Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem with significant consequences. Each year, nearly 900 pedestrians are killed in California and over 6,500 pedestrians are killed across the United States.
When injured as a pedestrian, you may face significant injury and long-term health challenges.
Both impaired and distracted driving are among the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in California. Drivers have a duty to operate their motor vehicle in a safe manner, but when impaired or distracted driving occurs, pedestrians can pay the price.
Drivers speeding and pedestrians walking at night are other common causes.
Following a pedestrian accident, it is important that an injured party take time for themselves. Rushing back to work or engaging in strenuous activities too soon after an accident can delay recovery or even make an injury worse.
It is also important to stay healthy by eating well, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep. Staying healthy through good eating and sleeping can reduce recovery time and help with overall well-being.
Finally, getting proper health care and following recommendations of a doctor is critical. Following through with physical therapy or any other health care recommendations can speed up recovery and help with long-term well-being.
Of course, seeing doctors, physical therapist and receiving other needed treatment can be expensive.
If the driver who struck a pedestrian was negligent, the pedestrian is generally entitled to recover damages for medical expenses and other costs resulting from the accident.
The costs of an accident are real and can be substantial, so a pedestrian injured in an accident should consult a knowledgeable attorney for advice on how to protect their legal right to recover damages.