Experienced and Trusted Pedestrian Accident Law Firm

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Escondido

Escondido Attorneys Represent Victims Injured in Pedestrian Accidents

Going for a walk should be simple and relaxing. Maybe you regularly walk to and from work to save on fuel. No matter the reason, we know that the last thing on your mind when you set out on foot is getting hurt. Urban areas, particularly busy cities, see a higher rate of pedestrian accidents due to increased foot traffic and congested roadways. The risk is intensified at night and in poor weather conditions when visibility is reduced.

But what happens if a reckless driver causes you harm? If you need an Escondido pedestrian accident lawyer, Eugene Bruno & Associates is ready to help. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Our law firm is a Better Business Bureau-accredited business with an A rating. Eugene Bruno has also been recognized by Expertise as the Best Car Accident Lawyer and Personal Injury Lawyer in San Diego.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a FREE consultation today.

What Are Considered Serious Pedestrian Injuries in Escondido?

The amount of pedestrians injured in California each year is rising. For the latest reporting year, 14,215 pedestrians were injured in vehicle accidents.

These are not regular accidents. A pedestrian has almost zero protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into it. The human body was not built to withstand that kind of impact, and pedestrian accident victims are lucky if they walk away with minor scrapes and bruises. Often, there are major injuries:

• Broken or dislocated bones
• Major lacerations
• Internal organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

For many of these injuries, lengthy hospital stays, surgery, and rehabilitation are all necessary to regain full motor function. As an example, the cost of a spinal cord injury can be over a million dollars for the first year of care.

These injuries also often leave the victim with permanent disabilities that prevent them from returning to work or living their lives like before. Questions about being able to support their families arise.

How Do Negligent Drivers Injure Pedestrians?

Reckless drivers are often the cause of pedestrian accidents. Often, it is slow-speed crashes that cause harm. If a pedestrian is walking through a parking lot and a driver is not paying attention while backing out of a parking space, they can run over and pin someone underneath the vehicle.

Distracted drivers are a threat to everyone on the roadway, especially pedestrians. If a driver is texting on their phone, looking at themselves in the mirror, or trying to get something from the back seat, it will be difficult for them to react in time to a pedestrian.

DUI drivers, those under the influence of alcohol or drugs, pose a serious risk to pedestrians due to their diminished judgment and reduced reaction time. Such impaired drivers have no business behind the wheel. DUI-related accidents account for a significant portion of pedestrian fatalities and injuries every year.

What Are Pedestrian Accident Liability Laws in California?

In California, a pedestrian has the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections with traffic signals. Pedestrians also have a duty to act responsibly, such as following traffic signals and not suddenly leaving a curb and rushing into the path of a vehicle.

Drivers are required to exercise reasonable care, such as yielding to pedestrians and not driving recklessly. When a motor vehicle crashes into a pedestrian, comparative fault is assessed. This means the actions of both the driver and pedestrian will be evaluated to determine liability. If a driver fails to use caution and this leads to an accident, they may be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries.

What Steps Should You Take After Being Involved in an Escondido Pedestrian Accident?

After a pedestrian accident, the top priority is to seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries — like nerve damage, whiplash, and internal bleeding — may not present immediate symptoms. Delaying medical treatment can be detrimental to one’s health and may also affect the outcome of a legal claim. Documenting your injuries is vital when pursuing legal action.

Filing a police report immediately after a pedestrian accident is another critical step. This provides an official account of the incident, including details about the parties involved, witness statements, and the officer’s observations. A police report can be invaluable for your attorney when it comes to establishing fault and liability.

Collecting evidence at the scene of a pedestrian accident will help protect your legal rights. If possible, take photographs of the accident location, including street signs, traffic signals, and any skid marks or debris. Capture images of your injuries and any damage to the vehicles involved.

It’s also important to collect contact information from witnesses, as their accounts can be crucial in reconstructing the events leading to the accident.

How Can You Deal with Escondido Insurance Companies Post-Accident?

An experienced Escondido car accident attorney plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the legal process. The right lawyer should be someone who communicates clearly and is responsive to your questions and concerns. They should be able to explain legal terminology easily, and they will also keep you informed throughout the process. It’s also important to choose a lawyer who operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.

Eugene Bruno & Associates will assess the accident, determine liability, and ensure that your rights are protected. We will also deal with the insurance companies — as our experienced trial attorneys have effective strategies for negotiating with insurance agents who seek to minimize payouts.

Insurance agents often pressure pedestrian accident victims into accepting an inadequate settlement offer. But our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of how insurance companies operate, and we’re always prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered. This shows the other side that we’re serious about getting you the compensation you deserve.

Were You Injured by a Driver While Walking in Escondido?

If a driver’s negligence behind the wheel has caused you harm, you need to seek legal assistance. When you have medical bills piling up and are unable to work, we know how stressful the situation can get.

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we want you to be able to focus on healing, not how to pay for all of your expenses. That is why we will take your case and recover the compensation you need. We will not stop at simply ensuring your medical expenses are paid. We want to make sure you get money for lost income as well. You can contact our Escondido personal injury lawyers for a free consultation by calling us at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688).