:
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem inconsequential, getting examined by a doctor as soon as possible is crucial. Some injuries may not be instantly apparent, and prompt medical treatment ensures your well-being and creates a medical record to support your claim.
- Call the authorities: Contact the police and report the accident. A police report is vital evidence for your pedestrian accident case, as it documents the details of the incident and identifies any parties involved.
- Avoid discussing fault: Do not admit fault or make any statements about the accident at the scene. Anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your claim later.
- Document the scene: If you are able, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the location, the vehicle involved, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence is invaluable in proving liability.
- Get contact information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of the driver and any witnesses. Witnesses can help validate your version of events and strengthen your case.
- File a report with the DMV: In California, if a pedestrian accident results in injury or death, it must be reported to the DMV within 10 days. Failure to do so could result in complications down the line.
- Keep records of medical expenses and lost wages: Track all medical bills, prescriptions, rehabilitation costs, and any income lost due to your injuries. This will help your lawyer calculate the full scope of your damages.
Before speaking with insurance companies, consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Temecula. A skilled lawyer will review your case, negotiate with insurers, and ensure you are compensated fairly for your injuries and any long-term effects.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Temecula Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
For a thorough evaluation of your case and to discuss your options, contact our Temecula pedestrian accident lawyers and let them help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve. Call now for a free consultation!