Liability in Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Cases

Determining fault for a pedestrian accident can be complex. A lawyer could help clients evaluate liability in Los Angeles pedestrian accident cases and file claims to recover compensation for their injuries.

Our attorneys at CD Law take a hands-on, personable approach to understand and advocate for their clients’ goals properly. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we only receive payment after winning or settling your case. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation and learn more about liability in pedestrian accident cases.

Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Owners of motor vehicles are generally liable for the injury or death they cause to another person through the negligent operation of their vehicle. Many different circumstances and wrongful acts could establish a party’s liability for causing a Los Angeles pedestrian accident. For example, the following acts could be a violation of the state’s traffic rules:

• Failing to yield at crosswalks
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Failing to yield when driving over or upon sidewalks
• Passing a vehicle that is yielding to a pedestrian

Pedestrians could also have a role in contributing to the cause of an accident. Vehicle Code Section 21954 affirms a pedestrian’s obligation to use due care for their safety when entering a roadway and to yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles to avoid an immediate hazard.

Pedestrians who act negligently in causing an accident may be held liable for the resulting injuries to other persons. In addition, a jury may reduce the compensation recoverable from other negligent parties in the accident in proportion to their percentage of fault under the comparative fault rule in Civil Code Section 1714.

Filing a Lawsuit To Recover Compensation

A person injured in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident could file claims against a liable party’s insurance policy in addition to filing a claim in court. Filing a civil lawsuit starts a formal legal process to recover compensation for damages. Our attorneys guide clients through every stage of the case and advocate for their right to pursue compensation.

We begin each case with an investigation to evaluate fault and determine which parties to name in the lawsuit. After filing the claim, the case may continue to pre-trial matters, including discovery and settlement negotiations. If a settlement is not possible, the case continues to trial where a jury considers the facts and issues a judgment on liability in the pedestrian accident case.

The amount of compensation an injured person recovers in a pedestrian accident may depend on the unique circumstances of their case. In addition to issues of comparative fault, the severity of a person’s injury and its impact on their life may determine their compensation.

A person’s occupation, age, family relationships, hobbies, and other factors could all be relevant to the calculation of damages. Common examples of damages to claim in a pedestrian accident case could include costs for medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses to your enjoyment of life.

Contact an Attorney To Discuss Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases in Los Angeles

The deadline to pursue compensation against someone for liability in Los Angeles pedestrian accident cases is two years under Code Section 335.1. It is important to file a lawsuit in a timely manner with the help of an attorney to preserve your right to your claim. You could schedule a free case evaluation by contacting CD Law today.