With a population of more than 90,000 residents, accidents are going to occur in and around Livermore. Some of those accidents involve pedestrian victims who have been hit by motor vehicles. According to section 21950 of the California Vehicle Code, a driver of a motor vehicle is required to yield to a pedestrian who is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian weighing 150 pounds is no match for a 2,500 pound car. Serious injuries can be expected. Many pedestrian accidents are caused by careless and negligent motorists who disregard their statutory duty to yield to pedestrians. Here are some common types of driver behavior that cause pedestrian accidents:
- Inattentive or distracted driving and failure to notice a pedestrian in a roadway.
- Disregarding traffic signals or stop signs.
- Failure to use due care and caution in residential areas.
- Turning right or left without looking for pedestrians.
- Backing a vehicle in reverse.
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or a combination of the two.
Common Injuries Suffered by Pedestrians
When a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle, there are going to be two impacts. The first impact is from the vehicle itself. The second is with the hard concrete or blacktop of the roadway. Each of the impacts can cause serious injuries. Here are some common injuries suffered by pedestrians upon being hit by a motor vehicle:
- Skull Fractures: Unlike motorcyclists or bicyclists, pedestrians have no head protection. An uncontrolled fall to the pavement after being hit can cause a skull fracture.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even if a victim doesn’t suffer a skull fracture, a traumatic brain injury can be suffered. These injuries can affect a victim for life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Upon impact, a victim can be thrown into the air and land on their neck or back. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis for life.
- Multiple Fractures: An impact from a vehicle is usually at the upper leg or hip. Fractured femurs or hips are common pedestrian accident injuries. Impact with the ground can cause other fractures.
- Damage to Internal Organs: Crush injuries can damage internal organs. In turn, organ damage can result in lifelong disability.
- Facial Fractures: Impact with the ground can cause facial fractures and serious dental injuries.
- Cuts and Abrasions: Deep lacerations can injure tissue below the skin. Abrasions can be caused from either one of the impacts. Lacerations and abrasions must be watched carefully for infection.
Don’t Become a Victim of the Insurance Company
The victim of a negligent driver is under no legal duty to cooperate with that driver’s insurer and help it set up its defense of a personal injury claim or lawsuit. It’s only going to try and push off some or all of the fault for the accident over onto the victim. Don’t take a hit on the value of any pedestrian accident case that you might have by cooperating with the opposing insurer. Instead of doing that, contact us at Maison Law to arrange for a free confidential consultation and case review.
Contact a Livermore Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Today
When you consult with us at Maison Law, you can tell us what happened and how it happened. We promise to listen to you carefully and answer your questions truthfully too. After that, we’ll advise you on your complete range of legal options. If we’re retained to represent you, our goal will be to obtain the maximum compensation that you deserve for your injuries and damages. Don’t try to work with that opposing insurance company. It’s highly likely that you’ll significantly devalue any case that you might have. Contact us at Maison Law first.
