Do You Need a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident in Calabasas?
If you were hit by a car while walking in Calabasas, you might wonder if hiring a lawyer is worth it. A lawyer helps ensure your rights are protected and that you pursue the full compensation available under California law for your injuries.
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, even at low speeds. Your medical bills can quickly add up, and lost wages from time off work can create financial strain. Dealing with insurance companies on your own after a serious accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are recovering.
What Kinds of Pedestrian Accident Cases Does Casa Legal Los Angeles Handle?
Casa Legal Los Angeles helps injured pedestrians who have been hit by cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles. This includes people hit while walking across crosswalks, walking on sidewalks, or standing near roadways.
We also represent individuals injured due to dangerous road conditions, poor lighting, or obscured signage that contributed to a pedestrian collision. These cases often involve claims against public entities, which have stricter and shorter deadlines, as outlined further down this page.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Calabasas?
Your actions immediately after a pedestrian accident in Calabasas can affect your ability to pursue a claim. Here are the steps to take:
- Get Medical Attention: Your health is the first priority. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, might not be immediately apparent. Keep all records of your treatment.
- Report the Accident: Call 911 to ensure a police report is made. This official record can be important evidence for your claim.
- Gather Information: If you are able, get the driver's name, insurance information, license plate number, and contact details. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and any relevant road conditions.
- Avoid Discussing Fault: Do not admit fault or make statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault to anyone at the scene or to insurance adjusters. Stick to the facts.
- Contact a Lawyer: Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. They can advise you on your rights and help you avoid common mistakes that could harm your claim. Casa Legal Los Angeles can be reached at 888-585-2529.
Where Is a Pedestrian Accident Claim From Calabasas Filed?
In Los Angeles County, a personal injury case is generally filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. For a pedestrian accident that happened in Calabasas, your case would be filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Northwest District.
The assigned courthouse for these types of cases is typically the Van Nuys Courthouse East, located at 6230 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91401. This is where your personal injury case would be handled, following LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order regarding the Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Most California personal injury claims, including those from pedestrian accidents, must be filed within two years from the date of injury (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). This deadline is often called the statute of limitations.
However, if your claim is against a city, county, or any public agency (such as a transit agency or the City of Calabasas), you face a much shorter deadline. A written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months from the date of injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Failing to meet this six-month deadline usually means you lose your right to sue that public entity.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 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 after a pedestrian accident in Calabasas, we handle all aspects of your personal injury claim. This includes investigating the accident, gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and negotiating for a fair settlement.
If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our goal is to alleviate the burden on you so you can focus on your recovery. We are committed to helping our clients pursue the full compensation available under California law for their injuries and losses.
Many clients come to us after being involved in pedestrian accidents, suffering serious injuries similar to those seen in catastrophic injury or traumatic brain injury cases. We focus exclusively on personal injury and employment law, giving us a deep understanding of what it takes to resolve these claims. We also handle wrongful death claims for families who have lost a loved one due to a pedestrian accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
California follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means that even if you were partly at fault for the pedestrian accident, you can still recover damages. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total damages would be reduced by 20%.
Can I still file a claim if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, your own auto insurance policy might provide coverage under its uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) provisions. It is important to review your policy details or have a lawyer do so to understand your options.
How long does a typical pedestrian accident case take to resolve in Los Angeles County?
The timeline for resolving a pedestrian accident case varies greatly depending on the complexity of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and whether the other party accepts liability. Simpler cases with minor injuries might settle in a few months, while more complex cases involving significant injuries or disputes over fault can take a year or longer, especially if they proceed to litigation in the Van Nuys Courthouse East.
What kind of compensation can I receive for my injuries?
You can pursue recovery for various damages after a pedestrian accident. This often includes economic damages such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. You can also pursue non-economic damages for pain, suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts of your case and the evidence available.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Calabasas, reach out to Casa Legal Los Angeles for assistance. Call us at 888-585-2529 to discuss your case. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.