Fighting for the Rights of Injured Pedestrians

When most people think about automobile accidents, they typically do not consider individuals walking on foot. However a Woodland Hills pedestrian accident attorney will tell you that common accidents don't just involve two or more vehicles.

A fair amount of car accidents only involve one driver. Further, these types of accidents can frequently cause significant damage and horrible injuries. This is particularly true when the accident involves a pedestrian.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, the Woodland Hills pedestrian accident lawyers at Drake Law Firm understand that you are going through a difficult time. Medical bills are mounting, you're out of work, and you're hurt and in pain. Additionally, you may be getting phone calls from a car insurance provider and you do not know what to do.

The good news is that we are here to help. The lawyers at Drake Law Firm have been handling pedestrian accident claims for several years with great success. If you have a case, we are ready and willing to defend you.

What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents In Woodland Hills?

Motorists have a duty of care while operating their cars that includes more than just other cars. Motorists must also keep a lookout for the more vulnerable individuals on the roads, such as motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Here are the main causes:

If a driver does not pay close enough attention-- or their driving is impaired for some other reason-- they can seriously injure or kill a pedestrian accidentally.

In order to totally understand how significant pedestrian accidents are and how to prevent them, we also have to know what causes pedestrian accidents.

Some primary causes of accidents involving pedestrians include:

• Turning and merging accidents
• Exiting a parking lot or driveway
• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• DUI
• Bad weather
• Delivery truck accidents
• Loading and unloading bus and rail travelers
• Distracted driving

How Can I Prevent Pedestrian Accidents?

Although it is impossible to account for the actions of those around you, there are a number of things you can do to help avoid becoming the victim of a pedestrian accident.

Here are several safety measures to take to avoid getting struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian:

• Cross the street in designated crosswalks
• Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right
• At stop light intersections, only cross when you have a walk signal
• When crossing the street, be defensive and assume the motorist doesn't see you
• Attempt to make eye contact with the driver to make sure that you know for sure that they see you
• Never cross midblock, particularly when walking on busy city streets or streets with several lanes
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are accessible
• Remain alert at all times. Try to reduce distractions on your phone
• Only use one earbud at a time so you don't lose all sense of hearing
• Do not try to beat traffic. If you feel like you need to jog or speed up, you are cutting it too close
• Wear bright and reflective apparel after dark
• Watch for cars entering or leaving driveways and parking garages or reversing in parking lots

What Should I Do If I'm Injured In a Woodland Hills Pedestrian Accident?

Knowing what to do after you are struck by a car while walking is important to ensure that you can preserve your rights and legal options in case you are seriously hurt or have other damages.

• Call the police and file a report
• Make a note of witness information at the scene
• Take photos and video of the accident scene
• Collect as much of your own evidence as possible, including names, police reports, etc
• Get medical attention as soon as possible
• Call a pedestrian accident attorney
• Don't talk to an auto insurance company before you've had a consultation with an attorney

As a growing number of people turn to either public transportation or walking as an alternative to traveling by car, more pedestrians end up on the public roadways. This is particularly true in urban locations like Woodland Hills, where individuals commonly walk from bus stops, "L" stops, or rail stations to their homes or places of employment.

Too often, pedestrians are struck by drivers that are too distracted to see them crossing the street or walking behind a vehicle. And when this occurs, it will be the pedestrian, not the motorist, who pays the price.

The pedestrian injury attorneys at Drake Law Firm have comprehensive experience working with those that are hurt in this type of accident. We can pursue a personal injury claim on your behalf, or a wrongful death suit on behalf of a loved one that has been killed in a pedestrian accident in Woodland Hills or any other of the surrounding areas.

What Kinds of Compensation Can I Get If I Win In a Woodland Hills Pedestrian Accident Case?

If you achieve a settlement or the court rules in your favor, you can get compensation for losses related to your pedestrian accident and injuries, including:

• Medical treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Estimated future medical treatment costs
• Estimated future lost income
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Decreased quality of life
• And more

A Woodland Hills pedestrian accident is a life-altering event when victims suffer severe injuries. Consult with a skilled Woodland Hills pedestrian accident lawyer today that can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Drake Law Firm

If you or somebody close to you has experienced an accident as a pedestrian, contact our firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. These can be very challenging claims, and choosing a law firm knowledgeable about the matters involved in pedestrian accidents in the Woodland Hills area is your best option for getting the compensation you are entitled to.

Our Woodland Hills pedestrian accident lawyers have a proven track record of success in litigating personal injury and wrongful death claims on behalf of individuals and families coping with the tragedy of a severe or fatal accident.