Riverside Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Riverside Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Bisnar Chase are ready to fight and win your case no matter how difficult your case becomes, our team never gives up.
Riverside has many busy streets and intersections that can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians. Unfortunately, pedestrians don't have the same safety devices and a steel frame 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.
In fact, pedestrian accidents often 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 Riverside Personal Injury Lawyers now at 951-530-3711. Our dedicated attorneys and staff go the extra mile for each and every client because we know that you count on us during this challenging and difficult time in your life.
We are here to help you. Please reach out to us for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation about your pedestrian accident. The call could be the difference between thousands of dollars owed to you as a victim.
What Leads to a Pedestrian Accident
The following factors can put you and other pedestrians in harms way:
- Intoxicated Drivers
- Drivers Who Ignore Traffic Laws and Lights
- Negligent Bus Drivers and Truck Drivers
- Drivers Who Ignore the Right-Away of Pedestrians
Sometimes it may be hard to predict which drivers on the road will pose a threat to your safety, however, staying proactive and keeping an eye out for warning signs may prove to protect you when you are walking the streets.
Types of Drivers Pedestrians Should Look Out For
Drivers who are distracted or on edge may pose a threat to you safety. If a driver is looking down at their lap at a stop light, odds are they are utilizing their electronic device. This practice is now illegal under California law as well. Even if their phone is fasten to their dashboard as the law dictates, a driver that is taking time to check their mobile device will have less of a chance to notice you on the sidewalk.
If you can make eye contact with the driver and establish your presence on the road, it may be safe to cross the street legally at the given time. However, in some cases, it might just be better to wait until this driver passes the intersection If you feel this driver is a legitimate threat to drivers and pedestrians (the driver appears to be intoxicated), call 911 immediately and let the dispatcher know the details of your situation and the driver's license plate number if possible.
In other instances, a driver can be distracted by playing music in their car at a volume that impairs their ability to drive safe and make safe decisions concerning the road that they are on. Playing music at a loud volume is legal to a certain degree, however, if the music is too loud and prevents the driver from navigating the road safely, that driver is strongly encouraged to turn down their music.
Emotional distress can also play a role in a pedestrian accident. If a driver is experiencing road rage, it is recommended that you distance yourself from that driver until that driver passes. In addition, if you feel this driver is driving recklessly or is an overall threat to the road, you are on again encouraged to call 911 and report this.
Emotional distress can also come in the form of sadness. Sometimes, life can affect a driver in ways they can not foresee. For example, say a driver just got news that a loved one past away. This driver may be so distraught, they might be focused more on their sad thoughts than on the road that they are navigation. In addition, the same driver may begin to cry and this may alter the driver's vision, causing them to swerve into something or someone.
Finally, a fatigued driver can pose just a great of a threat to the road as a drunk driver. Drivers may become tired due to the demands of their work or these drivers may have a long day in general. Regardless, it is the responsibility of the driver to know if they are awake and energized enough to safely operate a motorized vehicle. If this is not the case, the driver must make accommodations to regain strength and alertness before driving on the road again. Failure to do so will most likely lead to lead punishment for becoming a hazard to the road.
Pedestrian Accident Prevention
The best way to avoid serious pedestrian injuries is to use caution each and every day. If you are walking, obey the law and only cross when and where it is safe to do so.
Never dart into traffic or enter the roadway from between two parked cars where oncoming drivers may not see you. Instead, cross at intersections and in crosswalks when you have the right of way. You would also be well advised to wear bright clothing, make eye contact with nearby drivers and carry a flashlight when walking at night.
Serious Injuries Suffered in Riverside Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians often suffer permanent disabilities even in relatively low-speed collisions. When struck by a car, pedestrians can be thrown on to the hard asphalt or slammed on to the windshield of the vehicle.
They may suffer injuries such as head trauma, broken bones and road rash from being dragged by a vehicle. These types of injuries require immediate medical attention, but the expenses related to those injuries do not end any time soon.
Recovering After Your Pedestrian Accident
Sustaining a serious injury can turn a victim's entire life upside down. Some victims are forced to miss work while others are never again able to reach their full earning potential.
After leaving the hospital, victims of traumatic injuries such as concussions and spinal cord injuries often require physical and occupational therapy.
They may experience significant changes in their physical and cognitive abilities. Some victims even have to modify their homes by installing wheelchair ramps and additional railings. These types of life changes are not cheap and they can prove taxing for the victim and his or her family.
If you are ever involved in a Riverside pedestrian accident, it's necessary to act quickly.
If you are injured, get to a safe place and call the authorities. Wait at the location for emergency responders and exchange information with the driver and other parties involved. Get the involved party's phone number, name, license plate, address and insurance information.
You should also write down the contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident.
If you have a cell phone, start taking photos and documenting right away. You should get a wide-angle shot of the whole crash site as well as close-up photos of the vehicle, skid marks and injuries.
It is also advisable to write down everything you remember about the crash. Details can get lost when your adrenaline is pumping. Take a deep breath and write down everything you remember about the crash as soon as possible, when your memory is at its freshest.
After speaking with the police, seek medical attention. Not only will seeing a doctor right away increase your chances of a full recovery, but it will also help document your injuries and the treatment received. This can be useful if you need to prove the severity of your injuries later.
Last but not least, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Riverside to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
What is My Claim Worth?
Victims of pedestrian accidents could file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you have been injured, financial compensation may be available for all of the financial and emotional losses you have suffered.
Negligent drivers can be held accountable for medical bills, lost wages, the cost of rehabilitation services, pain and suffering, permanent injuries and emotional distress. An experienced injury lawyer can help you understand what your claim is worth and how you could go about pursuing fair compensation for your losses.
Call Bisnar Chase Pedestrain Accident Lawyers Today
Bisnar Chase has been representing Riverside accident victims for over 39 years. We have collected over $500 Million in compensation and we may be able to help you too. Call us now at 951-530-3711 for a Free Consultation.