The Top Factors to Keep in Mind Before Hiring a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Because insurance companies want to minimize liability, which reduces payouts, it becomes very challenging for injured victims to recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to. This is where hiring an experienced local Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney proves to be the most effective. However, not all attorneys are equipped to deliver optimal results.
4 Tips for Finding the Best Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers for Your Case
When looking to find an attorney to represent you in a pedestrian accident case, consider the following tips.
1. Begin With Personal Referrals
Personal recommendations from friends, family, or even colleagues who have used a pedestrian accident lawyer can be very valuable. They can provide firsthand insights into their experience working with a local lawyer, including their satisfaction with the service and the outcome of their case.
However, ensure that the personal injury attorney they worked with did, in fact, specialize in California pedestrian accident cases. The filing processes and proving fault in other areas of tort law require a different area of expertise and vary from state to state.
2. Utilize Dedicated Review Platforms
Similar to the effectiveness of word-of-mouth recommendations, online recommendations can prove to be extremely helpful when searching for legal representation. This includes the following:
Review Sites
Reputable legal review websites like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and FindLaw offer valuable insights about a law firm’s performance from past and present clients. These reviews can illuminate an attorney’s effectiveness in handling similar pedestrian accident cases. Other review sites, like Yelp and Google, may also be helpful.
State Bar Directories
The State Bar of California maintains a directory of active and inactive personal injury lawyers who are licensed to practice law within the state. These profiles typically list an attorney’s educational background, licensing information, and any disciplinary history (if applicable). This information reassures an attorney’s qualifications and experience.
3. Expand Online Research
Similar to online reviews, search engines like Google and Bing can be leveraged to narrow down searches for local Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys.
Searching for specific keywords like “Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys” or “pedestrian accident law firm in LA County” can ensure that the populated results focus on attorneys in a nearby radius.
After developing a shortlist of candidates, visit each attorney’s website and evaluate it. Note professionalism, relevancy in the types of services offered, and client testimonials. The presented information will indicate whether or not an attorney is the best fit for a pedestrian accident claim.
4. Opt for a Consultation with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Following the initial research, schedule consultations with the most seemingly qualified Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers. During these consultations, inquire about the attorney’s experience handling personal injury cases, with a particular focus on pedestrian accidents.
This allows potential clients to assess legal expertise in the specific area relevant to the pedestrian accident case. Therefore, discuss expectations and how filing a pedestrian accident claim works.
The most reliable attorney should be able to openly speak to all questions, as the best client-attorney relationship is built on trust. Inquiries regarding case turnaround, legal fees, and strategy are common examples of questions that should be addressed.
The Main Benefits of Working with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accidents can be life-altering, as pedestrians are extremely vulnerable in motor vehicle collisions. While an injured pedestrian is entitled to financial compensation for suffered damages, insurance companies prioritize minimizing payouts instead of paying back what is fairly owed.
However, a skilled Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer can prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of injured pedestrians and strengthen a personal injury claim in the following ways:
- Protect Victims’ Rights: Safeguard from deceptive tactics that an insurance company may use to pressure victims into accepting inadequate settlements
- Expert Negotiating: Handle communication with the insurance company, ensuring negotiations prioritize a full and fair settlement
- Obtain Evidence: Proactive approach in securing witness statements, medical records, and any available surveillance footage from the accident scene as soon as possible
- Case Assessment: Careful evaluation of all suffered losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Advocacy Throughout the Process: Guidance through all stages, including case assessment, negotiations, and litigation if necessary
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Aggressively Pursue All Forms of Damages
Most pedestrian accidents have a profound and lasting impact on victims’ lives. Beyond the immediate physical injuries, these events can also trigger emotional and psychological distress. Regardless of how common certain injuries may be, pedestrian accident victims may seek financial compensation for all forms of damages.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures: These injuries often require surgery, casting, and lengthy rehabilitation, potentially impacting a victim’s ability to work and perform daily tasks.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The range of injuries can include whiplash, herniated discs, or even spinal cord damage, leading to chronic pain, mobility limitations, or even paralysis.
