Pedestrian Accidents on Ventura Boulevard
Ventura Boulevard is known as a cruising paradise for motorists. Yet, the famous boulevard is also famous for its excellent restaurants and unique shopping options.
People like to park and shop and eat, and it’s great for local businesses. However, this foot traffic also brings pedestrians into close contact with the constant rush of traffic.
Drivers owe all pedestrians along Ventura Boulevard their attention and caution. When they strike defenseless victims with their cars, their car insurance providers should be fully responsible for the costs of recovery.
Pedestrian Accident Dangers on Ventura Boulevard
In legal terms, motorists in Los Angeles owe pedestrians a special “duty of care.” Due to the extremely vulnerable nature of anyone on foot trying to cross a street or walk across a parking lot, drivers must show extra caution. When they see pedestrians in a Ventura Boulevard crosswalk or anywhere else, they must slow down to avoid accidents.
A motorist who is texting or focusing on eating a sandwich can easily miss a green light turning red or someone on foot trying to traverse a crosswalk. Pedestrians who then absorb an impact from a car, truck, or SUV are at extreme risk for a major injury and even losing their lives. They’ll take a hit from the vehicle and then usually collide with the pavement to suffer additional harm.
When you or a loved one are the victim of a careless or reckless driver, you can contact Maison Law to talk to a real Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer. It’s an opportunity to find out about the benefits available to Ventura Boulevard victims and their families.
What To Do If You Are the Victim of a Pedestrian Accident On Ventura Boulevard
Los Angeles pedestrian accident victims can begin building their case to secure fair injury compensation right on the scene of the crash.
If you are feeling strong enough and it’s safe to move around, begin collecting all the evidence you can on the at-fault driver:
- Call 911. Get checked out by paramedics no matter how minor you think your injuries are. A concussion may be clouding your judgment, so listen to ambulance crews and go to the emergency room if necessary. Give a full report to LAPD officers. They’ll write up a collision report based on what you observed.
- Take photos of the scene, especially the vehicle involved. Take photos of any windows smashed in the collision or missing mirrors. Show your injuries and any damaged or bloody clothing. This photographic evidence will demonstrate just what you endured.
- Swap information with the driver involved. Don’t make statements on the scene about who is to blame or how badly you are hurt. You might say you are fine but find out the next day you have a hairline fracture in a leg or arm bone. These hasty statements can be used to hurt your case later.
- Get information from any witnesses on the scene. Find out if they saw the driver using a cellphone or driving recklessly before the collision.
- Get checked out by your own doctor. Document your injuries and any new pain that appears in the days after an impact. Follow your doctor’s advice completely.
- Save evidence. Your bloody clothing and damaged personal items are all proof of what you were subjected to. Save the shoes you were wearing.
What Kind of Support Can I Earn for a Ventura Boulevard Pedestrian Collision?
After an accident, you’ll want to set a skilled Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer loose on your case as soon as possible. Your attorney will investigate your accident and the driver responsible for your crash. Your attorney secures police reports to prove your innocence and medical charts to demonstrate the severity of your injury.
Once a strong case is in place, you’ll file your claim with the driver’s car insurance provider. This claim must include a list of every hardship you are demanding compensation for. Anything not on this list will not earn compensation. Any mistake leaves you paying for recovery costs that should not be your responsibility.
For this reason, your Ventura Boulevard Car Accident Lawyer fills out a complete list of your hardships, including some expenses you may not have thought of:
- Hospital and physical therapy expenses. This includes doctor and surgeon fees.
- Estimated costs over a lifetime associated with a long-term injury or permanent physical disability.
- Emotional trauma, such as depression and anxiety. The loss of enjoyment of life due to an injury. You may have to stay off your feet for weeks or months.
- The hardship of dealing with chronic, physical pain.
- Travel costs to make appointments and to see far away specialists. Travel becomes especially expensive when you are immobilized and unable to drive.
- Past and future lost income while you must miss work.
- Property damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family receive insurance benefits after a fatal Ventura Boulevard pedestrian accident?
Yes. California allows mourning families to seek wrongful death benefits. A wrongful death claim seeks financial support for burial costs. It also secures compensation for the income the victim can no longer provide a spouse and children.
Can I receive injury support if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when I was hit?
Yes. Drivers and pedestrians can share blame in an accident. You may have been crossing in a dangerous spot, but drivers can be assigned a percentage of blame. You could earn support reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident injury claim?
Two years. California affords pedestrian victims up to 24 months to file. After that, any claim filed will likely be thrown out. Act quickly to give your attorney the best chance to secure evidence and keep track of witnesses.
Contact a Ventura Boulevard Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After a serious traffic accident while on foot along Ventura Boulevard, make sure you know every benefit available to you and your family. Insurance companies for reckless drivers aren’t required to fill you in on this valuable assistance.
Take advantage of a free case consultation from Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law. It’s a no-risk way to find out how to avoid the pitfalls of dealing with insurance adjusters after a Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident. It’s critical that you stay informed so they can’t rob you of the financial support you need to make a full physical and financial recovery.