Fighting for the Rights of Injured Pedestrians

When most people think about car accidents, they generally don't think about individuals walking on foot. But a Thousand Oaks pedestrian accident attorney will tell you that common collisions do not just involve two or more cars.

A fair portion of car accidents only involve one driver. Furthermore, these kinds of accidents can often result in substantial damage and horrible injuries. This is particularly accurate when the collision involves a pedestrian.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, the Thousand Oaks pedestrian accident lawyers at Drake Law Firm realize that you are experiencing a difficult time. Medical bills are piling up, you're off of work, and you're hurt and in pain. Also, you may be getting calls from a car insurance provider and you don't know what to do.

The good news is that we are here to help. The attorneys at Drake Law Firm have been taking on pedestrian accident claims for many years with great success. If you have a case, we are prepared and ready to fight for you.

What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Thousand Oaks?

Drivers have a duty of care while operating their vehicles that includes more than just other cars. Drivers must also keep a lookout for the more vulnerable people on the roads, such as motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Here are the primary reasons:

If a driver does not pay close enough attention-- or their driving is impaired for some other reason-- they can seriously hurt or kill a pedestrian unintentionally.

In order to fully understand how serious pedestrian accidents are and how to avoid them, we also have to know what causes pedestrian accidents.

Some leading causes of accidents involving pedestrians include:

• Turning and merging accidents
• Exiting a parking lot or driveway
• Failing to yield
• Speeding
• DUI
• Bad weather
• Delivery truck accidents
• Loading and unloading bus and rail passengers
• Distracted driving

How Can I Avoid Pedestrian Accidents?

Although it is impossible to account for the actions of those around you, there are many things you can do to help avoid becoming the victim of a pedestrian accident.

Listed here are several precautions to take to avoid getting hit by a car as a pedestrian:

• Cross the street in designated crosswalks
• Look for vehicles in all directions, including those turning left or right
• At stop light intersections, only cross when you have a walk signal
• When crossing the street, be defensive and assume the motorist doesn't see you
• Attempt to make eye contact with the driver to make sure that you know for sure that they see you
• Never cross midblock, particularly when walking on busy urban streets or streets with several lanes
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available
• Stay alert at all times. Try to limit distractions on your phone
• Only use one earbud at a time so you do not lose all sense of hearing
• Don't try to beat traffic. If you think that you need to run or accelerate, you are cutting it too close
• Wear bright and reflective apparel after dark
• Look for cars entering or exiting driveways and parking garages or backing up in parking lots

What Should I Do If I'm Injured in a Thousand Oaks Pedestrian Accident?

Knowing what to do after you are struck by a vehicle while walking is important to make sure that you can preserve your rights and legal options in case you are seriously injured or have other damages.

• Call the authorities and make a report
• Take down witness information at the scene
• Take photos and video of the accident scene
• Gather as much of your own evidence as possible, including names, police reports, etc
• Get medical attention immediately
• Call a pedestrian accident lawyer
• Don't speak with an auto insurance company until you've had a meeting with a lawyer

As a growing number of individuals rely on either public transportation or walking as an alternative to commuting by vehicle, more pedestrians end up on the public roadways. This is particularly true in metropolitan locations like Thousand Oaks, where individuals often walk from bus stops, "L" stops, or rail stations to their homes or places of employment.

Too often, pedestrians are hit by motorists that are too distracted to see them crossing the street or walking behind a vehicle. And when this happens, it will be the pedestrian, not the motorist, that pays the price.

The pedestrian injury attorneys at Drake Law Firm have comprehensive experience working with those that are hurt in this kind of accident. We can seek a personal injury case on your behalf, or a wrongful death suit on behalf of a loved one that has been killed in a pedestrian accident in Thousand Oaks or any other of the surrounding communities.

What Types of Compensation Can I Obtain if I Succeed in a Thousand Oaks Pedestrian Accident Claim?

If you achieve a settlement or the court rules in your favor, you can get compensation for losses associated with your pedestrian accident and injuries, including:

• Medical treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Estimated future medical treatment expenses
• Estimated future lost wages
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Reduced quality of life
• And more

A Thousand Oaks pedestrian accident is a life-altering event when victims sustain serious injuries. Contact a knowledgeable Thousand Oaks pedestrian accident attorney today who can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call the Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Drake Law Firm

If you or somebody close to you has experienced an accident as a pedestrian, contact our firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. These can be very complicated claims, and hiring a law firm knowledgeable about the matters involved in pedestrian accidents in the Thousand Oaks area is your best option for obtaining the compensation you are entitled to.

Our Thousand Oaks pedestrian accident lawyers have a proven track record of success in litigating personal injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of individuals and families dealing with the tragedy of a serious or fatal accident.