As a pedestrian, having the right away does not always mean you are safe to cross. The experienced Irvine pedestrian accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase know that drivers can be reckless and unaware of their surroundings. Victims can find themselves in the emergency room or worse.
We take pride in helping those who have suffered serious or catastrophic injuries in a pedestrian crash. Our law firm has been in business for more than 45 years and has a lot of experience with these cases. We have a 99% success rate, and our clients have been awarded millions in compensation.
We offer a no-win no-fee promise that saves you from out-of-pocket costs and a free case review with no obligations. Call (949) 203-3814 now for a free consultation with an expert legal team member. Our Irvine personal injury attorneys can help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Irvine Pedestrian Accident
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Irvine
Every day hundreds of people lose their lives by simply crossing the street. Unfortunately, children account for many of those losses as well. In many cases, carelessness and negligence on behalf of the driver may be to blame. There are numerous reasons pedestrians fall victim to physical damage, such as spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and broken bones.
The following are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:
Bike riders: Although drivers do cause pedestrian incidents most of the time, cyclists are also responsible for some pedestrian/traffic accidents as well. For example, when a rider is in the bike lane and the rider is sharing the lane with a runner, the cyclist can possibly force the runner into ongoing traffic. Data has indicated that in one year, over 7,904 pedestrians experienced severe injuries due to a person riding a bike.
Faded crosswalks: Unmarked or not visibly obvious crosswalks increase the chances of a pedestrian being involved in an accident. It is crucial that as you cross the street, there is a clear path that indicates people can walk. Signaled crosswalks are the safest paths for people to take while crossing a street.
Cars turning left: Pedestrians are three times more likely to get injured on a left-hand turn. Drivers are usually too distracted from looking out for oncoming vehicles to forget to look out for people crossing. As a pedestrian, you should always ensure that before a driver makes a left turn, you acknowledge him with eye contact.
Black clothing: Attire may not seem like an important factor as a pedestrian, but surprisingly, what you wear can possibly prevent you from being a crosswalk victim. When it is dark and if streets are not well lit, it can be easy not to see a pedestrian who is dressed in black. Make sure to wear bright colors or reflective gear if you are walking at night.
Driving under the influence: In one year, over 1.4 million drivers are under the influence. Victims can collect compensation for damages such as medical bills for their pedestrian accident cases. When you hire a trustworthy Irvine pedestrian accident lawyer to fight for your rights, you’ll have a much better chance of being fully and justly compensated for your pain, suffering, and financial expenses.
Types of Charges That Can Be Filed for a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians can experience extreme pain and suffer from an accident and drivers can consequently face criminal charges. The various kinds of allegations depending on the severity of the crash and how much damage were accumulated as well. Below are the most common charges that reckless drivers face in car-pedestrian-related incidents.
DUI: Receiving a citation for driving under the influence and harming a pedestrian can lead to severe criminal penalties. If a person is harmed while crossing the street by a driver under the influence, this can act as an “aggravated circumstance.” Aggravated circumstances can make the incident worse and aid the plaintiff’s party as proof of negligence.
Manslaughter: When a person dies due to someone’s reckless driving, this constitutes vehicular manslaughter. About 11 percent of traffic deaths involve pedestrians being struck by motor vehicles. Almost all states have penalties for vehicular homicide as well. If the incident was proven to be an accident, meaning there was no involvement of carelessness while driving or alcohol consumption, then there is a chance that criminal charges may be eliminated.
Hit and Run: Leaving the scene of an accident you were involved in is illegal. Hit and runs can result in misdemeanor charges but may range up if the incident is more severe. Hit-and-run offenders need to be accountable so that accident victims can receive the compensation they deserve.
Tips for Avoiding a Pedestrian Accident in Irvine
There are preventive measures pedestrians can take to decrease their chances of being involved in an accident. It is also important that small children understand the severity of walking across the street. Elderly people also have a high risk of being hit by a driver.
How a walker can avoid a pedestrian incident is by
Do not be on your phone while crossing the street: Walking and texting on your phone can make you less aware of your surroundings and could lead to dangerous consequences. If someone sends you a text or calls you before you cross the street, take the call or send the text after crossing.
Make eye contact with drivers before walking: Make sure to establish eye contact with a driver to ensure that he/she is aware of you.
If you are intoxicated, make sure you are not walking by yourself: Alcohol consumption can impair your judgment, and the outcome can be fatal. Either call an Uber or leave with a close friend or family member to ensure you arrive home safely.
Compensation for an Irvine Pedestrian Injury
Recovering from a pedestrian accident can be a slow and painful process. The Irvine pedestrian accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase believe that victims of cross-walk accidents are entitled to a fair financial settlement. The total number of damages that can be recovered depends on the severity of your injuries. Compensation can cover costs such as medical treatment and loss of wages.
The kind of compensation and the amount of compensation also depend on the assets of the defendant and the insurance companies of both the pedestrian victim and the perpetrator.
Can a Pedestrian Be Responsible for an Accident?
Pedestrians can be partially or completely at fault for a pedestrian or car accident. Although witness reports can help prove accountability, the question of “who is at fault?” will ultimately be answered by a group of jurors.
Some examples of where pedestrians can be at fault when they are crossing:
- when intoxicated
- against the do not walk sign
- bridges and other areas where pedestrians are not allowed to cross
In California, pedestrians who were at fault can be proven to have comparative negligence. This means that if a plaintiff was proven to be “at fault” for an accident, they can have the amount that they are awarded reduced.
Contact our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Irvine
Since 1978, the Irvine pedestrian accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase have fought passionately for the rights of accident victims and have held negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoings. Individuals harmed in pedestrian accidents accrue numerous costs after an accident such as medical bills.
The law offices of Bisnar Chase’s mission statement is: “To provide superior client representation in a compassionate and professional manner while making our world a safer place.”
Our legal team members are on standby waiting for your call. Call (949) 203-3814 to schedule a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
