Pedestrians travel Modesto day and night and they don’t always have the safest path to walk. Unfortunately, those walking or out for a run aren’t shown the caution from local drivers that they should be getting.
When pedestrians are struck and suffer injuries, they must be able to count on an at-fault driver’s car insurance provider for recovery assistance. Yet, some Modesto pedestrian accident victims will be forced to fight to receive simply what’s fair for what they are put through while trying to heal.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Modesto Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Healing and rebuilding your life are the most important goals after your pedestrian accident. And once injuries have been stabilized, financial recovery must also be a focus. Unfortunately, insurance companies for at-fault drivers don’t always make it easy for injured victims to secure the support they need to pay bills and make up for lost time at work.
It’s why you should take advantage of a free legal consultation with Maison Law. It’s a chance to talk directly to a real Modesto pedestrian accident lawyer. During this confidential informational session, you’ll learn about benefits available to you that an insurance company was never going to mention. Contact us before speaking with any insurance company to find out how much your case is worth.
Modesto Pedestrian Accident Dangers
In Modesto, people can hit the sidewalks for a jog, and perhaps make a trek over to East La Loma Park. Students may be walking along busy streets to make a class at Thomas Downey High School.
Modesto residents become pedestrians when they park and get out to shop, grab lunch, or catch a show at the Gallo Center for the Arts.
Crossing 9th Street or using the crosswalks across six and eight lanes of traffic on McHenry Avenue can be a dangerous game. Drivers looking at cellphones or reaching for their coffee may look up too late to stop for a defenseless pedestrian trying to navigate a crosswalk. Big rig drivers hauling goods from local farms to Modesto canneries might be adjusting a radio dial and suddenly have too little room to slow their big loads before striking someone on foot.
California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) tracks Modesto pedestrian tragedies. In 2020, their researchers recorded 97 pedestrian accidents involving injury in the city. Those accidents tragically claimed the lives of 12 people. In 2021, the unfortunate rate of pedestrian accidents held steady. There were 99 pedestrian accidents involving injury documented in Modesto for the year, with another 9 people losing their lives.
Drivers owe pedestrians a “duty of care” and this means they must monitor Modesto roads and sidewalks for pedestrians at all times. When they see people on foot, they must slow down as much as needed to prevent an accident. When they don’t, they are liable for recovery costs a pedestrian accident victim suffers. A Modesto personal injury lawyer works to help victims get the most out of their injury claims.
What Should I Do After Getting Into a Modesto Pedestrian Collision?
After you’ve been struck by a careless driver, there will be important evidence at the scene that will only exist for a short time. That scene will be cleaned up and cleared, and valuable proof of what happened can disappear.
If you are physically strong enough after your Modesto pedestrian accident, or someone with you or a witness can help, try to leave the scene with as much evidence in hand as possible:
- Dial 911. Give a full report to the responding Modesto Police Officer. They’ll create a collision report that will help you in your injury claim. Get fully examined by ambulance EMTs and head off to the emergency room if necessary.
- Take photos of the scene. Show the vehicle involved. Look for damage to the car your collision may have caused, such as broken windshields, missing side mirrors, and dents in hoods. Get pictures of any visible injuries. Take shots of lane markings, crosswalks, and skid marks.
- Get contact information from witnesses. Your Modesto Pedestrian Accident Attorney will reach out to them to secure testimony.
- Scan the area for the potential of any security cameras. Write down addresses where a business or home with a ring doorbell camera is located. Your lawyer will work quickly to secure this video before it is erased.
- Preserve all evidence. Put damaged or blooding clothing in a bag. Save damaged personal property.
- Visit your personal doctor as soon as you can. Follow the doctor’s instructions closely. Go to physical therapy appointments and see any specialist you are referred to. Save all medical receipts.
What Kind of Things Can I Be Compensated for After a Modesto Pedestrian Accident?
Modesto pedestrian collision victims must work to maximize the insurance settlement they earn after an accident. This is critical because victims rarely have any assurances about how long a serious injury will continue to affect their lives.
Recovery may appear complete, but a victim may suddenly begin to walk with a limp again a year later or require additional surgery. Any pedestrian accident settlement must consider the victim’s current bills and any potential issues in the future.
A Modesto pedestrian accident lawyer will fight to get compensation for all medical expenses. This would include estimates on care in the years to come when a patient is diagnosed with a permanent physical disability.
Victims should also receive reimbursement for all lost wages and benefits while they must miss work. The toll physical pain and emotional trauma take on the victim must also be accounted for in a settlement check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive pedestrian accident insurance money if I wasn’t in a crosswalk when I was hit?
Yes. Due to the vulnerability of pedestrians, drivers must always act to prevent accidents no matter where a pedestrian is walking. A pedestrian may be found partially at fault for an accident, but the driver could still have to cover some recovery costs.
Can my family get insurance support if a loved one was killed in a Modesto pedestrian accident?
Yes. Close relatives who lose a precious member of the family are able to file a wrongful death claim to seek support from an at-fault driver’s insurance provider. This support could cover burial costs, and leftover medical bills, and contribute to the family’s future when they’ll be without the emotional and financial support the deceased would have provided.
How long do I have to file an injury claim over a Modesto pedestrian accident?
Two years. Victims and family members have up to two years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim. Starting the process as soon as possible is ideal. Evidence will still be available and witnesses will be easier to track down. Acting quickly also means victims may see the support they need sooner.
Contact a Modesto Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffer a serious injury due to the careless actions of a Modesto driver, don’t allow an insurance company to determine what you’ll receive in compensation. A pedestrian collision might leave you off your feet, unable to work, and with no way to pay your growing hospital bills.
Take advantage of a free case consultation from Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law. This evaluation comes with no obligation to you or your family. Knowing what your injuries are worth will help you secure the support you need to rebuild your life.
If you decide Maison Law can help you get the most out of your Modesto pedestrian accident injury claim, you won’t need any money. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you.
