Handling a Personal Injury Claim for Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles

Walking or cycling through the streets of Los Angeles should be safe and stress-free, but unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are all too common. From being struck by a vehicle to colliding with a cyclist or someone riding a scooter, the injuries that pedestrians suffer can be severe and life-threatening. Understanding how to handle pedestrian accident claims is essential to ensuring you receive the compensation you're entitled to for your injuries. This article will discuss how accidents involving bicycles or scooters differ from vehicle-related incidents and how to file a personal injury claim for pedestrian accidents. Lastly, we'll explain how an experienced personal injury attorney can be instrumental in securing fair pedestrian injury compensation.

Sharing the Road

While pedestrian injuries caused by cars or trucks are often the most severe due to the size and weight of these vehicles, accidents involving bicycles or scooters can also result in significant harm—particularly on roads without sidewalks, where boundaries between pedestrians and riders are often unclear. A car or truck can cause catastrophic injuries due to its speed and weight. In these cases, victims can usually file a pedestrian accident claim against the driver's auto insurance policy. In California, drivers are required to carry liability insurance, which can cover injuries to others caused by their negligence.

On the other hand, cyclists rarely carry insurance, so pursuing pedestrian injury claims in these cases can be very tricky. Victims may need to file a lawsuit directly against the cyclist or explore other options, such as homeowner's or renter's insurance, if the cyclist is covered under these policies.

What about accidents with scooters? E-scooters are increasingly popular in cities like Los Angeles but present their own set of challenges. Similar to bicycles, scooter riders usually don't carry insurance. In some cases, claims may be filed against the scooter rental company if a malfunction contributed to the accident or against the rider for negligence. Determining liability in these situations is not always straightforward, which is why working with a skilled injury attorney is recommended.

Who to File a Claim Against

After most pedestrian accidents, figuring out who to hold responsible can feel overwhelming, especially when the at-fault party doesn't have traditional insurance coverage. In bicycle or scooter accidents, the rider may be personally liable for your injuries. However, they may not have the financial resources to cover the damages, making the case more complex. If the scooter or bike malfunctioned and contributed to the accident, the company providing the equipment or its manufacturer might be held responsible.

Some auto insurance policies include personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover medical expenses in pedestrian accidents involving non-motorized vehicles. If unsafe road conditions or a poorly maintained crosswalk contributed to the accident, you may be able to file a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the area. A personal injury attorney can investigate your case, identify all potential sources of compensation, and help you file a strong pedestrian accident claim.

Navigating the legal and financial aftermath of such an accident can be daunting, especially when you're dealing with serious injuries. To build a strong case, an experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can gather evidence, such as witness statements and surveillance footage. In accidents involving bicycles or scooters, where liability and coverage may be unclear, an attorney's guidance is invaluable.

Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in North Hollywood or Los Angeles?

Understanding your rights and the steps involved in filing a pedestrian injury claim is crucial to ensuring you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries. With the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, you can navigate the complexities of your case and secure the pedestrian injury compensation you need to move forward.

If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Yepremyan Law Firm to schedule an appointment with one of our North Hollywood pedestrian accident attorneys. With 24/7 support, we offer free case evaluations to help injured victims find legal guidance. As an established personal injury law firm in North Hollywood, we represent clients all over Southern California. Call us today and let us know how we can help.