San Diego Pedestrian Lawyers

Injured in an Accident as a Pedestrian?

At Thompson Law, we understand how devastating pedestrian accidents can be. Unlike drivers and passengers who are protected by seat belts, airbags, and other safety features, pedestrians have no protection at all. This makes pedestrian accidents more likely to result in serious, life-altering injuries. A pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle might be thrown into traffic or against nearby objects, making the potential for harm even greater.

If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to get legal help right away. Some injuries might not be visible at the scene. You could have a serious brain injury, internal damage, or a spinal injury that isn’t immediately obvious. Even injuries like whiplash or ongoing pain might not show up until hours or days later. It’s important to see a doctor to get these injuries checked out and treated before they become more serious. But medical bills can quickly pile up, and the recovery process might disrupt your daily life. That’s where we come in.

Our San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you. We offer a FREE CONSULTATION, and we don’t charge any fees unless we win your case. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today to begin.

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Call Our San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, our team at Thompson Law is here to help. We know how complicated and stressful these cases can be. That’s why we handle every part of the process for you, dealing with insurance companies, managing the legal details, and fighting for your compensation, so you can focus on your recovery.

Even if you’re not ready to hire a lawyer today, it’s a good idea to save our contact information for when you need it. You never know when you might need legal help, and having us on hand can make a stressful situation a little easier to handle.

Why Choose Thompson Law

Remember, San Diego law only gives you 2 years to file a claim for most injury cases. Time is crucial, so don’t wait to take action. Reach out for a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION today to learn about your options. The sooner we start, the sooner we can help you get back on your feet.

Why You Need a San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

After a pedestrian accident, it can feel like your world is turned upside down. A good San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer can help you start rebuilding your life, both financially and emotionally. The recovery process can be long, and you may find that returning to work is difficult, if not impossible. You might need ongoing treatments, therapy, and support, all of which can add to the pressure on you and your family.

At Thompson Law, we understand how challenging it can be to adjust to life after an accident. We know that your days might now revolve around doctor’s appointments and recovery, with no clear end in sight. Even when doctors say you’ve healed as much as possible, the reality is that you may still face long-term effects.

That’s why having an experienced lawyer in your corner is so important. We’re here to handle the legal details, so you can focus on your health and getting your life back on track.

In San Diego, you usually have up to 2 years to file a claim after a pedestrian accident. A lawyer at Thompson Law can help you understand the process, explain the necessary steps, and make sure your rights are protected. We’ll work to secure compensation for both your immediate financial losses and the long-term effects of the accident.

Economic Damages in Pedestrian Cases

Economic damages cover the financial losses you experience as a result of the accident. These include:

  • Medical bills:  This includes both current medical expenses and any future treatments or surgeries you may need.
  • Lost wages:  If you can’t work due to your injuries, you’re entitled to compensation for the wages you’ve lost, as well as any future earnings if your injury keeps you from going back to your job.
  • Property damage:  If your personal property was damaged in the accident, like your phone, clothing, or any other belongings, you can recover the costs to repair or replace them.
  • Replacement services:  If you need help at home, such as childcare or cleaning services, because of your injuries, those costs can be covered too.

Non-Economic Damages in Pedestrian Cases

Non-economic damages are harder to calculate since they relate to personal and emotional suffering. These may include:

  • Physical pain and suffering:  The physical discomfort and pain caused by your injury.
  • Emotional distress:  The mental toll the accident takes on you, like anxiety, depression, or the inability to sleep.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life:  If your injury prevents you from doing things you once enjoyed, like exercising, traveling, or spending time with friends.
  • Scarring or disfigurement:  If the accident caused permanent scarring or changes to your appearance.
  • Permanent disability:  If your injury leads to permanent impairment, such as loss of mobility or the inability to work.

In wrongful death cases, family members like spouses, children, or parents can also claim non-economic damages for the loss of companionship, society, and support that their loved one provided.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, our San Diego lawyers are here to help. Contact us for a FREE CASE REVIEW, and we’ll take care of everything, from dealing with insurance companies to making sure your legal rights are fully protected.

