Buttonwillow Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

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A reckless driver can cause immense damage when they lose control of their vehicle. Laws protect pedestrians against aggressive drivers, and our lawyers in Buttonwillow know how to pursue every legal avenue for protecting the rights of pedestrians who have been hit by a car—whether the accident happened in a crosswalk or a roadway.

Time is of the utmost importance in every legal case, so make sure to keep our phone number handy in case you need it. You can always rely on Chain | Cohn | Clark’ top notch litigation as Buttonwillow pedestrian accident lawyers.

Pedestrian Accidents in Buttonwillow

Data from 2020 shows that pedestrian deaths in the United States jumped 21% from 2019, when numbers were already at a 30-year high. And California’s death rates are increasing well above national averages.

According to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, California’s pedestrian death rate jumped well above the national average increase of 3%. 

Beyond fatalities, another study, this time from the CDC, showed that some 137,000 pedestrians were treated via emergency care in 2017. 

Another report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that nearly half of all pedestrian accidents were related to alcohol use.

Common Pedestrian Accident Locations in Buttonwillow

Some of the Buttonwillow roads with the highest rates of pedestrian accidents include Highway 184 and Panama Road.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrian accidents usually look different than other types of accidents. When a pedestrian accident occurs, an individual without a vehicle collides into a moving force—such as a bicycle, motor vehicle, or even a horse. While they are less common than vehicle-on-vehicle crashes, pedestrian accidents often result in even more damage.

How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen? 

Pedestrian accidents have a wide variety of causes, the most common cause being driver negligence. Pedestrians can sometimes be at least partially responsible for an accident, but here are some more likely causes:

• A driver not yielding to pedestrians
• A driver going too fast to properly stop their vehicle in time
• A driver not abiding by the speed limit or other rules of the road
• A driver who is distracted (driving while eating, texting, calling, etc.)
• A driver who is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• A driver who turns before looking both ways at an intersection
• A crosswalk design flaw, such as a failure to consider adaptive traffic flows

A lack in visibility can make rural areas much more dangerous at night than cities and suburban towns. But whether you are on a country road or a crowded urban street, you should always be mindful as a pedestrian.  

Issues With the Driving Environment

Heavy traffic leads to less space between cars, which often results in a greater number of accidents because of more volatile circumstances. 

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Buttonwillow

Pedestrian accidents can be incredibly traumatic. Injuries sustained will likely be both mental and physical. This may become overwhelming, but there are steps you can focus on that will help ensure that your Buttonwillow pedestrian accident case has the best possible outcome:

• Whenever possible, the first thing you should always do is move to a safe location to check for bodily harm. Call 911 for yourself and/or for others if it is needed. And be mindful that sometimes an adrenaline rush can prevent you from realizing an injury has occurred. 
• After you have seen to your immediate health and safety, it is time to collect information about the accident. Gather contact information and witness accounts, if possible. You also want to get the driver’s identification, insurance, and license plate information.
• It is also important to see a medical professional who can make a full report of any injuries you have received. This will be helpful later when presenting your case. Additionally, it is always important to get checked out for internal bleeding, especially if you believe you’ve broken a rib.
• Finally, keep track of your communication with the insurance companies after the accident. Most importantly, don’t let them pressure your into discussing the accident with them without your attorney present. Never admit fault. The insurance companies are not on your side. Everything you tell them has the potential to decrease your final settlement amount. 

Dealing with insurance companies on your own will almost certainly decrease your benefits in your Buttonwillow pedestrian accident claim. Working with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney from Chain | Cohn | Clark can help ensure that no money is left on the table.

Types of Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents

Typically, pedestrian accidents are more severe because there is direct contact between the human body and a motor vehicle. A car-on-car accident includes a protection barrier. When a car hits a person, that individual is much more vulnerable.

Here are some inures you may face in a pedestrian accident:

• Head injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other damage to the skull or brain
• Spinal injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis, nerve damage, or loss of physical function
• Deep cuts: Also called lacerations, these can result in high volumes of blood loss
• Bruises: Also called contusions, these can be extremely painful and make daily activities difficult
• Orthopedic injuries: Any damage to your bones or musculoskeletal system
• Dental/facial injuries: Damage caused to the teeth, mouth, nose, or eyes can result in impairment of the senses or scarring of facial tissue

Since pedestrian accident injuries can be so severe, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In many unfortunate circumstances, death can result from an untreated injury.

Recoverable Damages From a Buttonwillow Pedestrian Accident Case

Accident victims cans apply for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost pay, benefits, bonuses, or tips
• Physical suffering
• Emotional or mental distress
• Property damage

Is Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Worthwhile?

Contacting a lawyer is always a good idea after a pedestrian accident. Navigating the legal process, dealing with insurance companies, and following through on litigation—should it get to that point—are all much easier with an expert by your side. 

The knowledgable attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark are well versed in all of this. We are on your side and here to help you seek justice.

In Kern County, Pedestrian Accidents Are Far Too Common

Kern County can be very dangerous for pedestrians. Due to the county’s infrastructure, several areas don’t have viable crosswalks. And many of the areas where crosswalks do exist are spaced out too far apart for pedestrians to make a complete trip with full crosswalk access. Wide lanes also encourage people to speed, and to continue traveling right on through pedestrian crosswalks.

The other major problem is a socioeconomic one. Statistically, accidents occur more often in low income neighborhoods, especially affecting elderly African Americans.

Let Us Help You With Your Buttonwillow Pedestrian Accident Claims

One of the most important aspects of a successful Buttonwillow pedestrian accident case is documentation. Simply put, documents are the facts that support your case. Using these facts, our attorneys can help navigate your case.

Preventing a Pedestrian Accident in Buttonwillow

Preventing pedestrian accidents in Buttonwillow largely falls on the shoulders of both drivers and pedestrians.

Drivers should take the following precautions to avoid accidents:

• Slow down near crosswalks
• Be patient with the elderly and handicapped
• Use eye contact and hand motions to communicate
• Observe bus rules
• Look beyond the car in front of them
• Watch for weather issues
• Don’t drive under the influence

Pedestrians should take the following precautions to avoid accidents:

• Stay in the crosswalks
• Don’t rely on drivers to see them
• Look beyond the first car they see to ensure cars aren’t sneaking around other cars

The most important thing any driver or pedestrian can do is take their time, be patient, and look both ways.

Contact Our Buttonwillow Pedestrian Accident Law Firm

If you or someone you know was hit by a car, our Buttonwillow pedestrian accident attorneys are here and at your service. 

A reckless driver can cause life-changing harm to people who are walking. Medical bills can be costly. That is why filing a Buttonwillow pedestrian accident claim can help you get the financial resources you need to manage those costs. 

Chain | Cohn | Clark has a consistent track record of success, and we would be honored to help you or your family during these difficult times.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs