Between the distracted drivers, drunk motorists, and ever-present gridlock traffic, life as a pedestrian in California isn’t short of dangers. Thankfully, if you were struck by a vehicle, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages. Our Castaic pedestrian accident attorneys can review your situation to determine how to proceed with your claim. 

We have decades of collective experience handling wrongful death and personal injury cases in Castaic and the rest of California. To find out more, reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.  

What Damages Might Be Recoverable in My Pedestrian Accident Claim? 

Most losses in a pedestrian accident case can be categorized as “compensatory”. In other words, awards for such losses are intended to reimburse the victim for damages resulting from the collision. If you were struck by a motorist, the financial award in a personal injury case should help restore you to the same financial position you were in before you suffered your injuries.  

Approximating the value of property damage, medical expenses, and other direct losses is relatively simple; however, there are many kinds of damages that can be difficult to quantify. For example, proving intangible losses such as loss of enjoyment in life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress can be incredibly challenging as there are no receipts, bills, or invoices for such damages.  

At HPIL, our legal team can review the available evidence and consult with expert witnesses if necessary to determine fair compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. Let’s take a look at a few types of damages that might be recoverable in your case: 

• Medical Expenses: Even if you have health insurance, a serious injury can still set you back thousands of dollars. From the initial ER visit to lab tests to prescription medication, depending on the severity of your injuries, your medical costs can add up at a rapid rate. In most situations, medical expenses will make up a significant portion of the potential recovery in a personal injury case. A financial award can include compensation for both the medical costs you’ve incurred thus far and those that—due to your injuries—you are likely to require in the future. 

• Lost Income: If your injuries left you unable to work for any period of time after the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the wages you lost. In the event that you suffered an injury that will prevent you from returning to work in the future, or has left you unable to work ever again, you may also be able to pursue damages for future lost wages and diminished earning potential. 

• Pain and Suffering: With no protection in an accident, pedestrians often suffer catastrophic injuries when they are struck by motorists. Even minor injuries can lead to considerable pain and suffering; with more serious conditions causing unbearable agony. In California, you have a right to seek compensation for the pain you’ve experienced because of injuries you suffered in an accident. Your attorney may ask you to start tracking your pain levels, symptoms, and limitations in a personal injury journal. In addition to psychiatric reports and expert witness deposition, such entries could help you build case for non-economic damages.  

Can I Use Social Media While My Claim Is Pending? 

After suffering a serious injury in a pedestrian accident, it’s only normal to feel stressed, scared, and in desperate need of guidance. During these challenging times, many claimants turn to social media to get support from loved ones and others in their circles. However, publishing posts about the accident, your claim, your injuries, or even seemingly unrelated topics could be a crucial mistake that will sink your claim. The insurance adjuster may be monitoring your profiles for any posts that could be used as evidence to challenge your credibility. 

At HPIL, our personal injury attorneys can help guide you through the days ahead. It’s likely that we will suggest that you deactivate your social media accounts for the duration of proceedings, but if this isn’t possible in your situation, here are a few ways you can protect your claim next time you go online: 

• Screen New Friend Requests Carefully: A new connection request may appear harmless, but if you don’t recognize the name behind this invite, you should ignore it. Someone at the insurance company may attempt to send you a request in order to view your posts and keep tabs on your activity. Hitting “approve” might give an opposing party the freedom to pore through your posts at their own leisure. 

• Upgrade Your Privacy Settings: Most social media websites now allow you to tweak your privacy settings to limit who can—and can’t—view what you post on your pages. You should set these options to only allow friends and followers to see posts, comments, and pictures on your profile. While this isn’t a foolproof way to prevent the claims adjuster from reading your posts, it is an added layer of protection that could make all the difference down the line. 

• Do Not Post Pictures Online: Any images you upload to social media could be used as evidence to dispute aspects of your case. For instance, if you shared a snapshot of you out at a bar, engaging in physical activity, or spending a day out with your family, these photographs could be used to assert that your injuries aren’t as serious as you’re claiming as you are still able to enjoy your everyday life. Alternatively, the insurer could also use such images to argue that you ignored your healthcare provider’s instructions to rest. 

Discuss Your Case with a Castaic Pedestrian Accident Attorney 

Were you seriously injured in a pedestrian accident? Our attorneys are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message using our online contact form HERE to request a free case review.