Altadena Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

When a vehicle hits a pedestrian—even at slower speeds—the consequences can be devastating. Victims often suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, internal bleeding, and brain trauma. If you were injured by a negligent motorist, turn to our Altadena pedestrian accident attorneys to assist with your claim.  During your free initial consultation, we can answer your questions, assess your case, and explain how we might approach building your claim. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to get started.

Should I Still Visit the Doctor Even My Injuries Are Not Serious?

Pedestrian accidents are often fatal, and few survive unscathed. As such, even if it seems like you only suffered a few minor injuries, you should still visit the doctor for a comprehensive medical evaluation.  A prompt diagnosis will ensure that a potentially life-threatening condition doesn’t go undetected and that you start receiving treatment as soon as possible. Additionally, visiting the doctor immediately after the collision can help you avoid disputes over liability and causation.  Here are a few reasons why you should never skip a doctor’s visit after a pedestrian accident:

• The Insurance Company Will Want to See Your Medical Records: While you may live your life honestly, the insurer only deals in raw data. As such, your word is worth nothing unless you have the documentation to corroborate your claims. Visiting the doctor will ensure that you have access to medical records documenting the details of your injuries. These records will often include information on the types of injuries you suffered, recommended treatments, prescribed medication, lab results, and other aspects of your treatment plan. Your attorney will also want to see your records to determine which damages may be available to you. For instance, if your records show that your injuries inhibit your ability to earn a living, you might be able to seek compensation for lost wages.

• You Have a Duty to Mitigate Damages: While the other party may be 100% responsible for causing the accident, you could still be held liable for some of your damages. For instance, if you failed to seek medical treatment or did not follow your doctor’s orders, and this led to your condition worsening, the insurer may assert that you contributed to your damages and are therefore liable for some of your medical expenses. As such, a prompt diagnosis can help you avoid liability disputes down the line.

• A Prompt Diagnosis Makes It Easier to Connect Your Injuries to the Accident: If you wait too long to visit the doctor, it will be harder to tie your condition to the collision. Every day you delay your diagnosis gives opposing parties more opportunities to dispute liability. For instance, if you did not seek medical treatment until weeks after the accident, the insurer may assert that your injuries were caused by something else.

Elements of a Strong Personal Injury Claim

Do I have a strong claim? It’s a common question most of our clients ask during their free initial consultations. However, the building blocks of a convincing case can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Were multiple parties involved? Did you post about the accident on social media? How serious are your injuries? The answers to some of these questions can drastically alter the approach our attorneys will take when investigating, preparing, and negotiating your case. However, there are a few elements many successful claims have in common, such as:

• Expert Witness Deposition: Pedestrian accident claims can be incredibly complex—especially if you suffered a catastrophic injury. Not only may there be multiple liable parties involved but proving your losses can also be a challenging undertaking. For example, if you suffered a brain injury, the insurer may dispute the severity of your condition. In such scenarios, your attorney may have to call on a medical specialist to provide deposition regarding the necessity of procedures you’ve undergone, the long-term impact of your injuries, and degree of pain and suffering you may have experienced since the accident. Alternatively, if you’re facing disputes over causation, your attorney may bring in an accident reconstruction expert to investigate the accident and demonstrate how the defendant’s negligence was responsible for your injuries.

• Evidence Gathered at the Scene: Did any onlookers witness the accident take place? Did you take photographs of your injuries immediately after the accident? Did you note the locations of nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured footage of the accident? Evidence collected from the crash scene can help build a strong foundation for your case. For example, if eyewitnesses noticed that the at-fault motorist was using their phone in the moments before the accident, their deposition could help prove that the driver was negligent.

• Police Reports: If you or anyone else contacted authorities after the accident, it’s likely that police officers arrived at the scene. Typically, officers will compile an official report on the accident, documenting any deaths, injuries, and property damage. This report may also include their findings regarding who or what caused the accident. While this report is rarely admissible as evidence during trial, your attorney may rely on information in this document to map out their investigation and identify evidence that could play a crucial role in proving liability, causation, and damages.

Speak to an Altadena Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

A high-speed encounter with a motor-vehicle can leave you facing long-term health complications, limitations, and medical costs. Filing a personal injury claim could help you and your family gain access to the funds you need to get your lives back on track. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or use our online contact form HERE to schedule a free case review.