Stockton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
California has long been a state that caters to drivers. One consequence of this car-first approach, however, is that pedestrians are at especially high risk of death or serious injury when crossing the street. Indeed, thousands of pedestrians are hurt every year when they are struck by a motor vehicle.
Most of these collisions are the fault of negligent drivers who fail to obey the rules of the road. If you, or someone in your family, has been the victim of such negligence, our Stockton pedestrian accident lawyers can help. Venardi Zurada LLP is a California personal injury law firm that specializes in representing accident victims and their families. We can review your case, investigate your accident, and take legal action on your behalf to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.
Why Do So Many Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Stockton?
It is well-understood that pedestrians have the legal right-of-way when crossing a public road at a marked crosswalk. Yet most pedestrian accidents occur at such crosswalks. There are several common reasons for this:
- Distracted Driving: Far too many motorists are not keeping an eye out for pedestrians because they are too busy looking at their phone, fiddling with the controls in their car, or simply talking to other people. Such distracted driving behaviors are perhaps the leading cause of preventable pedestrian accidents in California.
- Drunk Driving: We all know the dangers of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Intoxication dulls a person’s reflexes and senses. This makes drunk drivers far less able to notice–or react to–a pedestrian in their path.
- Failure to Yield: Again, pedestrian accidents often happen simply because the driver fails to yield at a marked crosswalk or other traffic signal.
- Reckless Driving and Speeding: Even when a driver is not distracted or impaired, they can still operate their vehicles in an unsafe and reckless manner. This is most commonly seen with speeding, but it extends to other behaviors such as weaving in-and-out of traffic and aggressive tailgating, which places pedestrians at heightened risk of injury.
Seeking Compensation Following a Pedestrian Accident in Stockton
Pedestrians have no protection when struck by a two-ton motor vehicle. This is why many pedestrian accidents are fatal. Even in non-fatal cases, however, the pedestrian can sustain a life-altering injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and even the loss of a limb or internal organ.
Through a personal injury lawsuit, a pedestrian accident victim can seek financial compensation for their out-of-pocket losses, such as medical bills and lost income, as well as non-economic damages, including their ongoing pain and suffering. And in cases where a pedestrian accident results in death, the victim’s family can seek compensation under California’s wrongful death law.
Reach Out to Our Stockton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
While you may assume that all pedestrian accidents are the fault of the driver, that is not always the case. Many injured pedestrians actually face an uphill struggle when it comes to recovering compensation. That is why you need to work with an experienced Stockton pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for your rights. Call Venardi Zurada LLP today at (833) VZ FOR ME to schedule a free confidential consultation.