Pedestrian accidents are sadly a common occurrence in the United States. In fact, according to the CDC, each year, there are around 4,000 pedestrian deaths and 100,000 injuries from pedestrian accidents. If you are unfortunately injured in a pedestrian accident, and the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance, what are your options? Read on to find out.
Pedestrian Accident in Los Angles
Los Angeles is known for its congested streets and dangerous drivers. But even in a city as hazardous as LA, there are still pedestrians who are struck by cars every day. In fact, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities have increased by an alarming 46% in the past few years.
There are many reasons for this increase. One reason is that people are increasingly distracted by their smartphones while walking, which leads to them not paying attention to their surroundings. Another reason is that drivers are often in a hurry and don’t take the time to look out for pedestrians.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), in the first six months of 2018, there were 2,247 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in the United States. It is a 5% increase from the number of pedestrian fatalities during the same period in 2017. GHSA also reports that, during 2017, there were 6,000 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in the United States – this is the highest number of pedestrian fatalities since 1990.
Rights of a Pedestrian in a Road Accident
When a pedestrian is injured in a road accident in California, they may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
To claim damages, the pedestrian must prove that the car driver was negligent. The driver may be found negligent if they did not exercise due care while driving, such as failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, speeding, or running a red light.
Under California law, pedestrians always have the right of way in a crosswalk. It means that the car driver must yield to pedestrians crossing the street, even if there is no stoplight or crosswalk.
However, this does not mean that pedestrians are immune from being at fault in a road accident. If a pedestrian crosses the street illegally or steps out into traffic without looking, they may be found partially or fully at fault for the accident.
What to do if the driver who hit you has no insurance?
In Los Angeles, there are a lot of drivers on the road who do not have car insurance. It is a problem because if these drivers get into an accident, their victims will not be able to receive any compensation for their injuries or damage to their vehicle.
According to a study by the California Department of Insurance, approximately 1.3 million drivers in Los Angeles do not have car insurance. It is a massive problem because if these drivers get into an accident, their victims will not be able to receive any compensation for their injuries or damage to their vehicle.
If a driver who has no insurance hits you, your options may seem limited. However, there are still things you can do to get the compensation you deserve.
The first step is to contact your insurance company. They will help you file a claim and may be able to help you find an attorney. If the other driver is caught, they may be able to go after their assets to get you compensated. You can also file a lawsuit against the driver, but this is more complicated.
No matter what, it is essential to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to seek legal help. An experienced attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company and ensure you get the best possible care. At San Gabriel, we can provide you with the legal assistance you need during this difficult time. Contact us today at 626-602-9483 to learn more.