You should not have to worry about your safety while walking. Even in areas where cars and trucks travel frequently, you should feel secure crossing the street, navigating a parking lot, or walking on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, cars occasionally strike pedestrians, and the resulting harm can be catastrophic.
If a motor vehicle recently struck you while you were walking, you can face challenges affecting your health and future that may be difficult to manage without a personal injury attorney. Fortunately, a compassionate and knowledgeable Visalia pedestrian accident lawyer is here to guide you through this difficult time.
Types of Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents
When a car strikes a person, substantial injuries are likely to occur because the body cannot withstand the force of a multi-ton automobile. At any speed, a car or truck can cause life-threatening harm to a person on foot. The resulting physical injuries can permanently change how victims live their lives and may include:
- Broken bones that can limit mobility and function
- Head injuries, such as concussions and brain trauma, that can cause cognitive difficulties
- Back and neck injuries, including herniated discs, sprains, and spinal cord injuries, that can cause paralysis
- Internal organ trauma
- Cuts, contusions, bruises, and lacerations
- Crush injuries
- Anxiety and depression
- Pain and suffering
Sadly, some pedestrians may suffer fatal injuries when a motor vehicle strikes them. If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash, our compassionate attorneys could help you pursue damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. A Visalia attorney could review the evidence in a pedestrian collision case and help you hold the responsible parties legally accountable.
What Happens if You Were Partly Responsible for the Accident?
Liability after a pedestrian accident is not always clear because the pedestrian sometimes shares blame. For instance, you might worry about your chances of a successful lawsuit if you crossed outside an available crosswalk, jaywalked, or walked in the road rather than on an available sidewalk. Fortunately, California courts operate under a pure comparative negligence standard, meaning you can still seek damages even if you shared some or most of the blame. However, the court can reduce your damages based on your percentage of blame. For example, if you crossed without using an available crosswalk, a court may find you 40 percent at fault and a driver who ran a red light 60 percent at fault. You can then receive 60 percent of your total damages.
Navigating comparative fault in these cases can be confusing, which is why it is essential to work with an attorney who has experience handling pedestrian crash claims in Visalia.
Contact a Visalia Attorney for Help With a Pedestrian Crash Case
If a car strikes you, you may suffer devastating injuries. Fortunately, our well-versed local attorneys know how to help you pursue the compensation you need.
Contact a dedicated Visalia pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm today to discuss your case.