Things You Should Know if You are a Pedestrian Injured by an Automobile

Most of the time recoveries in a pedestrian vs. automobile negligence case would hinge on the exact duty of care owed by those involved. Both drivers and pedestrians are required to follow the laws of the road and use reasonable care. In most cases, it may seem obvious who was careless or negligent, but the courts look at a number of factors when applying the facts of each case to the elements of a negligence claim. Individuals who fail to use reasonable care in the operation of their vehicle may be required to pay damages for personal injury and property damage caused by that negligence.

Injuries involving a pedestrian and an automobile usually produce a substantially higher damage award for the injured pedestrian than auto vs. auto cases. The reason is simple. In a typical auto vs. auto accident each of you are protected by a giant metal box, your car. While you can still be seriously injured in such a case, the pedestrian has no such protection. When a pedestrian is struck by and automobile they are in the most vulnerable position imaginable. The injuries are usually substantially more serious and the settlement amounts are correspondingly higher.

A few of the most common factors contributing to driver negligence as it relates to pedestrians are as follows:

• Failure to obey traffic signs or signals
• Failure to yield the right-of-way at marked cross walks
• Failure to signal while turning
• Inattention or preoccupied driver
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Hire a Santa Cruz Pedestrian Injury Lawyer with a Proven Record

If you were injured as a pedestrian, you have rights and may be entitled to a settlement. Brad Wiles has over 30 years experience fighting pedestrian injury cases in Santa Cruz, CA. Put experience on your side. Contact Brad Wiles today.

Been injured as a pedestrian? Don't delay.
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