Glendale Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian Accident Injuries

While every accident is unique in its circumstances, pedestrian accidents commonly cause the following types of injuries:

• Head and brain injuries: These can range From mild concussions to severe brain damage.
• Spinal cord injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis and loss of body function at and below the impacted area.
• Fractures and broken bones: Multiple broken bones often require extensive surgery and rehabilitation.
• Soft tissue injuries: These can include tears, sprains, and bruising, which may not be immediately apparent.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening.

Pedestrian accidents not only involve alarming rates of physical injury but also carry significant emotional and psychological harm to the victims and their families. The sudden and violent nature of these incidents can leave individuals with lasting mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. 

These effects often require long-term psychological support and therapy to overcome, further emphasizing the profound impact of pedestrian accidents beyond the immediate physical harm.

In addition to personal suffering, the cost of emergency care, prolonged hospital stays, specialized surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments can quickly accumulate, leading to financial strain. This is compounded by the potential loss of income if the injuries result in extended time away from work or permanent disability, making it difficult for victims to sustain their livelihood.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Typical causes of pedestrian accidents include driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving (e.g., texting), failure to yield at crosswalks, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Poorly designed intersections and a lack of proper pedestrian pathways also contribute to these accidents.

Potential Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Victims of pedestrian accidents and their families can seek various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in the case of fatal accidents, wrongful death. However, these claims can be complicated due to many factors, including the complex nature of injuries that may not manifest fully until days or weeks after the incident.

The Complexity of Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims

Pedestrian accident claims involve establishing liability and accurately assessing the full extent of the damages. Determining fault in these cases often involves an intricate analysis of traffic laws, the actions of the pedestrian and the driver leading up to the accident, and environmental factors that may have contributed to the incident. 

Insurers may attempt to devalue or outright deny fair compensation by arguing that you contributed to the accident, accusing you of negligence, such as jaywalking or crossing against a traffic signal. Additionally, insurance companies often scrutinize medical records and accident reports to minimize the perceived impact of injuries or to attribute them to pre-existing conditions. 

These challenges highlight the importance of thorough documentation and legal representation from attorneys familiar with the tactics that may be used against you in seeking and securing fair compensation for all damages suffered.