Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Hardly anyone expects to be injured when performing a task as simple as walking. However, accidents happen all the time and all it takes is the right combination of distraction and negligence. If you have been hit by a vehicle, pay attention to the following:

To avoid injury, be vigilant as you walk.  Always use a crosswalk instead of crossing the street haphazardly. Studies show most accidents involving pedestrians happen at non-intersection locations or non-marked spots. If you know you are going to be walking at night, wear reflective gear. Drivers cannot always see a person walking in the dark until the vehicle is too close and too late.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• Always use the designated walking areas
• Walk facing traffic if you do not have a sidewalk
• Stay alert – avoid focusing on your phone or using headphones
• Never assume a driver sees you
• Be visible and wear reflective gear, if possible
• Consider taking a rideshare if you are under the influence

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Always assume pedestrians are nearby
• Never pass a car that was stopped in front of you. They could be letting a pedestrian pass that you cannot see. 
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs 
• Drive the speed limit. Increased speed is a major factor in over half of the accidents involving pedestrians.
• Stay focused in school zones and neighborhoods

Next Steps if You’ve Been Injured as a Pedestrian

1. Immediately following impact, move as little as possible. 
2. Let the medics record your injuries. Do not assume you know what is injured on your body.
3. Let the police record details of the accident. 
4. Ask for copies of all reports. 
5. If possible, get the name and insurance information of the driver who hit you. 
6. Provide all of this information to an attorney so that he or she can begin building a case for you. 

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, hire a lawyer to assist with the claim to get you the most compensation possible. You can recover expenses such as medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering from the at fault driver. 

At Amicus Legal Group, we have 20 years of experience handling accident claims. If you have been injured, give us a call at (888) 588-1777 to see how we might be able to help.