Who is Liable for My Fresno Pedestrian Accident?
In any California accident involving a pedestrian and a motor vehicle, it’s vital to be able to determine who was at fault and to what degree. Fresno and all of California have right-of-way laws to protect pedestrians and could prove that the driver is liable for your or your loved one’s injuries.
In California, the driver of a motor vehicle has to yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing the road within a marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Fresno?
In a California pedestrian accident, you must be able to show that the motor vehicle driver was negligent. Driver negligence can include, but may not be limited to:
- Speeding
- Driving while tired
- Distracted Driving – such as using a cellphone, or other device
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Reckless driving
What Are the Most Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents in Fresno?
Being a pedestrian, you are at a disadvantage if you are involved in a Fresno accident with a motor vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers have improved their safety features such as seat belts, crash avoidance systems, the fact remains that as a pedestrian, you are unprotected from the impact of a motor vehicle.
If you or a loved one is involved in a Fresno, California pedestrian accident, you could suffer serious injuries that include, but may not be limited to:
- Broken Bones
- Internal Bleeding – including a brain bleed
- Leg and Knee Injuries
- Nerve Damage
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Torn Ligaments
- Severe Cuts and/or Lacerations
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Death
How severe your or your loved one’s injuries are will depend on how fast the motor vehicle was going, the angle of impact, the part(s) of your body hit, the design of the motor vehicle, and the location of your Fresno pedestrian accident occurs.
What Kind of Damages Can I Recover in a Fresno, California Pedestrian Accident?
It can be difficult to come up with an exact dollar amount for your California pedestrian accident because every accident is different. This is why it is vital that you contact one of the skilled and knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyers at AttorneyJeff Car Accident Lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
We can evaluate the circumstances and facts surrounding your individual Fresno pedestrian accident case and help you receive monetary compensation for such things as:
- Hospital Bills
- Rehabilitation
- Lost Wages and/or Future Wages
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Medical Expenses both past and present
- Pain and Suffering
All of the above items need to be investigated in order to determine the value of your or your loved one’s California pedestrian accident case. Additionally, we can help determine who is liable for your injuries.
What Kind of Evidence is Needed in a Fresno, California Pedestrian Accident?
In a California pedestrian accident, it is important to gather the proper evidence to help build the strongest case possible. Some of the evidence we will gather can include, but not be limited to:
- Witness Statements
- Photographs of the Accident Scene
- Information from the Drivers
- Video Evidence – in certain cases
Our Fresno, California pedestrian accident lawyers have handled many pedestrian accident claims and know that often the driver of the motor vehicle will attempt to blame the pedestrian for the accident. However, because of our experience, we will be able to assist you in gathering the evidence needed to prove liability.
How Much Time Do I Have in California to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
As soon as possible after your Fresno, California pedestrian accident, you should get medical attention, even if you don’t believe you were seriously injured. It is also vital that you consult with our pedestrian accident lawyers as soon as possible after your accident.
The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, states that an injured pedestrian has two years to file a claim against anyone who may have been liable for their accident. If your lawsuit is not filed within the two-year period, the California courts may dismiss your case because it was filed outside of the California statute of limitations.
If your Fresno, California pedestrian accident was caused by a dangerous or defective road, the city or government agency responsible for maintaining the road could be held responsible for your injuries.
Any California personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within six (6) months of your accident according to the California Government Code Section 911.2.
Do I Need A California Attorney for My Pedestrian Accident in Fresno?
If you or a loved one is injured in a California pedestrian accident, it is best to hire a skilled and knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney who understands how to navigate the court system and is skilled at dealing with insurance companies.
The Fresno, California pedestrian accident lawyers at AttorneyJeff Car Accident Lawyer are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. We will talk to you about the individual set of circumstances in your Idaho pedestrian case and advise you on the next steps that need to be taken. We also know the proper experts to use in order to convince a California judge or jury that you are entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries so you can move forward with your life.