Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Santa Monica, CA

Dedicated Santa Monica Pedestrian Accident Law Firm

Walking through a parking lot or along the 3rd Street Promenade shouldn’t be hazardous, and thousands of people see their lives changed each year in devastating pedestrian accidents. You may have broken bones or soft tissue damage that makes it hard for you to work or care for your family or have suffered brain injuries that limit your abilities. If you were struck by a negligent driver or if you suffered an accident due to the negligence of another party, then you have the right to claim compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. Our Santa Monica, CA pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the civil claims process and advise you of your rights.

At Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we advocate for injured victims like you, people who were injured because someone else was negligent about their safety. Our attorneys litigate cases like yours every day, and we’re familiar with the tactics that the other party may use to avoid paying you your fair due. You can learn more in a free case review, so please call us today.

What Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do?

Pedestrian accident lawyers help injured victims collect the money they need to pay their bills and rebuild their lives after a serious pedestrian accident. We prepare a case against the person or party responsible for the accident, whether it was a distracted driver or a municipality responsible for making sure that pedestrian paths and sidewalks were safe for people to walk on.

Our process starts with a careful investigation of the incident; we collect evidence like witness accounts or a video of the accident. We also use medical experts to attest to the extent of your injuries, explain how they were caused, and what kind of medical care is necessary for recovery. Often, we’re able to negotiate a settlement with the other party out of court. As trained negotiators, our lawyers can often get a better deal than you could trying on your own. Or, we may take your case to court if we cannot get a satisfactory settlement. Your interests are our interests, and we’re determined to ensure you’re treated fairly.

Comprehensive Legal Representation

The purpose of a civil suit is to ensure that injured victims receive restitution for all their losses. The attorneys at our firm have decades of combined experience litigating complicated pedestrian accident claims and a deep understanding of California law governing these matters. Our team has comprehensive experience properly valuing pedestrian accident claims, focusing on making sure you receive every penny you’re entitled to. We keep you appraised at each step in the process, answering your questions and giving personalized advice.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve After a Pedestrian Accident

Whether you were struck by a negligent driver or your accident was caused by a damaged walking path (minimal negligence), the lawyers at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Santa Monica pedestrian accident lawyer.

Assessing Fault in Pedestrian Accident Claims

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, one of the most important factors in pursuing a legal claim is determining who is at fault. Understanding how liability is assessed can help you understand your rights and what steps to take in order to secure the compensation you deserve.

For guidance in personal injury cases, contact Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm. Our Santa Monica, CA pedestrian accident lawyer will explain the filing process and what outcome you can expect. We have 30 years of experience recovering damages for clients. Call now to see how we can help with your claim.

How Negligence Factors Into Pedestrian Accidents Claims

At the heart of every personal injury case, including pedestrian accidents, is negligence. To prove negligence, you must show that the at-fault party failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm. In pedestrian accidents, this could involve a driver running a red light, failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, or speeding in a residential area. Drivers are expected to be aware of their surroundings and adjust their driving to protect pedestrians, especially in areas where foot traffic is common.

However, pedestrians also have a responsibility to exercise reasonable caution. For example, jaywalking, crossing the street without looking, or walking in dark clothing at night can all contribute to an accident. If you were not paying attention or were violating traffic laws yourself, your actions could be considered a contributing factor in the accident.

In some cases, fault is shared. For instance, a driver may be speeding but the pedestrian may have crossed the street outside of a crosswalk. In these situations, the court may assign partial fault to both parties, which is where comparative negligence comes into play.

Comparative Fault and Its Impact on Your Case

In pedestrian accident claims, comparative fault (also known as comparative negligence) refers to a system where fault is divided between all parties involved based on their level of responsibility. In a state like California, which follows pure comparative negligence rules, even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident (perhaps because you were crossing outside a designated crosswalk), and the driver is found to be 80% responsible (due to speeding), your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If your total damages are $50,000, you would only receive $40,000 in this scenario.

This concept can significantly affect the amount of compensation you receive. It’s important to work with our Santa Monica pedestrian accident lawyer who can help ensure that fault is accurately assessed and that you are not unfairly penalized for any contribution you may have made to the accident.

Gathering Evidence to Prove Fault

Proving fault in a pedestrian accident claim requires careful attention to the details of the incident. Evidence plays a crucial role in determining who is responsible and to what degree. One of the first steps is to gather any available evidence, such as eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, or police reports. In some cases, our pedestrian accident lawyer may also work with accident reconstruction specialists to analyze the scene and determine how the crash occurred.

Medical records documenting your injuries will also be essential in establishing the full extent of the harm you’ve suffered, which can help demonstrate how the accident has impacted your life. This documentation can provide a clearer picture of the accident and make it easier to show the court or insurance company who was at fault and the extent of the damages caused.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, call Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our Santa Monica pedestrian accident lawyer. We are supportive, attentive, and sensitive to our clients’ needs. You will have a team of attorneys and support staff working diligently and tirelessly in order to provide a favorable resolution for your claim. Don’t wait to stand up for your rights. Take action to get the compensation you deserve now.

California Laws Every Pedestrian Should Know

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between drivers and those on foot. California has specific laws designed to protect pedestrians and reduce accidents. Knowing these laws can help you stay safe and understand your rights if you’re ever injured on the road by a negligent motorist. Here are the fundamentals you need to know, outlined by our Santa Monica, CA pedestrian accident lawyer:

Right-Of-Way At Crosswalks

California law gives pedestrians the right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street within these areas. However, pedestrians should still exercise caution, as not all drivers comply with this rule.

Obligations Outside Of Crosswalks

If you cross the street outside of a designated crosswalk, you are required to yield the right-of-way to vehicles. This does not absolve drivers of their duty to avoid hitting pedestrians, but it places more responsibility on you to cross safely.

Pedestrian Signals

When pedestrian crossing signals are present, you must obey them. A “Walk” signal means it is safe to cross, while a flashing or steady “Don’t Walk” signal means you should not begin crossing. Crossing against these signals can result in a citation and puts you at greater risk of being hit.

Jaywalking Provisions

California’s jaywalking laws prohibit crossing the street between intersections where crosswalks or traffic signals are present. While jaywalking is often treated as a minor infraction, it can complicate liability if you are involved in an accident. Our experienced Santa Monica pedestrian accident lawyer is here to advocate for you and explain your options for seeking compensation.

Sidewalk Use

Pedestrians are generally required to use sidewalks where they are available. If there is no sidewalk, you should walk along the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. This rule helps reduce the risk of accidents in areas without pedestrian infrastructure.

Cell Phone Use While Walking

Although not explicitly prohibited by law, distracted walking—such as using your phone while crossing the street—can contribute to accidents. Courts may consider this behavior when determining liability in a pedestrian accident case.

Alcohol And Pedestrian Safety

While public intoxication is not illegal in California, being impaired can increase your risk of an accident. It’s also illegal to drink outside of a licensed venue in the state. If you are hit by a car while intoxicated, it may impact your ability to recover damages.

Pedestrian Bridges And Tunnels

In areas with pedestrian bridges or tunnels, you are required to use them instead of crossing at street level. Ignoring this rule could result in fines or increased risk of injury.

Liability in Shared Responsibility Cases

California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your actions as a pedestrian can affect the outcome of an accident claim. If you are partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Collecting relevant evidence, such as photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records, can strengthen your claim, just as it does in car accident cases.

Whether it’s understanding fault or recovering compensation, we’ll help you take the right steps forward. As your trusted Santa Monica pedestrian accident lawyer, we’re committed to securing a substantial settlement. Our team at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm has over 45 years of combined experience and is here to help. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.