Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Were You Seriously Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles?

Were you injured in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident, due to someone else’s negligence? Pedestrian accident injuries can have life-altering consequences for the victim, impacting their capacity to work, ability to participate in daily activities, and quality of life. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we are committed to protecting the rights of injured victims and helping our clients recover compensation for their losses.

Our personal injury law firm proudly maintains a 99% win rate and has obtained over $250 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We will deal with the insurance companies on your behalf and will help you hold the responsible party liable for the compensation you deserve.

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim operates on a contingency fee basis. Therefore, our clients don’t have to worry about paying any upfront legal fees. You won’t have to pay anything until we win your pedestrian accident case. If we don’t win, you will pay us nothing. If you want to learn more about your legal options, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a free consultation.

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Daniel Kim is an award-winning personal injury attorney who has received recognition for his legal excellence from Martindale-Hubbell, the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, The Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Association, and other distinguished trial lawyer associations.

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim will provide the legal advocacy you need to win your pedestrian accident case. We will guide you throughout the entire personal injury claims process and will work to resolve your case in a timely manner.

By hiring an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, pedestrian accident victims can be confident that they have a strong advocate on their side, fighting to help them obtain justice. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we will negotiate with insurance companies, gather and preserve evidence to support your case, and represent you in court if necessary. Don’t deal with insurance companies on your own. Call our Los Angeles law firm to schedule a consultation today.

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

1. Seek medical attention immediately – After a pedestrian accident, getting medical treatment is crucial. Call for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital to receive prompt medical care for your injuries.
2. Report the accident to the police – Contact the police to report the accident, even if the injuries appear to be minor. The police will create an official report, which will be substantial evidence for your claim.
3. Gather information – Collect information from all the parties involved, as well as from any witnesses who are present.

Collect the following information:

• Full name

• Phone number

• Address

• Driver’s license

• License plate

• Insurance company

• Insurance policy number

Also, ensure you take pictures of the accident scene, broken glass, skid marks, and the injuries sustained, if possible.

1. Don’t deal with the insurance company – The driver’s insurance company will likely try to contact you for a statement. Be cautious and do not give them information pertaining to the accident and your injuries. The insurance company may take your words out of context and try to elicit responses that minimize their liability.

2. Consult a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney – Consult with a personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and advocate for your rights. Pedestrian accident lawyers can help you hold the negligent party accountable for your losses.
3. Monitor your medical expenses – Keep detailed records of all medical bills related to the accident, including emergency care, doctor visits, medication, and physical therapy. Compensation for your damages may be pursued through a personal injury claim.
4. Follow your prescribed treatment plan – Attend all your scheduled medical appointments and follow the recommended treatment plan. Failure to do so may affect the outcome of your personal injury case. Once the accident victim completes their treatment plan, the personal injury attorney will send the demand letter to the insurer. The demand letter details all of the victim’s losses and demands compensation.

Is It Worth Getting a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Personal injury lawyers can help injured victims recover fair compensation for their damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. A pedestrian accident victim should consider hiring a lawyer for several reasons. Pedestrian accident lawyers will:

• Gather and preserve important evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and police reports, to support their case
• Help the victim navigate the complex legal process and ensure that their rights are protected.
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• File a personal injury lawsuit on the victim’s behalf
• Ensure documents are error-free and submitted within the allotted timeframe
• Represent the victim in a trial, if necessary
• Provide peace of mind and support during what can be a stressful and challenging time for the victim and their family

According to California law, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is two years from the date the injury was sustained. If the lawsuit is not filed during the allotted timeframe, victims may lose their right to recover financial compensation for their damages.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule depending on the specific circumstances of the case. If you have any questions about filing a legal claim in California consult with an experienced attorney.

What Can I Expect from a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

The types and amounts of damages that may be recoverable in a pedestrian accident claim will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, as well as the laws of the state where the accident occurred. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help victims calculate the true value of their case. Pedestrian accident victims can recover losses including economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages in an injury claim.

Economic Damages are financial losses the victim incurs as a result of the accident. These kinds of damages can include:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, and other medical treatments related to the accident.
• Lost wages: Victims may be entitled to financial compensation for time missed from work due to their injuries.
• Property damage: If the victim’s personal property was damaged in the collision, they may be entitled to compensation to repair or replace it.
• Future medical expenses: If the victim requires ongoing medical care because of the accident, they may pursue compensation for these future expenses.

Non-Economic Damages are more subjective and difficult to prove without an experienced attorney on your side.

• Pain and suffering: Victims can recover compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and their catastrophic injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: The victim’s injuries may have impacted their ability to enjoy activities they once loved.
• Loss of consortium: In some cases, the victim’s spouse or partner may be entitled to compensation for the impact the victim’s injuries have had on their relationship. This can include the loss of companionship, love, affection, and comfort.

Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, the victim may be entitled to punitive damages.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents occur due to a variety of factors, including driver error, pedestrian behavior, and environmental factors. Many pedestrian accidents are caused by:

Speeding Drivers

When motorists speed it puts others around them at great risk. Speeding increases the force of impact, reduces the time drivers have to react, and makes it harder for drivers to stop or avoid pedestrians. In 2020, speeding was a factor in 29% of all auto accident fatalities and killed 11,258 people.

Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention off the road, such as using a cell phone while driving, eating, drinking, using the GPS, or conversing with a passenger. In 2020, there were 3,142 traffic fatalities caused by accidents involving at least one distracted driver.

