Redlands Pedestrian Accident Lawyer 

More and more people come to California every year, and as the population grows, so do the number of vehicles. As more of us crowd together, the opportunity for accidents grows. 

If such an accident should happen while you are out for a walk, the results could change your life forever. This is when you will need help from a Redlands pedestrian accident lawyer the most.

An attorney can help explain your rights, and guide you toward getting the compensation you need. There are many complexities when it comes to pedestrian accident cases. If you are not prepared, it may prove difficult to recover fair compensation. 

This is why you need a Redlands personal injury attorney who has experience with pedestrian accidents. At Dolen, Tucker, Tierney & Abraham, our lawyers have experience helping the injured. We know what makes lawsuits successful, so we build strong cases focused on our clients' needs.

Call Dolen, Tucker, Tierney & Abraham, APLC to schedule a free consultation with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Redlands, CA at (909) 473-4948 or contact us online.

What Are My Rights as a Pedestrian in California?

You may not have realized this, but pedestrians in California always have the right-of-way. This means people walking near or across streets have legal protections. However, pedestrians still need to be cautious despite these safety laws.

Rules from the California Department of Motor Vehicles recommend pedestrians yield their right-of-way in certain situations. If yielding will prevent a car versus pedestrian accident, officials urge walkers to err on the side of caution. Automobiles can cause devastating injuries to individuals who are on foot. 

Such injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Organ damage
• Spinal cord damage
• Brain trauma

These injuries can lead to long recoveries, permanent disabilities or even death. Avoiding pedestrian accidents can help you avoid these issues. Yet, pedestrians are not always able to prevent these catastrophic crashes.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?

In most vehicle-related pedestrian accidents, the driver of the vehicle was responsible for the crash. Careless, reckless or negligent driving behavior leads to potentially fatal crashes every day. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 115 people lose their lives to pedestrian accidents every week. That's one life every 88 minutes.

Behaviors that can lead to these deadly collisions include:

• Steering erratically
• Calming a child while driving
• Eating while driving
• Putting on makeup while driving
• Changing stations on the radio
• Watching livestreams while driving
• Talking on your phone while driving
• Texting while driving
• Failing to watch where you are driving

Ways to Pursue Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

Individuals injured by the actions of careless, negligent or distracted drivers have options. 

Here are a few of the methods our Redlands pedestrian accident lawyer can use to recover compensation:

Insurance Claims

The auto insurance coverage carried by the at-fault driver may cover pedestrian accidents. This means you will need to file a claim on the driver's insurance policy. 

However, insurance companies are still businesses focused on profits. This means claims adjusters may try to lowball or minimize your settlement. 

Worse yet, if you sign that settlement you could be forfeiting your ability to take the driver or insurer to court later. Consulting an experienced pedestrian accident attorney could help avoid these situations.

Civil Lawsuit 

Injured pedestrians may be able to file a lawsuit against at-fault drivers in pedestrian accidents. In these cases, the injured individual must prove the other party's negligence. 

This will require solid evidence and witness testimony. Other legal requirements may further complicate the case. An experienced attorney should be able to navigate these issues.