What Compensation Can I Recover For My Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

After being injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be wondering what kind of compensation you can get to help cover your costs. In San Diego, victims can often recover compensation for things like medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Medical expenses include everything from immediate emergency care to ongoing treatments and surgeries. It could also cover future medical costs if your injuries require long-term care.

If your injuries keep you from working, you’re entitled to compensation for the income you’ve lost. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, that’s also something you should be compensated for.

Pain and suffering include the physical pain you’ve endured as well as emotional distress from the accident. It also covers things like the loss of enjoyment of life, if you can no longer do the activities you once enjoyed due to your injuries.

Since every case is unique, it’s important to speak with an experienced San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer to understand what you may be entitled to. Contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CASE EVALUATION.

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Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law‘s San Diego personal injury lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Proving Driver Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents

When it comes to proving fault in a pedestrian accident in San Diego, your lawyer will need to show that the driver was negligent. This means that they failed to take the proper precautions while driving, which led to the accident. While it might seem obvious when a driver hits a pedestrian, the law requires certain steps to prove negligence. These steps include:

Duty of Care

First, your lawyer must demonstrate that the driver had a responsibility to drive safely. In San Diego, all drivers must take measures to protect everyone on the road, including pedestrians. They need to be aware of their surroundings and act responsibly, ensuring that others are safe.

Breach of Duty

Next, it has to be shown that the driver failed in this duty. Essentially, the driver did something that a reasonable person would not do. Some examples of breaches include:

  • Driving too fast or going over the speed limit.
  • Running a stop sign or traffic light, especially if the pedestrian had the right of way.
  • Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
  • Getting distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions while driving.
  • Ignoring pedestrian safety rules, especially when approaching crosswalks.

Causation

Your lawyer also needs to prove that the driver’s actions directly led to your injuries. In other words, if the driver had been driving safely, the accident and your injuries wouldn’t have happened.

Damages

Finally, it needs to be shown that you suffered real harm from the accident. This could include physical, emotional, and financial losses. Some examples are medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our team of experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in San Diego will carefully review your case to determine whether negligence was involved. We offer FREE CONSULTATIONS for pedestrian accident victims, and we’re ready to fight for every penny of compensation you’re entitled to under San Diego law.

Pedestrian Rights in San Diego

In San Diego, pedestrians have legal rights designed to protect them on the roads. According to San Diego, the county follows California’s Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the road at marked or unmarked crosswalks. This law applies whether the crosswalk is clearly marked or just implied by the layout of the intersection. If you’re crossing the street in these areas, you have the right to do so, and drivers must take reasonable steps to avoid hitting you.

However, pedestrians also have responsibilities. The law prohibits you from suddenly stepping into the road if it would create an immediate hazard for approaching vehicles. You also need to use crosswalks when they’re available and avoid crossing streets in unsafe areas.

By following these laws, both pedestrians and drivers can work together to reduce accidents and improve safety for everyone on San Diego’s roads.

Are Pedestrian Accidents Different in San Diego?

Pedestrian accidents in San Diego can be even more dangerous due to the city’s unique environment. San Diego’s busy streets and high-speed traffic make pedestrian accidents more likely, and the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure can make crossing streets more hazardous. While both drivers and passengers inside vehicles have safety features to protect them, pedestrians are at a much higher risk of severe injury when hit by a vehicle.

California law offers some protections to pedestrians, but accidents still happen far too often. San Diego’s dense urban areas, where the roads are crowded, increase the risk of these accidents. And in some parts of the city, drivers don’t always follow the rules, or enforcement can be inconsistent. Pedestrian accidents also happen more frequently in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where traffic and population density create similar risks.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, our experienced San Diego lawyers can help. We’ll work with you to navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Is My Case Considered a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident happens when a person walking is involved in a collision with a vehicle, bicycle, or another mode of transport. These accidents often occur in places with heavy foot traffic, like crosswalks, intersections, sidewalks, and parking lots. Pedestrian accidents can also involve people using wheelchairs, scooters, or even skateboards.