Pedestrian Negligence

Pedestrians can also contribute to accidents by engaging in risky behavior, such as jaywalking, walking while texting or talking on a phone, or failing to use crosswalks or obey traffic signals.

Poor Visibility

Limited visibility due to darkness, weather conditions, or obstructed views can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents, particularly in urban areas where there are many pedestrians and vehicles sharing the same space. It’s important for pedestrians to make sure they are visible to drivers, especially at nighttime.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment, cognition, and reaction time, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents. Even a small amount of alcohol can impact a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle. In 2020, alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.1 to 0.07 killed 2,041 people.

Left Turns

When motorists are making a left turn, they need to make sure it’s clear before they cross an opposing lane of traffic. Drivers may be more focused on the cars than looking out for pedestrians, which can lead to a collision.

To reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents, it’s important for both drivers and pedestrians to follow traffic laws, avoid distractions, and stay visible and alert.

Are Pedestrians Ever At Fault?

Most pedestrian accidents are caused by negligent drivers, however, there are cases where the pedestrian may have been negligent and can be liable for the accident.

Pedestrians have a duty of care to obey California pedestrian laws and to act with reasonable care. Likewise, motor vehicle drivers must follow traffic laws and operate their automobiles in a safe manner. To prove negligence in a lawsuit, the following factors must be established:

• The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff.

• The defendant breached the duty of care.

• The defendant’s actions were a direct cause of the accident.

• The plaintiff suffered damages due to the accident.

California’s comparative fault rules allow an injured plaintiff to pursue compensation from parties who contributed to their damages. However, if the plaintiff is partially at fault for the accident, his or her compensation will be reduced according to the percentage of fault they are liable for. For example, if a plaintiff was 10% liable for an accident and suffered $100,000 in damages, he/she could only recover $90,000 from the defendant who was 90% at fault.

What Are the Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

Pedestrians do not have protection comparable to automobiles, so they are especially vulnerable in pedestrian accidents. Even a low-speed crash can result in severe injuries, such as broken bones, leg injuries, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Injured pedestrians may need ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and even long-term assistance with everyday tasks. Here are the most common pedestrian accident injuries:

• Internal injuries – This includes internal bleeding, rib fractures, and brain bleeds which are all very serious injuries.
• Head trauma – Traumatic brain injuries can occur when the pedestrian’s head hits the ground, vehicle, or other objects during the collision. The force of the impact can cause bruising, bleeding, and swelling in the brain.
• Pelvic injuries – These kinds of injuries are very common in pedestrian accidents and can include fractures, breaks, and dislocations. Pelvic injuries are serious and can be life-threatening if it causes internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Chest injuries – The impact of a pedestrian accident can cause chest injuries, such as rib fractures, lung contusions, and damage to internal organs, including the heart.
• Amputation – Amputation may be necessary in cases where tissue is severely damaged, infected, diseased, or endangers the person’s life.
• Broken bones – One of the most common injuries in a pedestrian accident are broken arms, hands, wrists, ankles, tibia bones, and femur bones.
• Lacerations – Lacerations can occur when the victim makes contact with broken glass, sharp objects, and the road.
• Back and spinal cord injuries – The spinal cord keeps the brain and body working together and just a small injury can be traumatic. A spinal cord injury can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other long-term complications.
• Wrongful death – Certain surviving family members can recover compensation for damages in a wrongful death claim. These damages can include lost income, funeral and burial costs, lost employment benefits, and pain and suffering.

Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Los Angeles is a hotspot for hospitality and tourism, seeing over 50 million visitors a year. Consequently, LA has a lot of congested roads and traffic accidents. Pedestrians and bicycle riders are especially vulnerable. According to recent data, it was revealed that pedestrians and cyclists are killed in LA at a rate of 2.9 per 100,000 individuals. This is significantly higher than the national average of 2.2 per capita.

In 2019, there were 5,931 total injured victims and pedestrian deaths in Los Angeles County traffic accidents. Los Angeles alone accounted for 3,319 of these victims. Notably, there were 4,881 DUI arrests in LA in the same year.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in LA

The LA Times did a study and these intersections were considered to be the most dangerous for pedestrians.

• Slauson Ave. and Western Ave.

• Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave

• MLK Jr. and Crenshaw Blvd.

Contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim Today

At the Law Offices of Daniel Kim, our team recognizes that each client has unique needs. We empathize with the difficulties that many pedestrian accident victims face, including financial strain, mental distress, and physical trauma resulting from auto accidents.

To help alleviate the financial burden for our clients, we offer our services on a contingency basis. You won’t pay any legal fees until we win your pedestrian accident case. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Other Los Angeles Practice Areas We Specialize In

We also serve the following Los Angeles County cities from our Los Angeles office: Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Bell, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Brentwood, Burbank, Calabasas, Cerritos, Commerce, Cudahy, Culver City, El Segundo, Encino, Glendale, Hawthorne, Hidden Hills, Huntington Park, Inglewood, La Cañada Flintridge, Ladera Heights, Long Beach, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Marina Del Rey, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Sierra Madre, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temple City, Torrance, Van Nuys, Vernon, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, Westwood, and Whittier.

Directions to Our Office in Los Angeles

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim – Los Angeles, CA
Address: 617 S Olive St #507, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: (310) 295-1087