If you happen to be involved in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, chances are; you will need the services of an accident attorney for your legal needs. And, in the unfortunate event of injury, a knowledgeable accident attorney will help you expedite your recovery from injuries and damages.
Overview and Statistics
More than one in 10 auto accidents occurs in pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians account for 11 percent of all fatalities due to vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 70,000 pedestrians are killed in car crashes each year, a staggering 7% fatality rate.
Surprisingly, young children have the highest number of casualties in pedestrian crashes, while older adults are at the bottom.
The following are common causes of pedestrian accidents:
o Motorists failing to obey pedestrians’ right of way
o Speeding drivers
o Inattentive drivers
o Failing to obey traffic signals
o Ignoring traffic signs
o Driver failing to signal when changing lanes
o Motorists driving regardless of weather or traffic conditions
o drunk driving
Victims of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles may experience the following injuries:
o Fractures or fractures
o Permanent disability
o Temporary incapacity
o head injury
o Brain injuries and injuries
o Disfigured
o Mental pain and injury
o death
Filing a claim in a pedestrian accident case is a complex process that often involves a lot of work. To better understand the nature of this work, here’s how attorneys approach claims in pedestrian accident cases:
o Conduct investigations and complete paperwork
Initially, your attorney will hire an investigator to look into all aspects of the accident. He will collect witness statements and submit a report. If necessary, he will hire experts to determine the extent of the perpetrator’s fault in the accident. These will include gathering all necessary documents, reports and bills to support your claim. The lawyer will also make sure that special forms are completed by doctors and witnesses.
o Monitor your medical and care
If you do not have health insurance, your attorney will also monitor your medical situation and, if necessary, refer you to a health care provider who will treat you on a lien basis. After your treatment, your attorney will obtain a narrative report from the attending physician.
o Follow your newsletter
Your attorney will be responsible for communicating information to you via secure email, fax, letters, court documents and forms. These include letters from insurance companies and courts. He will also be responsible for responding to all letters and communications related to your case.
o Represent you in negotiations
An attorney will represent you in negotiating your claim with the insurance company. The process usually involves valuing your claim and submitting it to your insurance company. If the settlement is unsuccessful, your attorney will begin legal proceedings.
o Represent you in litigation
If a claim is not resolved, an attorney will act as your legal representative and help prepare your case for trial, mediation, or arbitration.
It’s one thing to be injured in a pedestrian accident; it’s another to file a claim for your injuries. But when trying to recover from loss and damage, it’s best to leave matters to a personal injury attorney with experience handling pedestrian accident cases.
