Injured? You Deserve Compensation
Whether you drive, take public transportation or walk to work or school, just about everyone in West Covina is a pedestrian at some point of time each day. When it comes to an encounter between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle, the person on foot is usually on the losing end. More than 4,000 pedestrians are killed in traffic each year, and around another 70,000 more are injured, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another party, a skilled West Covina pedestrian accident lawyer can offer legal assistance to help ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Common Causes for Pedestrian Injuries
One pedestrian in the United States dies from injuries incurred in a traffic accident every two hours, according to the CDC. Older people and children are among the most vulnerable. Vehicles traveling at a high speed not only increase the likelihood of a pedestrian accident but multiply the chances of a serious injury tool. Alcohol impairment is reported in around 47 percent of pedestrian accidents that result in death. Distracted driving is also a leading contributor to pedestrian accidents. Improperly designed or maintained intersections lead to accidents as well.
California’s Comparative Negligence Rules
In California, if both the driver and the pedestrian have demonstrated negligence, an insurance company may assign blame for any injuries based on the comparative negligence of the parties. In most pedestrian accident cases in West Covina, the driver usually is at fault. Any person who fails to observe a reasonable standard of attention, care and safety while driving may be considered legally negligent when a collision between and motor vehicle and a pedestrian occurs.
A pedestrian who fails to follow traffic laws, however, can negligently contribute to the cause of the accident as well. In some situations, both the driver and pedestrian can be negligent. Some scenarios include negligent third parties, including vehicle manufacturing companies and municipalities. An experienced West Covina pedestrian accident lawyer can help you sort through the evidence to help make sure that all negligent parties are held responsible.
Filing a Claim for a Pedestrian Accident Injury
Pedestrian victims of traffic accidents are often left with debilitating injuries that can require extensive medical treatment and therapy. If you or someone close to you has been involved in a pedestrian-related accident, a West Covina pedestrian accident attorney will work to see that you are compensated for your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses, including compensation for your pain and suffering. To find out whether your case qualifies for a personal injury claim, contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in West Covina today.
