Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Attorney
As one the winningest personal injury law firms in California, Alpha Accident Lawyers has helped countless clients overcome their personal injury accidents, and during such times, we have witnessed first-hand how these accidents impact clients’ livelihoods.
The physical and emotional toll pedestrian accidents have on victims is undoubtedly terrible, which is why we have made it our priority to help victims of these accidents obtain the compensation they are deservedly owed.
Pedestrian accidents are certainly delicate and the risk of losing these types of cases can be severe, making legal representation not just a recommendation, but a necessity. However, an injured pedestrian should not just sign with a personal injury law firm. Instead, they must invest in a law firm that specializes in car accident cases involving pedestrians.
With a 99% success rate, Alpha Accident Lawyers has evolved into one of the top pedestrian accident law firms throughout California. If you suffered severe injuries as a result of a negligent driver, we encourage you to speak with our Sacramento personal injury lawyer us as soon as possible. We offer a free consultation to get started; schedule yours today.
START YOUR FREE CONSULTATIONUnderstanding the Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
When a negligent party is the cause of someone else’s pain and suffering, then that victim is entitled to compensation.
Based on the state’s population, as well as the abundance of foot traffic in the Northern California area, pedestrian accidents occur much too frequently. Some of the most common causes of these accidents are often related to the following:
- Aggressive driving: running red lights, running stop signs
- Distracted driving: cell phone usage, texting, talking to passengers
- Driving under the influence: alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs
- Lack of visibility: weather conditions, time of day
- Not following traffic laws: speeding, not yielding at crosswalks, making illegal turns
Every personal injury accident is unique and may have been caused by many different reasons. Schedule a free case assessment, so our legal team at Alpha can investigate your case and provide details on your legal options.
Why Hire Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
After an accident, injured victims may be overwhelmed and confused about what to do next. Working with pedestrian accident attorneys from Alpha Accident Lawyers removes uncertainty, replacing it with confidence in how to approach a personal injury case. From around-the-clock aid to our gold-standard service, we offer insight into the most advantageous options for each client’s personal needs and interests.
Additionally, our Sacramento pedestrian accident attorneys will take on the responsibility of gathering evidence. Not only does this alleviate injured victims of having to obtain the information themselves, but it will also strengthen the case, as knowledgeable attorneys know what will be the most pertinent. Evidence can include photos from the accident scene, video surveillance from street cameras, diagnoses from medical records, and police reports.
Assistance in Recovering Economic Damages and Non-Economic Damages
One of the best ways a pedestrian accident attorney will benefit a case is when it comes to negotiations. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out full and fair compensation, even when their clients are entirely at fault.
Common pedestrian injuries can range from traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord injuries to broken bones. In such an accident, the victim should be properly compensated, and the final settlement should account for current and future medical bills, lost wages, and any other anticipated expenses. For traffic accidents involving pedestrian fatalities, surviving family members can be compensated with a wrongful death claim.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies and fight for the compensation that victims and their families deserve.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Laws in Sacramento, CA
Defining who qualifies as a pedestrian is an area that causes much confusion. Similarly, the “right of way” concept is not generally understood by many motorists, putting pedestrians at great risk for serious injury.
Because of the ever-changing laws surrounding pedestrians and crosswalks, it is essential to work with an attorney who has experience managing motor vehicle-related claims. Our Sacramento pedestrian accident attorneys investigate every case to confirm these details, as it will be necessary in proving fault.
A pedestrian is considered anyone traveling on foot or using a mobility device, like a wheelchair. However, those riding a bicycle or motorized scooter would not be considered a pedestrian. This matters because different traffic laws apply to each group.
In recent years, the law stated that pedestrians should only make street crossings at a marked crosswalk. However, the latest revision under the Freedom to Walk Act in California gives pedestrians the right to cross without a crosswalk, granted it is “reasonably safe” to do so.
While there may be some grey areas regarding the newly established law, it certainly affects whether or not pedestrians could be found at fault for their own injuries following accidents with motor vehicles. A pedestrian accident lawyer can clarify these details and offer the best resolution.
