Skip to main content
Choosing to walk around Pasadena is a great way to get some exercise, see the city, and for some, a great way to get to and from work or school. Unfortunately, many drivers choose to ignore traffic signals, crosswalks, and sidewalks, placing pedestrians at great risk of harm. Collisions between motor vehicles and pedestrians can result in life-altering injuries. Thankfully, plaintiffs may still be able to pursue appropriate compensation from the responsible party and their insurance company with the help of a Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can collect evidence and represent you during negotiations to ensure that you get the settlement you deserve for your damages.
Legal Interactions Between Drivers and Pedestrians
Every driver must take appropriate care to prevent accidents including following all rules of the road as well as remaining generally aware of their surroundings. In pedestrian collision cases, drivers must yield to all people who are using a crosswalk to get across the street and watch for people on foot in parking lots. A driver who fails to follow these rules may be considered negligent in the eyes of the law. However, not every driver who hits a pedestrian is automatically responsible for all resulting damages.
Protecting Claims Against Aggressive Insurance Companies
State law requires all drivers to carry insurance that provides coverage in case of injury to another party. This means that most claims will flow through a defendant’s insurance company. However, this does not mean that the insurance company will simply pay what a plaintiff demands and these companies are almost never acting in the pedestrian’s best interests.
An injured person should almost never provide a recorded statement to another person’s insurance company. Another person’s insurer is investigating a claim with the aim of protecting their insured and themselves from liability. Anything an injured party says to the company could be used against them in the claims process and possibly even in Court if the claim goes that far. If a plaintiff does not fully explain their claim, or worse, admits liability, they can do significant harm to their claim or lose it entirely.
An injured pedestrian should never sign anything that a driver’s insurance company sends without consulting a lawyer. An insurance company may send a liability release along with a small settlement; which, if accepted, could end your right to recover any further damages. They may also send a release allowing them to dig into your personal medical history. A Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyer can help people avoid these predatory insurance practices. From the moment an injured pedestrian hires a lawyer, the insurance company can no longer contact the plaintiff. Once notified that an injured person is represented by counsel, they must route all communications through the attorney. That lawyer can then stand up against the insurance company to protect the injured party’s rights and get them the compensation they deserve.
A Pasadena Pedestrian Accident Lawyer May be Able to Help
The days and weeks following a pedestrian accident in Pasadena are likely confusing and stressful. You will need to seek medical care for your physical injuries, while also potentially dealing with emotional traumas and a loss of income. While it is true that a plaintiff who is the victim of a defendant’s negligence is entitled to full compensation for their losses, proving these claims can be difficult.
A Pasadena pedestrian accident lawyer can stand up for your rights against the insurance companies to get justice for your injuries. Contact Haines Law today to discuss your options.