When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the results can be devastating. Such was the case in August of this year when a Glendale driver with a blood alcohol concentration of almost four times the legal limit struck and critically injured a 13-year old boy in a Glendale Park crosswalk. The suspect was subsequently arrested by police for felony drunk driving. At the time of the collision, the driver was going about 40 miles-per-hour. The boy was left in critical condition but is now stable.
The experienced Glendale pedestrian accident lawyers at Blair & Ramirez LLP understand the serious injuries and damages that often come with pedestrian accidents caused by negligent vehicle drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, call Blair & Ramirez LLP today at (213) 568-4000 or contact us to learn more about how we could assist you with pursuing compensation in your pedestrian accident case.
Where do pedestrian accidents commonly occur?
Pedestrian accidents do not just occur at intersection crosswalks in and around Glendale. In fact, these accidents can occur just about anywhere. Some of the most common locations for pedestrian accidents include:
- Crosswalks
- Parking garages
- Parking lots
- Sidewalks (especially those that are near a busy roadway)
- Driveways
Injuries in pedestrian accidents
When a motor vehicle collides with a pedestrian—especially at a high rate of speed—the collision can result in serious injuries and, in many cases, death. Pedestrians rarely have any protective covering surrounding them, leaving their body completely exposed to their environment. Consequently, when a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the pedestrian could strike the ground and suffer potentially life-threatening injuries.
These potentially include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue contusions
- Traumatic head injuries (including concussions)
- Spinal cord and back injuries (including paralysis)
- Death
Making a claim against an at-fault driver for a pedestrian accident
It is the responsibility of drivers to operate their vehicles in a safe and careful manner at all times. Drivers are also required to abide by state laws with regard to pedestrians—especially when pedestrians are lawfully present in a crosswalk at or near a traffic intersection.
When a motor vehicle operator violates one or more rules of the road and negligently strikes a pedestrian, the injured pedestrian has the option of filing a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. As part of a personal injury claim or lawsuit, the accident victim has the burden of demonstrating that the driver behaved unreasonably—usually by breaking a traffic law—which resulted in the victim’s injuries.
The purpose of filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit is to recover compensation for the injuries suffered. In addition to pursuing compensation for related medical treatment, procedures, and lost earnings, the injured pedestrian could also make a claim for noneconomic damages arising from the accident. Those damages could include compensation for pain, suffering, and inconvenience, along with damages for loss of consortium, the loss of use of a body part, or the loss of enjoyment of life, depending upon the circumstances and the seriousness of the injury (or injuries) suffered.
If the pedestrian died in the accident, his or her family members might be able to open an estate and pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.
Contact a Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer today
The experienced legal team at Blair & Ramirez LLP is ready to assist you with your pedestrian accident case. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer, please call us at (213) 568-4000 or contact us online to learn more.