In recent years, California’s main cities have seen an alarming increase in pedestrian accidents and fatalities. Smartphones, speeding, and the growing number of vehicles on the road all contribute to this trend. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents frequently result in serious, even fatal injuries. Victims confront not just large medical expenditures and lost income, but also the long road to recovery and the emotional impact of such events.
Pedestrian accidents can be especially severe, and they often involve bicycles or motorcycles. Drivers have a legal and moral obligation to avoid injuring pedestrians, but many victims are overwhelmed and confused about what measures to take next. A professional pedestrian injury attorney in Los Angeles is essential in these scenarios.
What Is A Pedestrian Injury?
Pedestrian accidents pose a significant safety hazard in Southern California. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports roughly 13,000 pedestrian injuries across the state each year. Because pedestrians are not protected as well as car occupants, these incidents frequently result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries.
Pedestrian accidents can happen in a variety of scenarios, including:
- Crosswalk Accidents: Pedestrians may be struck when crossing streets at marked crosswalks, where automobiles must yield.
- Left Turns into Pedestrian Crossings: Drivers performing left turns at intersections may fail to notice pedestrians crossing, resulting in a collision.
- Rear-End Crashes: Though less common, rear-end crashes with pedestrians are possible, especially if a motorist is inattentive or fast.
- Road Rage Incidents: Aggressive driving and road rage can result in intentional or careless actions that threaten pedestrians.
These accidents frequently result in severe injuries, including fractures, brain trauma, and spinal injuries. The aftermath may include not only extensive medical treatment, but also extended recovery times and significant mental pain.
Most Common Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles can result in severe injuries requiring extensive medical attention and rehabilitation. Our experience has shown that these crashes frequently result in serious injuries to victims, particularly to their upper bodies. Approximately 38% of pedestrians wounded in accidents incur head, neck, or facial injuries, with 27% suffering upper-limb injuries.
Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents:
- Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis or even death.
- Brain Injuries: Serious brain injuries can lead to paralysis or death.
- Internal organ injuries are potentially lethal.
- Torn and sprained ligaments: While not usually fatal, they can be unpleasant and necessitate extensive treatment.
- Fractures: Breaks in the legs, arms, hips, ribs, and pelvis are frequently serious but not deadly.
- Scalp lacerations, contusions, and abrasions are painful but usually not life-threatening.
- Contusions, abrasions, and lacerations to the face and hands are usually serious but not lethal.
Understanding the potential for such severe injuries underscores the importance of seeking legal help to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, seek legal assistance, like a pedestrian injury attorney in Los Angeles. It is crucial to ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation and support.
How Can A Pedestrian Injury Attorney in Los Angeles Help
While engaging a personal injury attorney is not required when claiming emotional distress or pain and suffering, insurance companies frequently dismiss these claims without legal assistance. An expert pedestrian injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help ensure that your entire narrative is told, including the physical and emotional consequences of your injuries. They can help you uncover all potential claims and get fair recompense for both monetary and emotional damages. This includes medical expenses, lost pay, and the emotional toll of losing your previous standard of living.
If you’ve been wounded in a pedestrian accident, you should speak with a Los Angeles attorney as soon as possible. In California, you have two years after the accident to initiate a personal injury case. If a loved one died in a pedestrian accident, you have two years to file a wrongful death claim. Missing these dates may jeopardize your right to reimbursement. A pedestrian injury lawyer in Los Angeles can assist you manage these legal requirements and file your lawsuit on time.
Kirakosian Law: Your Pedestrian Attorney in Los Angeles
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, reach out to Kirakosian Law for a free consultation. There’s no obligation to hire us, and you only pay if we win your case. At Kirakosian Law, we understand firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a serious pedestrian injury. We are dedicated to providing you with compassionate and respectful support throughout the entire legal process. You can count on us to stand by your side every step of the way.
Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys have decades of experience in securing the financial compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today to get the help you need.