Monterey Park Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Monterey Park, CA

Pedestrians deserve safe paths, whether they are tourists, locals enjoying an evening out, or commuters. Unfortunately, the actions of negligent drivers frequently leave pedestrians suffering from severe injuries, high medical bills, property damage, and emotional distress. If you have been involved in an accident, a Monterey Park pedestrian accident lawyer can pursue compensation.

Gallegos Law Firm: Consult an Experienced Accident Attorney

Gallegos Law Firm has over 20 years of experience in defending accident victims throughout Monterey Park. We are proud to be a client-focused firm, where we provide personal attention to every aspect of our clients’ cases. Our founding attorney, George A. Gallegos, studied at UCLA throughout his undergraduate and legal education. He has now returned to serve the community where he was raised.

How Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Monterey Park

California is a dangerous state for pedestrian safety. In 2023, 1,106 pedestrian fatalities occurred in the state, with many more accident victims left injured or with property damage. In Monterey Park, California pedestrians are at an increased risk of a serious accident near roads such as S. Atlantic Blvd., South Garfield Ave., and Monterey Pass Rd.

Pedestrian accidents can happen for several reasons. Determining the root cause of a crash is essential when filing a claim, as it impacts who may be liable for your damages. Some of the common errors that result in a pedestrian accident include:

• Distracted driving. Distractions, such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or other passengers, reduce a driver’s awareness of pedestrians. Distracted drivers are especially less likely to notice pedestrians who are crossing outside an intersection. Distraction is one reason that 52% of pedestrian fatalities occur at a non-intersection.
• Speeding. Speed decreases a driver’s ability to observe pedestrians and stop in time to avoid a collision. Not only does speeding increase the risk of an accident, but it can also increase the severity of a pedestrian’s injuries, as the crash occurs with more force.
• Impaired driving. Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is incredibly reckless. Often, when pedestrians are hit by an impaired driver, they may recover punitive damages, which punish the driver for their extreme recklessness.
• Poor conditions. Conditions such as driving at night, in the dark, through rain, and during other negative environmental conditions do increase the risk of a crash. In these circumstances, drivers are obligated to drive prudently to avoid a collision, but not all do.

How to Prove Liability in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Proving liability involves showing how another party’s actions directly led to the accident, thus making them responsible for your damages. This is essential in pedestrian accident cases; without establishing liability, you cannot recover compensation.

A lawyer can explain the specific pedestrian accident laws that apply to your case and how that impacts proving liability. In most cases, you must gather evidence that proves the driver’s fault, such as:

• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Police reports
• Surveillance footage
• Dashcam footage
• Witness statements

Why You Should Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Experiencing a crash is overwhelming. In the aftermath of an accident, you are likely left with painful physical injuries, mental and emotional distress, and unexpected expenses that make it difficult to know how to move forward. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover by guiding you through the claims process and managing the legal details for you.

Working with a lawyer also increases your chances of a fair award. Often, insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts, no matter what your case is actually worth. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to reach a settlement that compensates you for your losses. If your case proceeds to litigation, a lawyer can advocate for a fair award by presenting evidence that proves liability and your damages.

FAQs

How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Pedestrian Accident?

The amount of compensation you can recover for a pedestrian accident depends on the severity of your damages. If you are left with high medical bills or a permanent disability, your compensation may be higher than if you suffered no major injuries. If you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer, they can provide a more specific estimate based on the details of the case.

Is the Driver Always at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?

No, the driver is not always at fault in a pedestrian accident. The pedestrian can be at fault for several reasons, such as if they were:

• Jaywalking
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Darting into oncoming traffic
• Walking dangerously due to alcohol or drugs

In California, a pedestrian can still recover compensation if they share fault, so long as they are not entirely responsible. However, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for Stress and Anxiety?

The amount you can recover for stress and anxiety can vary, depending on their severity. These losses can be difficult to quantify, but a Monterey Park pedestrian attorney can calculate their value using:

• Medical diagnoses
• Journals and personal logs
• Witness testimonies
• Bills from therapy, medications, or other expenses

Some of the most severe accidents may result in significant compensation for stress and anxiety, though this is not always true.

Can You Still File a Claim If the Accident Was a Hit-and-Run?

Yes, you can still file a claim if the accident was a hit-and-run. This is common, as 25% of pedestrian fatalities are in a hit-and-run crash. A lawyer can gather evidence to identify the driver, often collaborating with police investigators. However, even if you cannot find out who the driver was, a lawyer can help you file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage.

Reach Out to an Experienced Monterey Park Pedestrian Accident Attorney

When you are recovering from a crash, trying to understand California’s pedestrian accident laws and filing procedures can feel stressful. Fortunately, this is not a process you have to navigate alone. Contact Gallegos Law Firm to talk with a lawyer about your case.