Pedestrian Accidents
San Jose Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
There is nothing more frightening (and often tragic) than a pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle. According to statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 60,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic accidents in 2006. It is possible for a pedestrian to experience severe injury or even lifelong disability in a vehicular crash in a car going only 10 miles per hour. If the speed of the vehicle exceeds 30 miles per hour, then the results are often catastrophic and life changing for both the victim and the family members of the victim.
Right after an accident it can be very difficult to determine your own injuries and the injuries of any pedestrians involved in the accident. It could take weeks or even months after an accident before doctors can determine the entire amount of treatment that a victim may need. However, the driver's insurance company will try to limit their liability by shifting as much of the blame on the pedestrian as possible. Often times, their strategy is to get you to make a statement or sign a document that will limit their liability in the incident. That is why it is absolutely critical for the victim or family of the victim of a pedestrian accident to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Don't talk to the insurance company, don't give a recorded statement, and do not under any circumstances sign anything that the insurance company gives you until you have hired an attorney. An experienced attorney will know how to determine fault, how injuries and damages can be compensated, and how the insurance companies will try to limit the amount that they will pay.
Determining Fault in a Pedestrian Accident
Drivers are responsible for being aware of people who walk, use a bicycle, operate a wheelchair, rollerblade, roller skate, ride an electric scooter, and play in the road. Areas where there are young children and older adults like neighborhoods, school yards, nursing homes, and shopping centers are common areas where individuals may be less aware of drivers on the road. Drivers are responsible for paying close attention and watching their speed in these high risk areas. Children and elderly are more likely to stray outside crosswalks and not pay attention to traffic signals. Drivers should be aware of potential high-risk areas and held responsible for not paying attention and not giving adequate room, and time to move out of the path of pedestrians. Drivers are aware that individuals who are not in a vehicle are extremely vulnerable and more likely to be seriously injured. An experienced attorney will know how to determine fault and will not allow you to be bullied by the insurance companies who will try to limit or even deny your claim.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a pedestrian accident in the Bay Area including San Jose, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Freemont, Oakland, San Francisco, and other cities in Santa Clara County, Alameda County, San Mateo County and San Francisco County then you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The damages that you may recover for could include medical bills, future medical bills that are reasonably certain, loss of enjoyment of life, and physical property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of life if a death occurred in the accident. It takes an experienced attorney who understands California laws and insurance company tactics to help you obtain the judgment or settlement that you deserve. Geoffrey Nwosu is such an attorney. Each case is different. It is important that your attorney completely understands your case and has a firm grasp of the facts. That is why Attorney Nwosu offers a free initial consultation. He also accepts pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis which means he will not charge you until he obtains a favorable settlement or judgment on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a pedestrian accident, contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey Nwosu today at 408-912-5983.