Cars outweigh pedestrians by about 3,000 lbs. Pedestrians are in potential danger and at an extreme disadvantage whenever they jog, go for a walk, cross the street, go to the store, walk to school, or return to their car in the parking lot. Pedestrians who are struck by automobiles and other motor vehicles are likely to experience severe injuries or death. According to the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,1 in 2008:
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- 4378 pedestrian deaths in US traffic crashes
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- Every 120 minutes, one pedestrian death occurs from a traffic crash
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- Every 8 minutes: pedestrian injury from traffic crash
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- 69,000 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes
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- 89% of pedestrian fatalities occur in normal weather conditions
If a negligent driver injured you as you were walking, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for damages. A San Luis Obispo pedestrian accident attorney with Ernst Law Group successfully represents persons who were injured in pedestrian accidents. If there was a pedestrian fatality, the deceased’s survivors may file a wrongful death lawsuit for damages.
Pedestrian Accidents: Understanding California’s Comparative Negligence Laws:
In many vehicle-pedestrian accidents, the driver claims that the pedestrian was at fault. The pedestrian may have crossed the street without first looking or crossed the street in an area that was not a designated crossway. In many accidents, however, the driver may have been partially at fault either through driver inattention, driving while impaired, or driving unsafely and illegally – for example, speeding. In some cases, California’s comparative negligence laws apply, and blame is apportioned to each party. The result is that even if the pedestrian is partially at fault, the driver’s insurance may still pay damages. It takes an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer to work with California’s complex laws. We have settled many cases in which both parties were somewhat responsible for the accident. The Ernst Law Group has the resources to pursue your case and to work with the best accident investigators, medical specialists and other experts available.
No Up-Front Costs for Pedestrian Accident Cases; Free Case Evaluation at Ernst Law Group:
If you were injured by a vehicle as you were walking or jogging, you may be entitled to damages for:
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- Medical costs, past, present, and foreseeable future
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- Lost wages, past, present, and future
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- Pain and suffering for your injuries
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- Property damage
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- Other expenses