Local Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Downey, CA
Injuries to pedestrians can be some of the most damaging car accidents. Unfortunately, due to confusion surrounding proving fault and the new California jaywalking laws, many injured victims do not receive the justice they deserve.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, consult with an attorney, even if you believe you were partially at fault. Here is how to choose the best pedestrian accident attorney in Downey who can help you with your case.
How to Find the Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Not all personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle cases for pedestrian accidents. Therefore, ensure that you invest in an experienced legal team that has the backing to support their rate of success. In order to find the right attorney for your case, utilize these effective research strategies.
1. Ask for Referrals of Local Personal Injury Attorneys
Asking friends, family, and colleagues that have previously hired a pedestrian accident lawyer is one great method to finding quality legal representation. This method is simple, yet effective, as you will be gaining insight from trusted individuals. Additionally, inquire about what area of law the attorney specializes in, if the attorney delivered ideal results, and whether or not that attorney is recommendable.
2. Utilize Online Review Sites
Online directories like Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell are attorney-specific platforms that showcase each attorney’s reviews based on previous clients’ past experiences. The sites also provide a comprehensive profile for each attorney, including experience, education, and client ratings.
3. “Google” Everything
Conducting online research to fact-check credibility and success rate further assesses the quality of service an attorney may provide. When searching, use specific phrasing related to your legal needs and location, such as “Downey pedestrian accident attorney” or “pedestrian accident law firm in Downey.” This narrows down the search results, highlighting some of the most popular results in the area.
4. Interview Multiple Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Schedule a case evaluation with each attorney who appears to be a good match for your case. Some attorneys may even offer a free consultation. During the consultation, ask about experience in personal injury law and pedestrian accident cases. Also, inquire about expectations for the outcome of the case. Other questions to ask are:
- What is your experience in pedestrian accidents?
- How will you be paid?
- What is your fee structure?
- What are your hours of availability?
- What is your communication style?
- How do you handle difficult clients?
Why You Need an Attorney’s Help
Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer provides a number of benefits. They will help you understand your rights and options so that you can obtain a maximum settlement after filing a personal injury claim. More specifically, personal injury attorneys can also help with the following.
Prove That the Other Party Is At Fault
The City of Downey owns and maintains 214 miles of roadways, consisting of 154 miles of residential streets and 43 miles of arterial highways (high-capacity urban roads). Heavy traffic along busy streets, like Firestone Blvd., Lakewood Blvd., Bellflower Blvd., and Paramount Blvd., are sometimes why pedestrian accidents happen so frequently.
These pedestrian accidents are often a result of the same common causes of many motor vehicle accidents that involve distracted driving, reckless driving, and drunk driving. A Downey pedestrian accident lawyer will compile evidence and utilize resources like an accident scene reconstructionist to prove that the other party was guilty of negligence, therefore liable for causing the pedestrian accident.
Full and Fair Settlement Negotiations
Legal representation is not required in order to file a pedestrian accident claim with the insurance company. However, working with an experienced personal injury attorney simplifies the process and improves the chance of recovering a maximum settlement.
The insurance company is backed by a legal team who are experienced in evading a pedestrian accident lawsuit. They will also attempt to negotiate settlements down to less than they are actually worth. Without knowing the true value of their cases, pedestrian accident victims often accept these unfair offers.
Attempting to take on the insurance companies without legal guidance will be extremely difficult, especially while recovering from serious injuries. However, a pedestrian accident lawyer will simplify this process by evaluating a case and aggressively negotiating with the insurance company until a fair offer is proposed.
Experience with Similar Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian accident lawyer possesses knowledge in navigating the legal system, evaluating case values, and strategizing to obtain maximum compensation for clients.
More importantly, they will protect clients from being taken advantage of by the other party or their insurance companies. If the other party is successful in evading liability, the victim will be responsible for all the damages suffered, including medical bills and lost wages.
By protecting your best interests, your attorney will ensure your claim is filed within California’s statute of limitations (two years) and that the claim is not settled for less than what is rightfully owed.
Obtain Compensation for All Forms of Damages
Common injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents correlate with costly medical bills to treat those injuries. Those medical costs can be reimbursed with a successful personal injury claim. Similarly, mental trauma, like pain and suffering can also be included in the claim. Common injuries sustained in most pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Permanent scarring
An experienced attorney will evaluate all that the victim has been affected and seek appropriate compensation based on those findings. Other types of damages include lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and medical expenses for future treatment.
These are often neglected by insurance companies, but an attorney will be sure to include them in the settlement.
Alleviates Stress
An attorney can help you file a claim and negotiate a fair settlement, even if you were partially at fault for the pedestrian accident. Monitoring the legal legwork and dealing with negotiations is complex, time-consuming, and demanding.
An attorney will absorb the stress of gathering evidence, filing a claim, interviewing witnesses, and representing you in court if the case goes to trial. By allowing an attorney to handle these legal aspects, you will be able to focus on what matters most, healing back to a healthy state.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer helps clients navigate the complicated legal system and fight to get them the compensation they deserve. Here is how Promenade Accident Attorneys helps injured pedestrian accident victims with their cases:
- Investigate the pedestrian accident case to determine the cause
- Prove fault by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records
- Seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages from all liable parties
- File pedestrian accident claims with the insurance companies
- Aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to get the highest possible settlement
- If necessary, file pedestrian accident lawsuits and represent clients in court
Contact Promenade Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, consult with Downey pedestrian accident lawyers as soon as possible. Our personal injury law firm maintains a 99% success rate for helping injured pedestrians recover maximum compensation for accidents caused by negligent drivers.
If you suffered pedestrian accident injuries, we can help you hold the liable party accountable. Call Promenade Accident Attorneys today for a free case evaluation.
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