Torrance, CA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

People who get hit by cars are unlikely to walk away unscathed, and in situations like these, assistance from a Torrance, CA pedestrian accident lawyer is strongly advised. Incidents like these can have life-altering impacts to the victims involved, all because a driver wasn’t paying enough attention or was reckless. Pedestrians may have severe injury that leaves them with long-term impacts to their health and mental wellbeing. Being hit by a car as a pedestrian can be a traumatizing experience in itself, so it isn’t uncommon for victims to require both physical treatment and mental support. If you or someone you cherish was hit as a pedestrian by a careless driver, we urge you to speak with a member of our team at the Law Offices of Edward Y. Lee right away. 

Pedestrian Accident Factors

As a pedestrian, you have to use certain precautions to keep yourself safe, such as only crossing in a designated crossing walks and staying alert to the presence of vehicles. It’s unfortunate that you cannot rely on car drivers to drive in a safe manner, so pedestrians have to be extra vigilant. Some causes of pedestrian accidents can include unmarked crosswalks, left turns, distracted driving, dark clothing, weather conditions, multi-lane roads, poor visibility, and driver recklessness. When a driver makes a left turn, they have to cross opposing lanes of traffic. If they do not do this wisely, they may hit a pedestrian because they are too focused on other cars. Weather conditions such as fog, sleet, heavy rain, or icy roads can decrease visibility and cause hydroplaning. Many pedestrian accidents are the cause of driver’s not being safe. Generally, drivers have to yield to pedestrians regardless of where they are crossing. Pedestrians get hit most often in urban areas, on college campuses, in dark areas, and on an open road. Most pedestrians are going to sustain a serious degree of bodily harm and mental anguish from the accident. Some pedestrians may never recover from their injuries and may require life-long support. When meeting with a Torrance pedestrian accident lawyer, please bring evidence for the accident, copies of your medical documentation, and the driver’s information. The more we have to examine, the more thoroughly we can help you during the consultation. 

Torrance Pedestrian Accident Infographic

Pedestrian Accident Glossary

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, understanding the legal terminology can be crucial. As Torrance, CA pedestrian accident lawyers, we know that the legal process can be daunting, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. We’ve compiled this glossary to clarify important legal terms that may arise during your case.

Duty Of Care

The term “duty of care” refers to the legal responsibility individuals have to act in a way that prevents harm to others. For drivers, this duty includes obeying traffic laws, being vigilant, and yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. If a driver fails to uphold this duty and causes an accident, they may be held legally liable for any resulting injuries. In pedestrian accident cases, this breach of duty often plays a critical role in determining fault.

When a driver neglects their duty of care, it can result in significant harm to pedestrians who have little protection compared to those inside a vehicle. This legal obligation isn’t just about following traffic signals; it encompasses driving with the awareness and caution necessary to prevent accidents, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. If a driver fails to exercise reasonable care, the injured party may pursue a claim for damages.

Restitution

Restitution involves compensating a victim for losses suffered due to someone else’s actions. In pedestrian accident cases, this can include payments for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income due to missed work, and other out-of-pocket expenses. For victims, restitution isn’t just about recovering financial losses—it’s about being made whole again after suffering harm.

Beyond the tangible costs, restitution can also cover intangible damages, such as pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may have the right to seek restitution to help ease the financial burdens resulting from your injuries. It’s a way to hold the responsible party accountable for the impact their actions have had on your life.

Bodily Harm

The term “bodily harm” encompasses any physical injury that a person may experience. This can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries. In the context of pedestrian accidents, bodily harm is often severe due to the lack of protection for those on foot.

Legal claims involving bodily harm typically focus on documenting the extent of the injuries and how they affect the victim’s daily life. Medical records, doctor’s reports, and testimony can be used to demonstrate the severity of the harm suffered. Compensation for bodily harm may cover immediate medical treatment, ongoing care, physical therapy, and any necessary adaptations to accommodate long-term injuries.

Mental Anguish

Beyond physical injuries, victims of pedestrian accidents may also experience mental anguish. This refers to the emotional and psychological impact of the accident, which can include anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or post-traumatic stress. Even after physical wounds have healed, the emotional scars can linger, affecting a person’s quality of life.

In legal contexts, mental anguish can be included in a claim for damages, especially if it significantly impacts your ability to work, engage in daily activities, or maintain relationships. It’s not just about the immediate emotional reaction but also the long-term psychological effects that may arise from the trauma of being hit by a vehicle. Compensation for mental anguish aims to address these less visible but equally significant aspects of injury.

Driver Recklessness

Driver recklessness refers to actions where a driver operates a vehicle with blatant disregard for the safety of others. This could include speeding through a crosswalk, running a red light, texting while driving, or failing to yield to pedestrians. When a driver engages in reckless behavior, the likelihood of causing a serious accident increases substantially.

In pedestrian accident cases, proving driver recklessness can strengthen a legal claim, as it highlights a conscious disregard for the safety of others. Evidence such as eyewitness testimonies, traffic camera footage, or cell phone records can be pivotal in demonstrating that a driver was behaving recklessly. Victims can pursue compensation for injuries resulting from such behavior, holding the driver accountable for their actions.

At the Law Offices of Edward Y. Lee, we understand the profound impact a pedestrian accident can have on your life. If you’ve been involved in such an incident in Torrance, CA, our team is here to support you through every step of the legal process. Reach out to us today for a consultation, and let’s discuss how we can assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve.

Restitution For Your Injuries

Our team can imagine what you are going through at this moment. But know that we are here to help. A Torrance pedestrian accident lawyer has seen the way that victims suffer because drivers were being careless. Too many drivers aren’t paying enough attention to the presence of pedestrians. We hope that if you need legal guidance during this difficult time, that you rely on us to get you through. We can be relentless in our pursuit of fair restitution. So if you are considering which law firm to consult with about your situation, let your search stop here at the Law Offices of Edward Y. Lee. Let us work for you. We are prepared to get started without delay.