Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Have you been struck by a car as a pedestrian? Did a local motorist fail to heed a crosswalk sign or come to a complete stop at a red light?

Unfortunately, these kinds of accidents are all too common in the U.S. In fact, recent statistics show that as many as 60,000 pedestrians are involved in accidents each year, and at least 5,000 of them are killed.

As a major college town, Fullerton has its fair share of walkers, cyclists and other on-the-ground explorers who are at the mercy of vehicle operators. You don’t have to become a statistic, however. If you’ve been hit or terrorized by a negligent driver, you can file a lawsuit with a Fullerton pedestrian accident lawyer and receive compensation for your pain and suffering.

<b>Questions to Ask</b>

Before you get started, answer the following questions.

– How long ago was the accident?
– What kind of injuries did you sustain?
– Why was the driver at fault?
– What signs were nearby?
– How was traffic?
– Could you have done anything to prevent the collision?
– Have you ever filed a lawsuit like this before?

Your answers to these queries will help you and your lawyer determine what type of lawsuit to file, what court will hear your case, how much money you should seek, et cetera.

<b>Documentation to Gather</b>

Most pedestrian accidents leave a paper trail. You’ll need all these documents to build a case against a negligent driver. Here are just a few of the things you can use:

– Accident reports
– Hospital admittance records if you were seriously injured
– Insurance information from the driver
– Written request for video from nearby traffic cams

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run, you might have less paperwork to back your litigation, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get compensation out of the state itself. Talk to your lawyer about your options.

<b>Things to Consider</b>

In California, the statue of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. If this time limit has expired, you’ll need extenuating circumstances to still file a claim.

There are also different courts in California that hear pedestrian accident claims. If you only had a minor run-in with a careless motorist, you can take your troubles to the Small Claims Court, where the compensation limit is $5,000 but cases are heard quickly and without fuss. If you’re suing for anything more than $10,000, however, your case will go to the Superior Court. That’s where lawyers start pushing for settlements.

The legal system may be large and intimidating, but don’t let that stop you from seeking compensation to cover your medical bills and lost wages. If you’ve suffered a pedestrian accident in Fullerton, contact your local attorneys today.