- Internal Organ Damage: The sudden impact of a pedestrian collision can damage vital organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen, potentially leading to lifelong health complications.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries can have long-term consequences affecting cognitive function, memory, and overall well-being.
- Permanent Scarring: Physical scars can affect a victim’s confidence and emotional well-being.
- Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities. Wrongful death lawsuits can be pursued to seek fair compensation from the at-fault party.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
The trauma of a pedestrian accident can also lead to significant emotional and psychological distress, such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
These conditions can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life and ability to cope with everyday activities or interests that were once enjoyed. This is why non-economic damages are also eligible for compensation in pedestrian accident claims.
If You Were Injured in a Pedestrian Accident, Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Law Firm Could Help
With our 99% success rate, Angeleno Accident Lawyers is equipped to help pedestrian accident victims recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to. Our dedicated legal team offers our expertise in the following areas:
1. Prove Liability on the Other Party
To hold a party liable for a pedestrian accident, negligence must be proven. This means the driver breached his or her duty of care by failing to act with caution. Pedestrian accidents occur often due to the negligence of motor vehicle drivers. Common examples of negligent actions in pedestrian accidents may involve:
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit violates traffic laws and increases the risk of accidents, especially involving pedestrians.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of substances like alcohol, drugs, or even fatigue significantly impairs reaction time and judgment.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, phone use, or any activity diverting attention from the road can lead to accidents.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers are legally obligated to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and designated areas.
- Disobeying Traffic Signals: Disregarding stop signs and red lights creates dangerous situations for pedestrians crossing intersections.
High-Traffic Areas in Los Angeles, CA
Busy roadways with heavy car and pedestrian traffic, like Rode Dr., Hollywood Blvd., and Sunset Blvd, require extra caution from drivers and pedestrians. However, this is not always the case, as Los Angeles County has experienced more fatal pedestrian accidents than any other county in the United States.
Our law firm conducts thorough investigations to identify negligent actions contributing to pedestrian accidents and deliver justice to our clients.
2. Advocate for the Maximum Settlement, Not Just the Simplest Solution
The emotional and physical strain of recovering from an accident can cloud judgment, leading some victims to accept inadequate settlement offers.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can be invaluable in these situations, fighting to improve the financial outcome through:
- Thoughtful Case Evaluation: They assess the full scope of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Compile Evidence: They build a strong case by collecting evidence like medical records, witness statements, and accident scene details.
- Aggressive Negotiations: They leverage their experience and legal expertise to negotiate a just settlement with the insurance company.
3. Consider Economic Damages and Non-Economic Damages
A successful pedestrian accident claim can help victims recover the financial losses and emotional toll caused by the car accident. Our California pedestrian accident attorneys will meticulously evaluate the full impact of the accident, taking the following into account:
- Medical Expenses: This covers everything from emergency room visits and surgeries to ongoing rehabilitation and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Accidents can cause missed work due to hospitalization and recovery, as well as permanent limitations impacting overall income, both present and future.
- Pain and Suffering: The emotional and psychological trauma associated with the accident is considered non-economic damages, and although more difficult to quantify, it can be factored into a fair settlement.
- Future Medical Costs: If injuries require ongoing treatment or surgeries, the settlement should account for these anticipated costs to ensure financial security for continued care.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for diminished earning potential over a lifetime can be considered for serious injuries that permanently limit the ability to work or earn prior income.
Contact Angeleno Accident Lawyers
Establishing liability in a pedestrian accident, especially accidents in Southern California, where traffic incidents are always in peak season, is a major challenge for many injured victims.
You do not have to go through this process alone. Our award-winning legal team at Angeleno Accident Lawyers is here to offer support and guidance.
Schedule a free consultation with our Los Angeles law offices so we may discuss your interests in detail.