How Alpha Investigates Pedestrian Accident Cases
Alpha Accident Lawyers is meticulously strategic in our approach to investigating pedestrian accidents. With a 99% success rate and millions recovered in settlements, our methods have proved to be effective. When we accept a case, our process consists of the following steps:
- Meeting with the client to gather precise details about the accident, as well as collecting any evidence in his or her possession, such as accident scene photos
- Inspecting the accident scene to gauge the overall conditions of the roadway, crosswalks, traffic signs, street lights, or other factors that may have contributed to the accident
- Obtaining and reviewing police reports and other records relevant to the case, such as medical records and insurance policies
- Interviewing witnesses for firsthand accounts of the accident and collaborating with accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, to assist with the investigation
Based on our findings and analysis, we can develop a case strategy against the other party, proving why the financial recovery amount is valid.
How to Prove Fault in a Pedestrian Accident Case
To settle any type of personal injury case, it must be determined that the other party exhibited negligent behavior, which led to the accident. There are four legal elements that prove negligence:
- The driver owed the pedestrian a duty of care to safely operate the vehicle
- The duty of care was breached
- The breach caused the pedestrian accident
- The pedestrian accident caused damages
Proving negligence through the court system is more complex than some may realize. A single misstep can dramatically alter the outcome of a settlement. For a professional legal opinion, contact Alpha Accident Lawyers and schedule a free case evaluation.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Accident
Pedestrian accident victims often face a number of difficulties when dealing with the at-fault party's insurance company. For instance, insurance companies are known to minimize or deny valid personal injury claims to save the business money, regardless of validity.
They will also attempt delay-tactics in hopes that the injured party will settle for less or just give up and drop the personal injury claim entirely. They accomplish this by making unnecessary requests, demanding multiple medical evaluations, and drawing out the claims process.
Most concerning, insurance adjusters are trained to phrase questions in a manner that prompts an open-ended response, making it appear that the victim is actually at fault for the accident. For example, an insurance adjuster may inquire about the color of clothing worn and the time of day when the accident occurred, as most pedestrian accidents can be linked to a lack of visibility after dusk.
When discussing a pedestrian accident claim with the insurance company, always be wary of sharing information. However, legal representation prevents insurers from taking advantage, as a pedestrian accident attorney is a liaison between their clients and the insurance companies.
Understanding Pedestrian Rights
To protect the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers on the road, those operating a motor vehicle should remain attentive and abide by California’s traffic laws.
Therefore, cars are always required to yield to people crossing the street, regardless if they are at a marked or unmarked intersection. Conversely, pedestrians must also take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents. Some key safety tips include:
- Obeying laws by using marked crosswalks when available and avoiding crossing unmarked crosswalks at busy intersections
- Remaining aware of surroundings and paying attention to potential hazards, like speeding drivers
- Wearing bright or reflective clothing to improve visibility, especially when walking at night
If a Pedestrian Is At Fault for the Accident...
California is an at-fault state, meaning that all liable parties will be held accountable for their role in a personal injury accident, including injured pedestrians who also happen to be the plaintiffs seeking damages.
However, the state’s comparative negligence laws will also allow a liable plaintiff to recover partial damages. When reviewing the case, the courts will assign a percentage of fault to each involved party. The plaintiff’s percentage will be deducted from the final award.
For example, if found 10% liable, then the plaintiff will be able to recover 90% of damages. Although plausible, it will be difficult to prove that the other party was predominantly liable–another reason why it will be advantageous to discuss this type of case with a qualified legal professional.
ZERO Upfront Legal Fees
Statistically speaking, working with personal injury attorneys not only increases the odds of winning a case, but the financial award increases significantly, as well.
At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our pedestrian accident attorneys help clients understand all of the available legal options, so they will be confident in choosing the best selection.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, so we are not compensated until our clients are. Additionally, our law firm never charges for a case that does not produce a maximum award. Simply put, if we don't win, you don't pay.
If you were injured in an accident, our dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers will protect your rights through the whole legal process and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
START YOUR FREE CONSULTATIONContact Alpha Accident Lawyers in Sacramento, CA
Address: 1201 J St., Suite 337 Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone Number: (916) 926-0036
Email: [email protected]
*In-person office meetings by appointment only
