Pedestrians should get the care and attention of drivers across Stockton, but unfortunately, those on foot must often risk their lives to get across busy roads. A pedestrian trying to cross a packed intersection like Hammer Road and Lower Sacramento Road can face distracted drivers and a walk sign that gives them only a few seconds to travel across several lanes.
When defenseless pedestrians are hit by careless drivers, they can suffer traumatic and life-threatening injuries. A Stockton pedestrian accident lawyer safeguards patients as they heal and makes sure an at-fault driver’s car insurance company provides the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Stockton 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 financial support they need to pay hospital 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 Stockton Personal Injury 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.
Pedestrian Accident Dangers in Stockton
Hundreds of people travel across Stockton on foot each day. Added to that are the many people who become pedestrians when they park their cars and get out and walk into a store or an office building.
These pedestrians are extremely vulnerable in any collision involving the weight and speed of a car, SUV, or truck. That’s why all drivers are legally required to show pedestrians a legal “duty of care” anywhere they go. Motorists must monitor for pedestrians in crosswalks, on sidewalks, and in the street.
Drivers are required to slow down anytime they are near someone on foot in order to erase the chance of a collision. When motorists fail in this duty, they can be held responsible for an accident, even if a pedestrian was crossing the street outside of a crosswalk.
Unfortunately, drivers can be too distracted by cellphones or by other people in their vehicles to spot a pedestrian in time to brake and avoid a collision. It happens every week in Stockton. Busy places like West Lane and Knickerbocker Drive and the intersection of March Lane and Pacific Avenue leave pedestrians at elevated risk.
California traffic officials recorded 118 pedestrian accidents involving serious injury in Stockton in 2022. At least 8 victims tragically died in those accidents.
A skilled Stockton pedestrian accident lawyer is a safeguard for victims as they heal. A lawyer can also be a necessary protection for families who have had a loved one taken from them by a careless driver’s mistake.
What Can I Earn Compensation for After a Pedestrian Collision?
After a serious pedestrian accident, you and your family could face a financial crisis. Hospital bills may arrive daily in the mailbox. You could also be out of savings because you haven’t been able to go to work to earn a paycheck. This could leave you behind on the rent, car payments, and credit card payments as well.
California encourages victims and family members to seek help through an insurance claim, so they don’t face unfair burdens over an accident that wasn’t their fault.
Your lawyer compiles a list of every hardship you’ve faced during your recovery. These factors and more will all be used to determine the amount you’ll see on a pedestrian accident injury settlement check.
Your personal injury attorney will be asking for support to cover more than just your medical bills. You should receive compensation for many non-economic damages as well:
Economic Damages:
- Hospital bills now and for the care expected to be needed in the future.
- An estimate of expected expenses over a lifetime if you must live with a permanent disability.
- Travel costs for making doctor’s appointments and consultations with specialists. Shuttle service fees while you are off your feet.
- All income and benefits you’ve lost while missing on-the-job hours.
- Property damage.
Non-Economic Damages:
- The physical pain you suffer in recovery and perhaps much longer.
- The emotional trauma you experience in the accident. You may experience depression and anxiety during a difficult recovery. PTSD symptoms are also possible after a violent crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of consortium. The loss of intimacy and changes in relationships with family members, especially a spouse.
Wrongful death benefits are also available to close family members of victims who were tragically taken in a pedestrian accident. A wrongful death claim asks for help with burial costs and in paying off remaining medical invoices. The family should also be supported in the future when they’ll have to go on with life without the guidance and financial support the deceased would have provided.
Help for Victims After a Stockton Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Accident
Unfortunately, far too many pedestrians are struck by California drivers who decide to flee the scene rather than take responsibility for the injuries they’ve caused. A hit-and-run driver leaves victims at the site of the crash hurting and sometimes waiting longer for emergency care.
Hit-and-run suspects usually don’t report the collision and this may leave an injured victim on the road longer, where they could be hit by approaching drivers. Hit-and-run drivers can also escape identification and leave the enormous costs of recovery to victims and their family members.
Fortunately, hit-and-run victims can seek compensation, even if a driver isn’t caught and arrested. Patients can file an uninsured motorist claim against their own car insurance policy.
This would help victims recover money to pay doctor bills and replace lost wages. A Stockton pedestrian accident lawyer can still be an enormous safeguard for patients when dealing with their own car insurance company. The victim’s own insurance representatives will still be trying to limit the support injured victims receive. A lawyer on the patient’s side can negotiate for more and make sure victims have what they need to get back on their feet physically and financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a pedestrian accident lawyer after an injury?
If your injury goes beyond a few cuts and bruises, a skilled lawyer could help you earn more for your injury. Insurance providers like to shift blame in accidents and question injuries. Your lawyer is a safeguard against this unfair behavior.
How long can I wait to file my pedestrian accident injury claim?
You have two years to file an injury claim. However, you should take action as soon as possible. The sooner your attorney can begin investigating your case, the easier it will be to secure evidence and locate witnesses.
Will I have to go to court to secure pedestrian accident support?
The answer is usually no. An estimated 90% of personal injury cases are settled out of court. Insurers don’t want to spend the money to defend themselves in court and will be more likely to pay a fair settlement when threatened.
Contact a Stockton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffer a serious injury due to the careless actions of a Stockton 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. Anything less than full reimbursement for these damages is unacceptable.
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. It’s a no-risk way to determine how much you should expect and demand in an injury settlement. Make sure you are treated fairly and receive the support you need to fully recover and get back on your feet.
