Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable individuals when it comes to lack of protection from the elements and other vehicles. When pedestrians are injured, whether due to dangerous property conditions or negligent motorists, they may feel unsure of what steps to take next to ensure they heal timely and receive the compensation they deserve. Fortunately, if you are an injured pedestrian, you’re in the right place. Contact a knowledgeable Contra Costa County injury lawyer from our firm who can help you effectively pursue compensation for your pedestrian accident.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are often the result of preventable negligence. When drivers or property owners fail to exercise reasonable care, the consequences for pedestrians can be devastating. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents that our firm sees are as follows:
- Distracted Driving: Motorists who text, use GPS, or engage in other distractions may fail to see pedestrians in crosswalks or on the roadside.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who ignore traffic signals or fail to yield the right-of-way at crosswalks can strike pedestrians lawfully crossing the street.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of impact in the event of a collision.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and coordination, leading to reckless behavior that endangers pedestrians.
- Poor Visibility: Driving at night, in fog, or during rain without adequate headlights or caution can lead to collisions with pedestrians.
- Left-Hand Turns: Drivers making left-hand turns at intersections often focus on navigating oncoming traffic and overlook crossing pedestrians.
- Backing-Up Accidents: Pedestrians in parking lots or driveways are at risk when drivers back up without properly checking blind spots.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic signals can result in sudden, high-impact crashes with pedestrians in intersections.
- Unsafe Road Design or Lack of Crosswalks: Inadequate infrastructure, such as missing sidewalks or poorly marked crosswalks, can create hazardous conditions for pedestrians.
- Negligent Property Maintenance: Property owners who fail to maintain walkways or address known hazards can be liable if unsafe conditions lead to a pedestrian injury.
Injuries Commonly Sustained
Because pedestrians have no physical barrier protecting them from a collision, even low-speed accidents can result in severe or life-altering injuries. The most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Including concussions, skull fractures, and brain hemorrhaging, often caused by a direct blow to the head or impact with the ground.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or long-term disability.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are extremely common, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis, due to the force of impact.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Deep cuts, scrapes, and road rash can lead to significant scarring or infection.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can limit mobility and require long recovery periods.
- Facial Injuries: Damage to the eyes, jaw, or teeth can occur when the face strikes a vehicle or the ground.
- Psychological Trauma: Emotional and mental health issues, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, can arise after a serious accident.
Regardless of the type of injury, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention and to document the extent of your harm. This not only protects your health but strengthens your claim for compensation.
Recovering Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. A successful personal injury claim can help you recover damages for both the financial and emotional impact of the accident.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Costs of medical equipment or home modifications
Non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
To recover compensation, your Contra Costa County personal injury attorney will need to prove that another party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty through negligence, and directly caused your injuries. This process often involves gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other forms of evidence. Our firm will handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After a pedestrian accident, time is of the essence, so the sooner you speak with a personal injury lawyer, the better. O’Connor Law APC has fought on behalf of accident victims throughout the Bay Area for years, and we stand ready to put that experience to work for you in your case as well. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.
