Need Consultancy? Request A Free Quote
Want to get in touch with us? We’d love to hear from you. Get an expert opinion today.
DELIVERING JUSTICE FOR MY CLIENTS
Placerville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Practice Areas
Placerville Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accidents are incidents involving a motor vehicle and a person on foot, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities. It is a significant public safety issue, and various factors can contribute to its cause. Efforts to prevent such accidents include enforcing traffic laws, improving infrastructure, and implementing education campaigns. The Placerville area is no exception to this, and its residents need a highly experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to fight for their rights if they have been involved in an accident.
At Kreeger Law Firm, we are experienced in handling these cases and can help you fight for compensation if you or your loved one has been injured in an accident. Our lawyers understand the complexity of your situation and will use their expertise to ensure that you receive the justice you deserve. We have a strong track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients. We will work diligently to investigate the cause of your accident and develop a comprehensive strategy to maximize your potential recovery. No matter what the circumstances of your accident were, we will ensure that you get the total compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Placerville
Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving. Using a cell phone or other electronic device while operating a vehicle can significantly decrease a driver’s ability to pay attention to their surroundings and react to any hazards.
- Failure to yield. Drivers may not always be aware of pedestrians crossing the street or may not be giving them the right of way at crosswalks or intersections.
- Poor visibility. Poor lighting or inclement weather can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly at night.
- Reckless or aggressive driving behaviors. Speeding, running red lights, or making illegal turns can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.
- Intoxication. Drivers and pedestrians under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to make mistakes that can lead to accidents.
- Pedestrians’ failure to follow traffic signals or use designated crossing areas. Pedestrians who disobey traffic signals or cross the street in non-designated areas increase the risk of accidents.
This only touches on the many potential causes of pedestrian accidents in Placerville. It emphasizes how many factors can contribute to a pedestrian accident and resulting injuries or fatalities.
Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident in Placerville
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. The type and amount of compensation you may receive will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Some of the types of compensation that may be available to you include:
- Medical expenses. You may be able to recover the cost of any medical treatment you received as a result of your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, and physical therapy. Additionally, any future medical treatment required due to the accident can also be included in the compensation claim.
- Lost wages. If you were unable to work because of your injuries, you might be able to recover lost wages or loss of earning capacity. This includes any income you would have earned had you not been injured and were still able to work.
- Pain and suffering. You may be able to receive compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the auto accident. This can include the cost of counseling or therapy for the emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Property damage. If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you might be able to receive compensation to repair or replace it. This can include any damages to your clothing, jewelry, or other personal property damaged or lost in the accident.
- Wrongful death. In case of fatal pedestrian accidents, family members of the deceased may be able to receive compensation for the loss of their loved one, including funeral expenses and loss of future income and companionship.
What Evidence Can Prove Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
Evidence that can prove fault in a pedestrian accident can include:
- Eyewitness testimony, which can provide insight into the actions of all parties involved leading up to the car crash. For example, eyewitnesses can provide information on factors such as traffic signals, the speed of the vehicle or motorcycle, and whether the driver appeared to be distracted.
- Surveillance footage, which can provide visual evidence of the accident, including the actions of the driver and the pedestrian. This footage can be used to determine traffic signals, vehicle speed, and both parties’ actions.
- Traffic cameras can provide objective evidence of the accident, including traffic signals, vehicle speed, and both parties’ actions.
- Accident reconstruction reports, which can provide detailed information about the accident, including the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and the actions of both parties leading up to the accident. These reports are often prepared by accident reconstruction experts.
- Police reports, which can provide official documentation of the accident, including information on the actions of both parties, any traffic violations, and any citations or charges that were issued.
- Medical reports, which can provide information on the injuries sustained by the pedestrian, including the severity of the injuries, the medical treatment required, and the prognosis for recovery.
- Cell phone records (if distracted walking is suspected), which can provide evidence that the pedestrian was using their phone at the time of the accident and may not have been paying attention to their surroundings.
- Skid marks or other physical evidence from the scene of the accident, which can be used to determine the speed of the vehicle and the actions of the driver leading up to the accident.
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists or other experts can provide valuable insight into the accident, including the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and the actions of both parties leading up to the accident.
It is important to note that to prove fault, it is necessary to demonstrate that the driver or another party had a duty of care to the pedestrian and that this duty of care was breached, causing the accident and resulting in injuries. All the above evidence can be used to establish the negligence of the driver and prove that the accident was a result of their actions or inactions.
Personal Injury Attorney FAQs
Q: Can I Claim Compensation as a Pedestrian?
A: Yes, as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to claim compensation if you have been involved in an accident caused by another party’s negligence. This can include compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To receive payment, you must demonstrate that the driver or another entity was responsible for ensuring your safety as a pedestrian and failed in this obligation, leading to the collision and any subsequent injuries.
Q: What Can I Do if the Driver Denies Fault?
A: If the driver denies responsibility for the accident, collect as much evidence as possible to prove that the driver was at fault. This can include any testimony, visual, or physical evidence from the scene of the accident, such as eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, traffic cameras, skid marks, and medical reports. This can discredit the driver’s claims and establish their responsibility for the accident.
Q: How Do I Know if My Claim Has a Good Chance of Success?
A: The chances of success in a pedestrian accident claim depend on the strength of the evidence available to prove fault. The stronger the evidence, the more likely you will have a successful claim. It is important to speak with an attorney who can review your case and advise you on the best course of action. They have the best knowledge to assess the strength of your claim and advise you on what steps need to be taken. If an aspect of your case appears vulnerable to challenge, they can prepare strategies to overcome this and strengthen your claim.
Q: How Much Do Accident Lawyers Charge in California?
A: Accident lawyers in California typically charge an hourly rate or a contingency fee based on a percentage of any recovered settlement or award. Discussing the fee structure with your attorney is important so you know what to expect. This is an appropriate conversation to have during your initial consultation. An experienced attorney will be able to estimate the likely cost of taking your case and working through any issues that arise. They can also explain any additional costs you may incur, such as filing or expert witness fees.
Contact Kreeger Law Firm Today for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Pedestrian accidents require an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can examine the evidence, investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and aggressively defend your rights. At Kreeger Law Firm, we understand the devastating nature of pedestrian accidents and are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. We are here to answer any questions you may have and provide advice tailored to your specific case.
