Teen Injured in Merced County Pedestrian Accident
A teen was injured in a Merced County pedestrian accident on the night of July 11, 2019. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to reports of a crash involving a pedestrian and a vehicle shortly after 9:00 p.m. The incident occurred in the area of Swanson Road and Merced Avenue, just north of Delhi. A 19-year-old Delhi man was driving his 1997 Honda Civic north along Merced Avenue when he reportedly approached a group of people walking along the east shoulder of the roadway. Among the group was a 16-year-old Delhi girl, who was hit by the Honda. She suffered an ankle injury and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Updates regarding the girl’s condition were not immediately available.
Common Pediatric Injuries in a Merced County Pedestrian Accident
A child is more susceptible to sustaining injuries in a pedestrian accident than an adult. This is due to their lack of experience and young age. Some of the common injuries suffered by children in such accidents include head injury, emotional and mental impairment, spinal cord damage, tendon tears, and broken bones. Two of the most commonly fractured bones in children are the radius and the ulna. The forearm and wrist are comprised of these two bones. As with any other bone fracture, the first step is to have the injury imaged. This is essential to make sure the trauma is not overlooked. Once this has been done, a treatment plan should be set up with a pediatric orthopedist.
Pedestrian Accidents and Rules of the Road
California law places a higher duty of care on drivers to drive safely and watch for children on the road. Motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the street. The rules of the road in California also expects all motorists to exercise due care in areas where children are likely to be present such as school zones. When a driver fails to do so, they may be held financially responsible for injuries and damages incurred in a pedestrian accident.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury?
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the pedestrian accident in California. This is by California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. For a minor, the statute is extended or tolled until he or she turns 18 years old. From that time, the minor has two years to file. There are specific exceptions that can affect the time limit for a claim. It is best to retain an experienced injury lawyer in these situations to ensure your case is filed under applicable deadlines, statutes, and rules. If you are unsure of what to look for in a reputable attorney, watch the below video.
How Can an Attorney Help Our Family?
Parents whose children have been injured by a negligent driver may be able to recover compensation under the law. A Merced personal injury attorney who has experience in handling these types of claims may be able to help a family. Attorneys who practice personal injury law exclusively offer free consultations to answer parents’ questions about their child’s case. Unlike other attorneys, injury lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee basis. In other words, a family will not be expected to make any upfront payments until a favorable outcome has been reached in the case. This allows a family to focus on their injured child’s recovery without financial worry.
Merced Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. A pedestrian accident can adversely affect a child and their family’s lives, causing emotional, physical, and financial hardship. In such situations, parents can seek the assistance of an experienced injury attorney to receive medical and legal advice for their injured child. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident caused by the fault of a driver or entity, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
When you need legal advice, it can be challenging to decide which injury attorney to contact. Looking over client reviews of a law office is an excellent way to help you decide. You are welcome to read ours at the following sites:
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