Establishing liability is one of the most critical criteria in obtaining compensation for pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. Most of the time, a pedestrian collision is the driver’s fault. The police will, however, continue to investigate what happened and interrogate all parties concerned. For instance, if there is a question about whether someone was using their cell phone, the records from that person’s phone can be requested in order to shed light on the matter. Near the event that the collision happened in a traffic junction, there were witnesses as well. Understanding police procedures during the investigative stage may require speaking with a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer.
Identifying fault can be challenging in situations involving unique conditions, such as:
- Crosswalks that are not clearly indicated or poorly defined can raise questions about whether a pedestrian was legally crossing the street. Remember, though, that if somebody is caught jaywalking, it does not give a driver the okay to hit them.
- Construction zones: Other parties besides the driver who hit the pedestrian may also be held responsible for the accident if the pedestrian had to cross the street because of construction or a closed public sidewalk.
It can be highly stressful to deal with hospital bills, government reports, and phone calls from health insurer adjusters, especially if you have sustained significant injuries. This is why it is so important to find a skilled pedestrian accident attorney immediately, so they can ensure you have the right assistance for your accident claim.
As the injured party, you could believe that your case is a lock and that you do not require the services of a pedestrian accident lawyer. But many things can go wrong. The driver who struck you may contest what happened before the collision and try to place the responsibility on you. Additionally, the insurance firms involved could encourage you to embrace their offer by offering a lower payout than what you believe you are entitled to. Or you could be unsure what a reasonable settlement amount should be.
Keep in mind that insurance adjusters often make their income by negotiating settlements. Most accident victims who were pedestrians do not. Although the settlement amount they offer you may seem adequate, is it? Does it account for all lost revenue? Does it consider possible lengthy medical care and therapy? A medical bill settlement that initially seemed generous may suddenly be insufficient if additional expenses arise due to unanticipated complications or a longer recovery period.
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