Pedestrian accidents can have a devastating impact on victims, which is why they are entitled to fair compensation. However, many injured victims hesitate to pursue compensation due to misconceptions about fault and the complex legal system.

Don’t be discouraged. Even if you believe you share some blame, an experienced Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyer can help navigate the claims process, but with so many attorneys to choose from in Los Angeles County, it can be difficult to find the best fit.

Here’s how to find the right legal representation for your pedestrian accident case. 

How to Find the Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – Long Beach, CA

The right pedestrian accident lawyers can be the difference between a small-figure, six-figure, and million-dollar settlement. Utilize these three effective strategies to find the best representation in Long Beach for your pedestrian accident claim. 

The Top 3 Ways to Select a Long Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

1. Seek Personal Referrals

Confiding in family, coworkers, and close acquaintances is one of the greatest resources when looking for recommendations. 

A referral from someone who has worked with a pedestrian accident lawyer is no different, and their trusted insights can be highly beneficial.

Personal injury cases fall under tort, which is a civil wrong that causes a claimant (the injured victim) to suffer loss or harm. This area of law spans a wide range of accident types. 

Therefore, when seeking referrals, ensure the recommended attorney specializes in pedestrian accidents and has had success settling similar cases. 

The legal approach in a pedestrian accident case will vastly differ from another type of personal injury case, like a car accident case.

2. Invest Time in Research

Many online attorney directories, such as Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell, are helpful in searching for the most experienced and credible pedestrian accident attorneys, not just across Southern California but throughout the United States, as well.

These platforms offer valuable insight into an attorney’s educational background, professional work history, and real feedback from former clients.

The provided reviews and attorney profiles allow viewers to compare every candidate’s qualifications and demonstrable track record in pedestrian accident cases.

In addition to utilizing online directories and to further assess an attorney’s qualifications, conduct online research. Look up terms specific to the case and location, such as “Long Beach pedestrian accident attorney” or “pedestrian accident law firm in Long Beach CA.” 

This focused approach will yield relevant and promising results. Investing time in researching the top local Long Beach attorneys allows individuals to make informative decisions on who to hire.

3. Schedule a Consultation with the Top Selections

This step may feel strenuous and like a hassle, especially when healing from a pedestrian accident injury, but it is crucial. To fully understand the type of attorney and legal team you will be working with, you must meet with them.

These meetings work as an opportunity to delve deeper into an attorney’s experience with personal injury law, particularly pedestrian accidents.

An added bonus is that some personal injury lawyers offer these case evaluations at zero cost to prospective clients. This can be confirmed ahead of time when the initial consultation is scheduled.

An initial consultation can be conducted in person or over the phone. Regardless of the method, ensure all questions and concerns are addressed before agreeing to work with a particular law firm. Inquire about the following:

• Experience: “Can you elaborate on your experience handling pedestrian accident cases?”
• Expectations: “How much is my case worth, and when do you expect to settle?”
• Client Approach: “How will working with you be different from another attorney”
• Fees: “How will your fees be structured for my case?”
• Communication: “How often can I expect to hear from you regarding my case?”
• Availability: “What are your typical hours of availability?”

Common Injuries of Pedestrian Accidents

Similar to other large city metropolitans, Downtown Long Beach tends to absorb more traffic collisions. More specifically, Seventh St. and Pacific Ave. where the population is denser and roadways are thinner are where more pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents occur.

Additionally, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), neighboring the 710 Freeway underpass also experiences an abundance of pedestrian crashes.  

Due to lack of protection, most pedestrian accidents result in severe injuries, leading to costly medical treatment.

A successful personal injury claim can help recover these costs and provide compensation for intangible losses like pain and suffering. Common injuries of California pedestrian accidents can include:

• Broken bones
• Back injuries, Paralysis  
• Spinal cord damage
• Catastrophic injuries, amputation
• Internal organ damage
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Scarring
• Psychological injuries sustained

An experienced attorney will assess all the ways the accident has impacted the victim’s life, including lost wages, future medical needs, and lost earning capacity.

Why Pedestrian Accident Victims Cannot Afford to Forego Legal Help

While an injured pedestrian accident victim is entitled to compensation for suffered injuries and other damages, the insurance company is not always willing to fairly compensate what is owed.

To ensure your rights are protected, it is crucial to seek legal guidance. Here are the benefits that pedestrian accident lawyers provide.

Prove Negligence

Even if a driver is at fault, the legal system requires establishing that the driver is guilty of negligence, which ultimately led to the collision. A pedestrian accident attorney will approach this by indicating:

• A duty of care was owed: Determining that the driver owed a legal duty of care, as all drivers have a responsibility to act with reasonable caution toward pedestrians
• The duty of care was breached: Demonstrating the driver breached this duty by acting negligently, which can involve running a red light, speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or other forms of reckless driving
• The breach caused the pedestrian accident: Establishing a clear link between the driver’s negligence and the victim’s injuries from available evidence, like witness statements, police reports, and an accident scene reconstruction
• The accident resulted in damages:  Indicating the extent of sustained damages, including medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses resulting from the pedestrian accident

Consulting with a pedestrian accident lawyer is the best course of action to understand the available legal options in order to achieve optimal results.

Maintain a Strong Case When Fault Is Shared

California is an at-fault state, meaning that the individual who is at fault for the accident is responsible for compensating the victim for injuries and damages. This also means that more than one party can be at fault, even the injured pedestrian.

However, when fault is shared between the plaintiff and the defendant, the plaintiff may still recover compensation at a reduced rate under the state’s comparative negligence laws. 

When determining liability, the final awarded amount will be based on the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. So, if the pedestrian is found 20% liable, then 80% of compensation will be awarded.

A dedicated Long Beach pedestrian accident attorney will work to minimize the percentage of fault so that clients are left with the highest financial award possible.

Maximize Compensation

When meeting with a Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyer, the case will be fully evaluated to determine all sustained damages in their entirety. This can include current out-of-pocket expenses, anticipated financial losses, and psychological pain and suffering due to the accident. 

Pedestrian accident victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages reimburse for financial losses stemming from the accident, whereas, non-economic damages account for intangible losses. Common examples of both include but are not limited to the following: 

• Ambulance transport
• Current medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Mental counseling
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Psychological trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• Wrongful death

In the event of a fatal accident, surviving family members of victims may seek compensation for damages and the loss of their loved ones. 

Belmont Accident Lawyers Can Help

Undergoing the claims process alone can be stressful, overwhelming, and at times discouraging, especially when recovering from injuries. 

The compassionate legal team at Belmont Accident Lawyers offers our clients the support and legal guidance needed during this challenging time. We can assist with the following: 

• Investigate the accident: Determine the cause and identify all liable parties
• Prove fault: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze medical records to establish the driver’s negligence
• Maximize compensation: Seek compensation for medical bills and other damages from all responsible parties
• Handle insurance claims: File claims with the insurance company and negotiate aggressively for the best possible settlement
• Litigate: If necessary, represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve

Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys will help you file a claim and pursue the fair compensation you deserve. For questions about your accident or to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury law firm, contact us today.