What makes pedestrian accidents especially dangerous is that those involved have no protection. Unlike car accidents, where both parties might have airbags or seat belts, pedestrians are left exposed. That’s why the injuries from these accidents tend to be severe and often life-threatening.

Accidents can happen for many reasons: driver carelessness, poorly maintained roads, or even just bad visibility. Whatever the cause, the results can be devastating for pedestrians and their families.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable when they’re struck by a vehicle since they don’t have the protection of a car’s frame or airbags. As a result, injuries can be severe, and recovery often involves long-term medical care and significant time away from work.

Some of the common injuries our San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers frequently encounter include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
  • Fractured bones, particularly in the legs from the impact or arms when bracing for impact
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis injuries
  • Internal injuries, particularly organ damage
  • Lacerations and abrasions
  • Major scarring, often requiring surgical revision by plastic surgeons
  • Joint injuries
  • Amputation
  • Wrongful death

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers at Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION.

At Thompson Law

We provide injury accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our San Diego pedestrian accident lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence for injured victims so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics

The rise in pedestrian accidents in San Diego is a serious concern. In 2021, San Diego ranked second for the most number of pedestrian fatal and serious injuries.

According to CBS8, there were 25 pedestrian and cyclist deaths in the county reported in 2014. In 2021, the number of deaths increased to 35.

With these statistics in mind, pedestrian safety should be a priority for both San Diego and the rest of the country.

Most Common Factors of Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego

Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in San Diego. These include:

  • Time of day and visibility:  Nearly half of all fatal and serious pedestrian injuries happen between 6 PM and midnight, when visibility is poorer.
  • Urban areas:  Cities like San Diego are where most pedestrian accidents occur. These areas often lack enough safe crossing spots.
  • Demographic factors:  Men are more likely to be involved in fatal or serious pedestrian accidents, although older pedestrians, particularly those between 75 and 84, are at higher risk.
  • Older pedestrians:  Older pedestrians are more likely to suffer severe injuries, even at lower vehicle speeds.
  • Speeding:  As vehicles go faster, the risk of fatal injuries increases significantly.

If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, understanding these factors is important for navigating the legal process and seeking proper compensation.

Consult Our San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

We know how to handle insurance companies and fight for your rights. From gathering important evidence to talking with witnesses, we’ll make sure nothing is overlooked. We’ll calculate the true value of your damages and negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us focus on fighting for your compensation while you focus on getting better. Reach out for a FREE CONSULTATION and take the first step toward securing the future you deserve.

FAQs About Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego

How can I tell if my pedestrian accident claim is valid?

To determine if your pedestrian accident claim is valid, the main factor is whether someone else’s carelessness led to the accident and your injuries. For instance, if a driver broke traffic laws or drove recklessly, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. It’s always a good idea to talk to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can review the details of your case and help you figure out if you have a strong claim.

Does it matter if I wasn’t using a crosswalk when I was hit?

Even if you weren’t using a crosswalk when the accident occurred, you might still have a case. Drivers have a responsibility to stay alert and avoid hitting pedestrians, no matter where they are on the road. While being outside a crosswalk might make your case a bit more complicated, it doesn’t automatically rule out your chance to get compensation. A lawyer can help determine how this may affect your claim.

Will my pedestrian accident case go to trial?

Most pedestrian accident cases don’t go to trial. In fact, many are settled through negotiations. But if the insurance company or the other party isn’t offering a fair settlement, your case could end up in court. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the process, ensuring that your case is prepared for the best possible outcome, whether that’s a settlement or a trial.

Can I file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in San Diego if I don’t live there?

Yes, if the accident happened in San Diego or somewhere else in California, you can file a lawsuit there, even if you’re not a resident. San Diego courts can handle cases for accidents that happen within the state, regardless of where the injured person lives. A lawyer familiar with local laws can help you through the process, even if you’re coming from out of town.

How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?

At Thompson Law, you don’t need to worry about upfront costs. Our pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t charge you unless we win your case. You only pay us if we secure compensation for you. This gives you peace of mind knowing you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.