Maison Law represents injury victims in California pedestrian accidents. As a pedestrian, California law says you always have the right of way, but there’s always a chance that you’ll be involved in an accident. Putting together a claim can seem daunting, but we have the resources to help you–which includes accident reconstruction teams. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, you might be unsure if you need a lawyer, especially if your injuries are minor. However, partnering with our firm can make things easier. We know how to deal with insurance companies to ensure you’re treated fairly. Understanding the laws and system strengthens your case, and we’ll fight for your rights if the insurance companies play unfairly. Plus, we handle all the paperwork and communication, letting you focus on recovery.
Remember, every pedestrian accident is different. Talking to our experienced team can give you personalized advice. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, so there’s no financial risk for you.
Evidence and Accident Reconstruction After a Pedestrian Accident
Even though every pedestrian accident is different, that doesn’t mean there won’t be evidence. But part of what makes every accident unique is the actual evidence you’ll have. Our team can help you gather this evidence and prove your case. Generally, evidence in these cases includes:
- Medical records – These provide a medical record of the injuries you have and the treatment you’ve received.
- Visual evidence – Photos and videos from the scene show how the accident impacted you. Usually, this will include pictures of the scene right after the accident happens, and will include your injuries and other damage.
- Damaged property – Any damage to your personal property is also used as evidence. This includes things like your phone, clothing, or even sunglasses.
- Emotional or mental trauma – Emotional and mental trauma from the accident, like anxiety or PTSD, is important to address and document for the victim’s well-being and their case.
Accident Reconstruction
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, we may suggest that we try to work with one of the many accident reconstruction teams we’ve used in the past. An accident reconstruction can be an incredibly powerful piece of evidence for you because it:
- Provides an objective, scientific account of what happened.
It does this by recreating the scene and conditions of what led up to the accident, then putting together a simulation to visualize what happened. Specifically, a typical accident reconstruction includes things like:
- Tangible items like tire marks, damage to vehicles, road conditions, and debris found at the accident site.
- Firsthand accounts given by individuals who witnessed the accident, offering testimony into what happened.
- Information extracted from vehicle systems, such as speed and braking patterns, which can help piece together the events leading to the accident.
- Visual documentation of the accident scene, involved vehicles, and other relevant elements assists in understanding the incident.
- Specialized tools and methods to analyze evidence and simulate accident scenarios.
- Interpretations of the evidence collected and professional opinions on the likely sequence of events leading to the accident. This is usually done in testimony, either at trial or in a deposition.
Even with all this evidence, it’s ultimately your actions that are going to determine the path of your claim. This starts right after the accident itself, so it’s important to know what to do.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
The aftermath of any accident is a stressful time, especially if you’re hurt. At the same time, there’s certain things you need to do not only to protect your claim, but to protect your health and safety:
- Get medical care right away – Even if you feel okay, it’s wise to see a doctor. Some injuries may not show up right away. Get this at the scene with EMTs, then follow up with your doctor or at an urgent care.
- Report the accident – Call the local police to the scene. They’ll create a report, which will have important information relating to your eventual claim.
- Share contact details – Get the contact and insurance information from other involved parties. Provide them with your information as well.
- Talk to witnesses – Gather contact information from any witnesses. Their observations could be essential.
- Get evidence at the scene – Use your phone or camera to take photos of everything – vehicle damage, injuries, surroundings, and road conditions.
- File a claim with your insurance – Inform them about the accident, regardless of fault. It’s important they’re kept in the loop.
- Preserve evidence – Keep records of medical treatment, bills, and other accident-related expenses. These will be valuable.
- Follow treatment plans – Follow your doctor’s recommendations for recovery. It’s vital for your well-being and your case.
Remember, each accident is unique, so the necessary steps may vary. Seeking advice from our team of experienced pedestrian accident lawyers can provide tailored guidance for your circumstances.
Experienced Legal Guidance From California Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Whenever there’s a pedestrian accident, it can upend your life–and the lives of those around you. Whether it be injuries or other significant damage, it’s going to take guidance and support to get through this challenging time. At Maison Law, we’re proud to offer this guidance to you. We can explain your rights and what you need to do to recover the support you’re owed, like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of quality of life
Don’t wait–if you or a loved one have been in a California pedestrian accident, contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.