Should I talk to the insurance company after a pedestrian accident in Bradbury?
No, do not give a recorded statement or sign anything for an insurance adjuster after a pedestrian accident in Bradbury. Anything you say can be used against you to reduce what they pay you.
Insurance companies protect their profits, not your recovery. Their adjusters are trained to get you to admit fault, minimize your injuries, or accept a low offer. Speaking with an attorney first helps protect your rights and your claim.
What types of pedestrian accident cases do you handle in Los Angeles County?
Our firm represents people injured in all types of pedestrian accidents across Los Angeles County, including those in Bradbury. This includes accidents where a car, truck, motorcycle, or bus hits a person walking, running, or cycling.
We also handle cases involving hit-and-run drivers, uninsured motorists, and accidents caused by dangerous road conditions or defective vehicle parts. If a loved one was killed, we also help families with wrongful death claims in Bradbury.
What should I do after a Bradbury pedestrian accident?
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately. Get checked by a medical professional right away.
- Call the Police: Report the accident to the Bradbury Police Department or Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. A police report documents the scene and involved parties.
- Gather Information (if safe): If you can, collect the driver's name, insurance information, license plate number, and contact details. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Do not apologize or say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, even if you think you might be partially to blame.
- Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney: Speak with an attorney before talking to any insurance company. They can protect your rights and handle communications with adjusters.
Where do you file a pedestrian accident claim for an incident in Bradbury?
A personal injury case resulting from an incident in Bradbury is filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County, personal injury cases are generally filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred.
For Bradbury, this means your case would be filed in the Northeast District, at the Pasadena Courthouse located at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101. The case is then assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department, as per LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order effective May 17, 2024.
How long do you have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in California?
Most California personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, must be filed within two years from the date of injury, according to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if your claim is against a city, county, or public agency, a written claim must be presented to that public entity within six months from the date of injury under California Government Code § 911.2.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under California Code of Civil Procedure § 352, but that pause does not apply to claims against public entities. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts; California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we handle every aspect of your pedestrian accident claim. This includes investigating the accident, gathering evidence, identifying responsible parties, and dealing with insurance companies on your behalf. We work to build a strong case to pursue the full compensation available under California law.
Our firm also helps clients in neighboring cities like Pasadena and Alhambra. We focus on personal injury and employment law, so our efforts are concentrated on getting results for injured individuals. This general information is not legal advice, and you should confirm deadlines and what applies to your specific facts with an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partially at fault for the Bradbury pedestrian accident?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame for the accident. Your recovery will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your total damages.
Can I recover damages if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, if you have it. This coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the responsible driver lacks insurance. Our personal injury lawyers help people throughout Los Angeles County, including those in Paramount, understand their options.
What if I was hit by a government vehicle or on government property in Bradbury?
Claims against government entities, such as the City of Bradbury, Los Angeles County, or a state agency, have a much shorter deadline. You must present a formal written claim within six months of the accident, as required by California Government Code § 911.2. Missing this deadline can prevent you from filing a lawsuit later. These deadlines have exceptions and must be confirmed with an attorney for your own facts.
What types of damages can I recover in a pedestrian accident claim?
California law allows for recovery of various damages, including economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages cover tangible costs like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For the most severe injuries, such as those that lead to catastrophic injury, compensation can be significant.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Bradbury, get help. Contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.