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Pedestrian Accidents in El Pollo Loco Parking Lots in California

Maison Law represents pedestrian injury victims in California. One of the most common places these accidents happen are in parking lots of fast food restaurants, including one of the many El Pollo Loco locations throughout the state. If you or a loved one have been hurt in one of these accidents, you have legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your case.

When Do You Need a Lawyer?

Being hurt in any accident brings challenges, but when it happens in an El Pollo Loco parking lot, you probably aren’t expecting it–and can’t afford it. However, you do have legal options. Our experienced team will help you through this situation, even though there’s no legal requirement in California that says you need a lawyer.

Generally, we approach these cases by:

  • Explaining how the law applies to your case and giving you an overview of your options.
  • Helping you gather important evidence and evaluating your damages.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies to get fair settlements, using our experience.
  • Protecting your rights and handling paperwork, easing your stress while you focus on healing.

 

Each pedestrian accident case is different, so we offer personalized advice. We provide free consultations and work on a no upfront cost basis.

What Are Your Damages in a Pedestrian Accident?

Every pedestrian accident case is unique, especially if they happen in an El Pollo Loco parking lot. This raises questions about your options, but does give you the ability to file an injury claim to recover certain damages.

Whether you decide to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, you can improve your chances of a favorable outcome by working with our team. Specifically, your injury claim can help you recover things like:

  • Medical expenses – These cover the medical costs you have to pay, which includes ambulance services, hospitalization, tests, surgery, follow-up care, and medication.
  • Future medical expenses – You can also recover costs for ongoing treatment of permanent injuries.
  • Costs for medical devices – If you need medical devices like wheelchairs, canes, or artificial limbs, you can recover some of the costs associated with them.
  • Lost income – These cover any lost wages due to missed work or if your injuries permanently affect your ability to work.
  • Physical pain and suffering – These damages for the discomfort caused by the accident and injuries.
  • Emotional distress – Similarly, these cover the psychological impact of the accident.
  • Loss of consortium – These damages relate to the strain on your relationship with your spouse.
  • Diminished quality of life – These cover any reduced enjoyment of activities or how you lived your life prior to the accident

Not all of these damages will apply to every case. Again, working with our team of experienced lawyers will help you understand your specific situation and potential damages. In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing a claim after an accident.

Who Pays For Your Damages?

A big part of your case is going to be figuring out who has to pay for your damages. Legally speaking, this is going to fall on whoever acted “negligently” and caused the accident. In real world terms, this isn’t always straightforward.

El Pollo Loco has a responsibility for keeping the property safe for its customers, and this includes the parking lot. But drivers of vehicles have an equal responsibility. These are the two most likely liable parties, but it can also include:

  • Local or state government, if the parking lot is public property (like in a shopping center)
  • Other pedestrians
  • Part manufacturers

California’s “comparative negligence” statute is worth noting. This law means that if you share fault in the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionately. For example, if you weren’t paying attention or suddenly crossed in front of a car, your recovery could be lessened.

What You Should Do When You’re in a Pedestrian Accident

Experiencing a pedestrian accident, whether in a El Pollo Loco’s parking lot or elsewhere, can be frightening. Due to the lack of protection against even slow-moving vehicles, injuries are often inevitable. While preventing such accidents is ideal, sometimes they’re unavoidable. If you find yourself in this situation, knowing what to do is crucial. Here’s a few things to do:

  • Seek medical care – Call 911 immediately for medical help. If your injuries are severe, seek further treatment at a hospital.
  • Report the accident to El Pollo Loco – Locate an employee or the manager and inform them of what happened. They need to take appropriate action to help you and prevent further accidents.
  • Gather information – Get contact and insurance details from all involved parties. This information is vital for your claim.
  • Document the scene – Strengthen your case by taking photos or videos of the accident scene and any damages incurred.
  • Avoid apologizing – Don’t admit fault or apologize, as this could be twisted as accepting blame and may weaken your case.

It’s important to react the right way if you’re injured, focusing on your health and safety first. Our team is here to support and guide you through the process.

What Injuries Can You Expect in a Pedestrian Accident?

Again, what sets pedestrian accidents in parking lots apart from others is the injuries it could leave you with. You might not think about it, but you’re just as likely to be hit by a car in an El Pollo Loco parking lot as you are on a sidewalk. People often think parking lot accidents are minor because cars usually drive slower than on main roads. But even low-speed crashes can lead to serious injuries. So, you can expect the following injuries in these accidents:

  • Head injuries
  • Bruises or cuts from airbag deployment
  • Soft tissue injuries like sprains or strains
  • Neck, back, or spinal injuries
  • Burns
  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash

These accidents are especially risky for children, elderly people, or those with existing medical conditions. It’s important to seek medical help right away to document your injuries. Insurance companies might downplay the impact of a slow-speed crash on your health.

Get in Touch with Maison Law After a California El Pollo Loco Parking Lot Accident

At Maison Law, we understand that the legal process can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re dealing with pain and lack the energy to manage it on your own.

Our team of California pedestrian accident lawyers have a proven track record of success, having helped clients throughout the state who have been hurt in these types of accidents. To get the recovery process started, get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.