I am so sorry to hear about your pedestrian accident. Most pedestrians assume they will be safe in crosswalks, and for good reason. Drivers are required to respect crosswalks. When a driver hits a pedestrian who is inside a crosswalk, the law is on the pedestrian’s side. Unfortunately, despite all the laws in place to protect pedestrians, thousands are killed each year. Many more are injured.
California law gives pedestrians the right of way in crosswalks in most circumstances. That does not prevent accidents from occurring. If a pedestrian is hit by a car in a crosswalk, in most cases the pedestrian can file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company. The insurance company should compensate the pedestrian for his or her medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
However, the injured pedestrian is not always able to recover compensation from the negligent driver’s insurance company. In some cases, the driver who caused the accident may have fled the scene and cannot be located. In many cases, even if the driver does not flee the scene, the driver may not have automobile insurance or may be underinsured. In those cases, it is possible for the accident victim to pursue compensation from their own insurance company for their damages. An experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney can help.
If you have been injured in a crosswalk in Los Angeles, you should speak with an attorney. Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles personal injury attorney, at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.