Maison Law represents runners who are struck by cars at intersections and left with serious injuries. Our runner injury lawyers go to work immediately and focus on holding careless drivers responsible for every recovery cost for victims. We want joggers to get the best care possible and to be able to return to their runs as soon as possible. Please contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a real California lawyer and find out what your injury is worth.
Intersection Dangers at California Intersections
California drivers can approach an intersection with very little thought to the safety of pedestrians. They may be sending off a text or looking at a radio dial instead of monitoring the crosswalks for those on foot trying to cross in front of impatient drivers.
A jogger can get a “walk” signal and step into the pedestrian lane, but that doesn’t mean a distracted driver approaching has noticed that a traffic light has turned red. They can even miss flashing pedestrian warning lights.
Runners are also at risk when motorists are ready to make turns at intersections:
Right Turns — Drivers may never bother to come to a full stop when making a right turn at a red light. While monitoring other traffic to see if it’s safe to turn, they can completely miss the pedestrian trying to reach the curb in front of them.
Left Turns – Frantic left turns are equally dangerous for those out for exercise on foot. A driver trying to make a left turn can focus on the rush of approaching traffic. They may not monitor an adjacent pedestrian lane for runners. They’ll stomp the gas when traffic clears only to strike the pedestrian who had a “walk” sign and the right of way.
Reckless drivers who are speeding and driving aggressively often aren’t prepared when they suddenly notice someone in a crosswalk. They’ll have too little time to brake and strike a defenseless runner or walker to cause devastating injuries. These careless drivers and their auto insurance providers should be fully accountable for every cost a victim faces in recovery.
A California runner accident lawyer makes sure you have the evidence to prove a driver was to blame for your injuries. Then, your lawyer demands the most in compensation possible in a settlement. This includes some benefits an insurance adjuster won’t be mentioning to you.
Insurance Tactics Meant to Rob You of Support After a Pedestrian Accident
When you only suffer some minor bumps and bruises after getting hit while on a run, you may not need a lawyer to help you file a claim. But if your injuries are more serious, such as a fractured leg or a wound that leaves a permanent scar, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with a Maison Law attorney.
When medical bills are growing, insurance adjusters are trained to look for ways to try to get you to accept as little as possible in compensation or nothing at all.
These are some of the tactics you’ll encounter when asking a car insurance company for support:
- Blaming you for the accident
- Downplaying the severity of your injuries
- Claiming your injuries were pre-existing
- Delaying a response to your injury claim until you are desperate enough to accept a “lowball” offer
These are weak arguments but if you don’t have a skilled attorney on your side, you can easily be convinced to accept less than you need to pay all of your medical costs. Your lawyer fully investigates your accident and the driving record of the at-fault motorist. This evidence makes it much more difficult for an insurer to change the facts of what happened.
You can also help your case if you collect important evidence on the scene of your collision that may not be there later. If you are able, you should take photos of the scene. Get pics of the damage to the vehicle and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and check out your surroundings to see if there are security cameras on nearby houses or businesses.
Once an insurance company presents a settlement offer, your lawyer helps you check it over to make sure it’s enough to provide for a full medical and financial recovery. If it isn’t enough, your lawyer rejects it and demands more. When an insurance company refuses to pay what’s fair, your lawyer is ready to file a lawsuit and take them to court to earn you and your family what you all need to rebuild your lives.
What Kind of Injury Compensation Can I Expect After Getting Hit While Running?
The amount of a victim’s personal injury accident settlement is hard to predict because each case is very different.
Every patient heals at their own pace and the costs of care can vary greatly between California hospitals. The time you’ll require to fully recover will play a big role in how much you’ll be demanding. Your lawyer needs to examine your medical charts and investigate the circumstances of your accident before being able to estimate what you and your family should receive.
The skill of your lawyer at negotiating with insurance adjusters and presenting a strong case backed with evidence also plays a role in the size of your pedestrian accident settlement check.
The hardships that will be considered when determining your amount of compensation will include these factors and others:
- Past and future medical bills
- Support for any permanent disfigurement
- Life-long support for a permanent disability
- Pain and suffering, including the emotional trauma injured patients endure
- Loss of enjoyment of life, including the loss of the ability to exercise
- Past and future lost wages and benefits
- Replacement of personal property damaged in the accident
Contact a California Running Accident Lawyer
California allows injured runners up to two years after an accident to file an injury claim. If you have been seriously injured in a jogging accident caused by a careless driver, don’t wait to explore your options. Take action immediately so your lawyer has time to collect fresh evidence and track down witnesses for testimony.
Contact Maison Law for a free consultation after any injury resulting from a pedestrian accident anywhere in California. Our case reviews are confidential and come with no obligation. If you decide we can help you earn more for your running injury, you won’t need to have any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement money you are awarded.
