Like many others, due to the sunny weather in California, you may choose to walk rather than drive as your mode of transportation. However, with this choice, you may not be aware of the potential risks. Unfortunately, due to negligence, pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries. If you are someone who has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Keep reading and contact a determined Santa Clara County Pedestrian Accident Attorney who can help you hold negligent parties accountable to receive monetary compensation for your damages.
What should I do if I’m injured in a pedestrian accident in California?
If you are a pedestrian who has been injured in a traffic accident due to someone else’s negligence, you are legally entitled to seek fair compensation for your economic and noneconomic damages. As a note, economic damages are calculable losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are not calculable losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, and loss of consortium. However, before you can recover any monetary compensation for your damages, you must fulfill the burden of proof. Essentially, you must prove that the other party’s negligence directly caused your injuries and damages.
To maximize your chances of receiving reasonable compensation for your damages, the steps you take following this type of traffic accident are crucial. Firstly, you should seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. From here, an ambulance will be dispatched to your location. You will then be transported to a nearby hospital where a medical professional will examine and treat your injuries. Regardless of whether your injuries seem minor or severe, it is imperative to have them treated to prevent further damage. Additionally, you should keep track of all pertinent medical bills and records that can corroborate the extent and severity of your injuries. Further, you should follow medical advice and their treatment plan for recovery. If you do not follow the doctor’s orders the negligent party could argue that you contributed to the severity of your injuries by neglecting to follow your doctor’s instructions.
After seeking immediate medical attention, if you are capable, you should collect evidence at the accident scene. This includes taking pictures and videos of the scene as well as collecting contact information from witnesses. You should also file a police report documenting the accident. Nevertheless, the most significant thing you can do after seeking medical attention is to hire an experienced Santa Clara County pedestrian accident attorney who can help you gather pertinent evidence that can help you fulfill the burden of proof.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact one of our skilled and dedicated team members. Our firm is committed to helping our clients understand their legal options.
