Stockton Pedestrian Accident Information
Stockton Pedestrian Accident Information
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton auto accident attorney. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 4,735 pedestrians lost their lives in accidents across the country in 2013. Even speeds of just 10 miles per hour can seriously injure a pedestrian. So what is a pedestrian to do that finds him or herself injured while walking as a pedestrian in Stockton? Stockton pedestrian accident information is listed below.
Pedestrians, Municipalities and Car Accidents
If you are the pedestrian, you will probably file a lawsuit against the car’s driver. However, you might also be able to file a claim against the city or state if traffic control devices or unsafe streets contributed to the accident.
Following an Accident
After a car crash with any injuries, call 911, get names of the other driver and witnesses, take pictures, call your insurance company and speak with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney. Seek medical treatment right away, either at the emergency room or the following business day from your primary care physician. When deciding whether to pay a claim, insurance adjusters could hold any delays in seeking medical treatment against you.
Paying Medical Bills
Since California is an at-fault state, the pedestrian’s health insurance provider will cover medical bills, providing that the person has insurance. If the pedestrian does not have coverage, then he or she will likely need to pay their own bills.
Accident Claims against a Motorist and the Municipality
When a car hits a pedestrian, the person behind the wheel is generally at fault. Motorists must pay attention to their surroundings and have a legal duty to avoid accidents. This is especially true when the pedestrian uses a crosswalk, but even if the person is not in the crosswalk, the pedestrian will probably win a civil lawsuit unless they intentionally ran into the street. However, the pedestrian should use common sense and should not jaywalk.
The municipality could be held liable if the street is poorly designed, if there are safety hazards or if faulty traffic control devices are not working. The government has the responsibility to ensure safe roads and sidewalks. Our legal team can provide you with additional insight on who is responsible in a pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Serving Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton auto accident attorney. If you or a family member has been seriously injured due to the negligence of someone else, please call me at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly advice. Or, dial me free of charge at (800) 404-5400. You can also contact me via this convenient link.
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Source: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Pedestrians