Accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles are surprisingly common. Pedestrian accidents happen every day in California, causing serious injury or death to thousands of people each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Association (NHTSA) pedestrian accident statistics, more than 180,000 people died in pedestrian accidents between 1975 and 2005. About 11 percent of motor vehicle fatalities involve pedestrians. When negligent, reckless or careless drivers cause pedestrian accidents, injured victims and their families may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury claim.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Without the steel walls of protection provided by a car, walkers, joggers and other pedestrians are vulnerable to very serious injuries or death. Statistically, children are most likely to be hit by a vehicle, and elderly people are most likely to be killed in a pedestrian accident. A pedestrian struck by a car, truck, motorcycle or bus may be thrown onto the hood of a vehicle, against a windshield, over the top of the vehicle or under the vehicle. Injuries may include broken bones and fractures, neck and back injuries, leg and ankle injuries,head injuries, skull fractures, scarring and disfigurement and in some cases, death. As a general rule, the faster the vehicle is traveling, the higher risk of serious injury or death.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
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Unsafe Intersection Pedestrian Accidents
Accidents at intersections account for many pedestrian accidents in California. Drivers who violate pedestrian right-of way, ignore posted signs and traffic signals, travel at unsafe speeds, or make illegal turns and strike a pedestrian in an intersection or crosswalk may be responsible for the injuries or death they cause. Some intersection accidents may be caused by the design of the intersection itself. Confusing directional signs, defective traffic signals and lack of turning lanes may also contribute to an accident. If the design of the intersection caused or contributed to your injuries as a pedestrian, the city or state responsible for maintaining that intersection may be liable for your injuries.
Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
Pedestrians injured through no fault of their own and families of pedestrians killed may seek compensation against negligent drivers and other parties whose actions caused or contributed to an accident. The California pedestrian injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger have recovered millions for victims of pedestrian vs. car accidents, pedestrian vs. bus accidents, pedestrian vs. truck accidents, and pedestrian vs. bicycle accidents. Some of our pedestrian accident case results include:
- $3.30 million settlement for extensive injuries in a pedestrian vs. bus accident.
- $2.25 million settlement for ex-pro baseball pitcher in pedestrian vs. auto accident.
- $2.05 million settlement for multiple injuries including spinal fracture in pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accident.
- $1.25 million settlement for multiple injuries including femur fracture, ankle fracture, closed head trauma, facial fractures and internal trauma in car vs. pedestrian accident.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a California pedestrian accident, contact the California DUI pedestrian accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger to discuss your case with an attorney. We are available to discuss your case 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions, evaluate your potential case and advise you of any legal issues that may be pertinent to your claim. All consultations are free, with no obligation. If we represent you in your claim, we will not charge any legal fees unless we recover money for you.
