Fountain Valley Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Fountain Valley has busy streets and intersections like many other cities in Orange County. The traffic in these streets can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians if motorist do not drive with caution. Unfortunately, pedestrians don't have the same protection that drivers and passengers of vehicles can count on to protect them.
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, it is the pedestrian who suffers catastrophic or fatal injuries and often these injuries tend to result in life-changing or permanent injuries. For these victims, it can become a struggle to get through each day as they struggle physically, emotionally and financially.
If you have become a victim in this type of accident, call Bisnar Chase Fountain Valley Personal Injury Lawyers now at949-203-3814 for your free consultation.
Fountain Valley Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 12 were injured in Fountain Valley pedestrian accidents recently. Throughout Orange County, 32 people were killed as well and 770 were injured in pedestrian accidents.
What Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
There are a number of reasons why pedestrian accidents occur. Some of the most common causes of Fountain Valley pedestrian accidents include:
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Motorists who run red lights and stop signs can cause devastating injuries when they collide with a pedestrian who is crossing the roadway. In such cases, a skilled car accident attorney may have to review the police report, intersection cameras or eyewitness accounts to prove that the driver violated California law by failing to stop for a stop sign or red light.
- Failure to Yield: Pedestrians who are safely walking on the sidewalk often make the mistake of assuming that they are out of harm's way. Unfortunately, many motorists tend to overlook pedestrians as they are backing up or pulling out of a private driveway. Motorists who are turning from the roadway into a private driveway must yield to pedestrians as well. Under California law, pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way. Drivers must remain alert and drive with due care and caution as they approach crosswalks. If there is a pedestrian in a crosswalk, motorists are required to stop and yield the right of way until it is safe to proceed.
- Jaywalking: Not all pedestrian accidents result from driver negligence. There are many collisions that occur because the pedestrian runs or walks into the path of vehicles. Pedestrians have a responsibility to walk only in designated areas. However, even when a pedestrian is outside a crosswalk, if he or she is struck by a driver who is driving negligently, then, the driver can be held liable. This is true particularly in cases where the driver could have avoided striking the pedestrian by exercising due care.
- Reckless Driving: Drivers who are exceeding the speed limit, driving while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol have a greater chance of striking a pedestrian. In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held criminally responsible for their actions by the authorities and financially responsible for the accident if the victim files a personal injury claim.
- Dangerous Roadways and Intersections: There are certain roadways and intersections that are poorly designed and therefore pose significant hazards to pedestrians. If a pedestrian accident is caused by a dangerous roadway or intersection, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway can be held liable for the injuries and damages. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident, under California Government Code Section 911.2.
Proving Fault in a Pedestrian Case
Determining liability for a crash is not always an easy process but it is necessary to receive compensation for your injuries.
If the driver, for example, is arrested for driving under the influence, then the injured pedestrian's case may be bolstered by the criminal charges. If, however, the driver does not even face a traffic citation for the collision, then, the victim will have to rely on an investigation.
In some cases, the police report can aid the victim in proving the specifics of the crash. Eyewitness accounts of the collision can prove useful as well. In some cases, it may be possible to review security or surveillance tapes from nearby buildings to show how an accident occurred.
The best way to solidify your claim is to seek medical attention immediately after you have exchanged contact information with the parties involved. Having a medical record of any injuries you have sustained will help you and your attorney seek compensation for your injuries.
If the person(s) in questions took off, this is considered a hit-and-run accident and is illegal. Call Fountain Valley police immediately and report this immediately. If you got a license plate, tell them this information first. if you cannot remember this information, describe the car and driver to the best of your ability to the police and be sure to note the direction and street they took off on.
Getting Fair Compensation for Your Injuries
An experienced Fountain Valley pedestrian accident lawyer can help you,the victim, prove who caused the crash and whether negligence was involved. In cases involving wrongdoing or negligence, monetary support may be available for medical bills, hospitalization fees, lost wages and other related damages.
The knowledgeable accident injury attorneys at Bisnar Chase have a long and successful track record of helping injured victims and their families obtain fair compensation for their losses over the past 35 years in Orange County and surrounding areas with a 96% success rate. If you are injured, don't wait. We urge you to call us now.
