Fountain Valley Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Fountain Valley, CA
Pedestrian accidents can occur suddenly, leaving victims with catastrophic injuries, years of recovery, and mountains of bills. If you are looking for a Fountain Valley pedestrian accident lawyer, you should know how California law applies to pedestrian accidents and how certain factors can affect your claim. Fountain Valley is home to busy roadways, shopping centers, schools, and residential areas where pedestrians and vehicles often cross paths.
Trusted Counsel for You
At Bentley & More LLP, we start with the belief that every injury case starts with a story. Our Fountain Valley personal injury attorneys serve clients all over California by learning how an accident affected their life, family, career, and future plans. While our firm has been recognized for exceptional results in complex injury cases, we define success by the difference we make in our clients’ quality of life. Let us put our experience to work for you so you can focus on recovery after a serious accident.
Fountain Valley Pedestrian Accidents
Fountain Valley features numerous main roads where pedestrian accidents unfortunately occur. Brookhurst Street, Magnolia Street, Warner Avenue, Talbert Avenue, and Euclid Street are heavily trafficked roads with vehicles passing through throughout the day. Fountain Valley High School, Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, and local shopping centers along Brookhurst Street draw large crowds of pedestrians as well.
Accidents often happen when drivers don’t yield at crosswalks, are distracted by their cell phones, drive above posted speed limits, or don’t see pedestrians entering an intersection. Pedestrians are vulnerable even in low-speed collisions because they have no protection from the impact of a motor vehicle.
Every accident has different facts and circumstances. Road conditions, traffic control devices, visibility, weather conditions, and driver actions may have contributed to the cause of your accident. The research states that 3,304 pedestrians were killed by cars in the first half of 2024. Compared to 3,392 in the first half of 2023 and 3,526 in the first half of 2022, that is a decrease.
California Laws That Affect Pedestrian Accident Cases
California has many pedestrian accident laws. California Vehicle Code 21950 states that motorists yield right-of-way to pedestrians in the street crossing within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Although pedestrians have a duty to use reasonable care when walking, drivers must still try to avoid hitting pedestrians.
California’s comparative negligence law may also apply to pedestrian accident cases. Comparative negligence allows multiple parties to be at fault. If a pedestrian suddenly crosses the street outside of a crosswalk and a driver strikes them while speeding, both parties may be found at fault. A person’s award would be reduced by their percentage of fault. These laws are common factors when determining liability and damages in pedestrian accidents.
Factors That Can Influence Pedestrian Accident Cases
Determining what caused an accident usually requires an investigation of the available evidence. When investigating pedestrian accidents, some of the evidence that might be reviewed includes police reports, witness statements, video footage, pictures of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and medical records. Questions that may arise in a pedestrian accident case include:
- Was the pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk?
- Was the traffic light timed appropriately?
- Was the intersection designed correctly?
- Was the driver distracted or under the influence?
- How fast was the car going when it hit the pedestrian?
- Was it dark or difficult to see when the accident occurred?
- What did the driver and pedestrian do immediately before impact?
When these questions are asked, their answers help to shine light on determining who may have been at fault for the accident.
Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Some people only suffer minor injuries and minimal financial losses. However, there are times when it may be necessary to hire a pedestrian lawyer. Pedestrian accidents can raise numerous legal concerns, including fault, insurance claims, medical bills, and future damages. If your injuries are severe, you may require extensive medical treatment. This is why it is critical to understand the injuries’ impact on your life before settling your claim.
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere in Fountain Valley. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our Fountain Valley pedestrian accident attorneys at Bentley & More LLP for more information on your legal rights.
FAQs
What Should I Do if the Driver Who Hits Me Leaves the Scene in Fountain Valley?
If the driver who hits you leaves the scene in Fountain Valley, do not panic. Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents introduce new problems. However, they do not bar you from filing a claim. Make an effort to recall the color, make, model, or license plate number of the vehicle. Security footage, witness testimony, and police investigation may uncover the driver’s identity. Be sure to report hit-and-run accidents as soon as possible.
Can Surveillance Footage Help Prove What Happened?
Yes, surveillance footage can help prove what happened. Video surveillance may be one of your strongest pieces of evidence in a pedestrian accident case. Security cameras at nearby businesses, traffic cams, home security systems of local residents, and security cameras at public buildings may have captured parts of the events leading up to the crash.
Videos can help show vehicle speed, whether drivers obeyed traffic signals, pedestrian movement, and other events in question.
What Types of Expenses Can Result From a Pedestrian Accident in Fountain Valley?
There are many expenses that can result from a pedestrian accident in Fountain Valley. Medical bills after a pedestrian crash may involve more than ambulance and emergency room costs. Expenses for rehabilitation, prescription drugs, wheelchairs, transportation to medical appointments, home care, and many other needs may occur after an accident. Some injuries that seem minor can also result in unforeseen financial obligations.
Can Road Construction Contribute to Pedestrian Accidents in Fountain Valley?
Yes, road construction can contribute to pedestrian accidents in Fountain Valley. Construction that results in temporary lane shifts, obstructed sidewalks, missing warning signs, low lighting, or altered traffic patterns may leave drivers and pedestrians at a higher risk of being involved in a collision. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash, investigators may look at roadway conditions, construction zones, or road maintenance in addition to driver and pedestrian error.
Get Legal Assistance Today
Getting hit by a car as a pedestrian can bring serious injury. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, Bentley & More LLP can help you seek compensation for your damages. Contact us, and we can discuss your case.
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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