Claremont Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Claremont Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Claremont is a walkable community, but even in a seemingly safe town, pedestrian accidents can happen in an instant, often with devastating consequences. When a car hits a pedestrian, there is no buffer or protection. The result can be life-altering injuries, expensive medical bills, and long-term recovery. However, when losses are incurred, a Claremont pedestrian accident lawyer at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen can help you seek recovery.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot is struck by a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle. These incidents often happen at crosswalks, intersections, sidewalks, or parking lots. Because pedestrians have no physical protection, even low-speed impacts can cause serious injuries. A pedestrian accident, like a truck accident, motorcycle accident, or car accident, is among the most dangerous types of traffic collisions due to the vulnerability of the person on foot.

Unfortunately, death resulting from pedestrian accidents is not uncommon. In 2023, 7,314 pedestrians suffered fatalities, and over 68,000 pedestrians were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents. In California, 26% of traffic fatalities were pedestrians.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

No two accidents are alike. Pedestrian accidents can be caused by a number of reasons or a combination of reasons. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:

• Failing to yield to pedestrians who have the right of way
• Distracted driving
• Speeding, especially in a place with heavy foot traffic, like school zones
• Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• Driving through stop signs or red lights
• Turning without checking for pedestrians

Unfortunately, most of the time, these accidents can be prevented.

Damages Available in a Pedestrian Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Claremont, damages may be available to you, depending on your specific losses. Below are some of the most common damages that you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses: Including surgeries, emergency room visits, rehabilitation, and medication
• Pain and suffering: Covering the physical pain and mental and emotional suffering you endured as a result
• Wrongful death: If your loved one was killed
• Lost wages: Especially if the accident caused you to miss work or will cause you to do so in the future. You may also be entitled to loss of earning capacity if your injuries are severe enough that you are not able to work in the future or in a limited capacity than you were before.

Determining Fault in a Pedestrian Accident

Determining fault in a pedestrian accident isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. While drivers are often assumed to be at fault when a pedestrian is hit, that’s not always the case under California law. Fault depends on the specific circumstances of the collision, such as where it occurred, who had the right of way, and whether either party was acting negligently.

For example, a driver may be held liable for speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield at a marked crosswalk. However, a pedestrian might share the blame if they were jaywalking, crossing against a traffic signal, or walking while distracted.

California follows the comparative negligence rule. This means that you can still recover damages from an accident even if you partially contributed to the accident; your reward amount will just be reduced by the percentage of fault you hold. Because fault can affect both your legal rights and the value of your claim, it’s important to have an attorney review the details of your case.

About Belgum, Fry & Van Allen

With decades of experience and a deep commitment to personal injury victims, Belgum, Fry & Van Allen has built a reputation for effective advocacy and compassionate client care. Based in the Inland Empire, our firm has represented numerous clients across Southern California. Partners Garrett Fry and Brian Van Allen have both been recognized for excellence, including inclusion in Super Lawyers Rising Stars and The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40.

How We Can Help

Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and internal bleeding. Recovery may take months or even a lifetime. At Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, we help clients pursue full compensation for their losses, including medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

FAQs

Q: Can You File a Claim Against a Pedestrian for Causing an Accident in Claremont, CA?

A: Yes, you can file a claim against a pedestrian for causing an accident in Claremont, CA. This may be an option if the pedestrian’s negligent actions caused you physical, financial, and/or emotional harm. Actions that may negligently cause an accident include jaywalking, crossing a crosswalk when it is not their turn, or walking into the street while distracted.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Pedestrian Accident?

A: The amount of time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Some settlements happen relatively quickly, especially in cases where the fault is clear. However, other instances may take longer, particularly if the case is more complex, the fault is argued, and/or the case goes to trial.

Q: What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take?

A: Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their fee comes from a percentage of their client’s earnings when they win their case. This percentage will vary based on each lawyer’s individual pay structure. It’s important to speak with your attorney about fees upfront so there are no surprises and you know exactly what to expect.

Q: Does Insurance Cover Pedestrian Accidents?

A: Yes, insurance can cover pedestrian accidents. If the driver is at fault, their insurance will typically cover expenses. In some cases, the pedestrian’s health insurance may be able to be applied. Determining which policy pays and how much often depends on the details of the accident and each party’s insurance coverage.

Contact Belgum, Fry & Van Allen Today

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Claremont, CA, you do not have to handle the aftermath by yourself. Belgium, Fry & Van Allen can help you fight for the compensation you need. Contact us today for a consultation.