Injured? You Deserve Compensation
Pedestrian accidents in Temecula are always frightening and tragic. The size and speed of some vehicles can leave an individual with serious injuries. Not everyone is aware of pedestrian accident laws in the city or the importance of contacting Temecula pedestrian accident lawyers after an incident. Anyone living in Temecula should understand several points about pedestrian accidents.
Definition of a Pedestrian Accident
Many people in Temecula are unaware of the broad definition of what is considered a pedestrian accident. A pedestrian accident occurs when any person is struck by a motor vehicle while outdoors. This includes unpaved roads, parking lots and even private driveways. The pedestrian can be standing still, walking or running. They can be on a skateboard or inline skates. There are also non-motor pedestrian accidents that occur when another pedestrian or a bicycle hits an individual. Pedestrian-only accidents occur when an individual is injured due to bad sidewalks, items on the street or falling debris.
Causes of a Pedestrian Accident
The large majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by the negligence of automobile drivers. Negligence means a driver in Temecula is not taking the reasonable precautions necessary to operate the vehicle safely. Many different things can be considered negligence. These include drinking while driving, looking away from the road and using a cell phone while driving. Actions like ignoring traffic lights and signs, eating while driving and speeding are considered negligent behaviors as well. Negligence is a key factor in determining liability after an accident.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Anyone in Temecula who has been involved in a pedestrian accident needs to act quickly. The first step should be to get medical attention if necessary. The next step is to gather witness information, photographs and other evidence from the scene. Victims should not sign any documents or talk to individuals other than the police after an accident. The most important step is to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Temecula as soon as possible.
The Importance of Hiring an Attorney
Pedestrian accidents in Temecula can be difficult to prove. Having the right legal representation will allow accident victims to make valid claims in order to have damages like medical bills or lost wages compensated by the responsible party. Without a lawyer, the insurance companies or other attorneys might be able to get away with paying minimal or no compensation for injuries.
Victims of a pedestrian accident are likely to have many medical bills and other financial issues after the incident. The fight to get fair compensation for these damages can become very complex and can take months or years depending on the situation. Contacting Temecula pedestrian accident lawyers immediately can help to make the legal and financial battles after the incident easier.
