Ontario Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Ontario Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Walking is a preferred method of leisure and exercise for many California residents. However, most of America wasn’t built for walkability, and pedestrian-car accidents happen every day. If you’ve been involved in such an incident, contact a reputable Ontario pedestrian accident lawyer to understand your legal options and ease your concerns.

Why Choose Duque & Price to Represent You?

When you work with the team at Duque & Price, you’re working with a team that is passionate about the work they do and the real people they help. Since 2006, we’ve helped countless California residents seek justice and compensation after experiencing financial, physical, and emotional pain.

Car accidents tend to create a massive amount of destabilization for victims. Our team values helping our clients feel in control of their case. We provide 24-hour availability for clients to answer any questions or concerns they may have about legal proceedings.

Pedestrian Laws and Driving Laws in California

No matter what, pedestrians have to obey traffic laws and traffic control signals when crossing the street. They shouldn’t suddenly go into the street if it may create danger to them and others, such as walking when there’s a speeding car. They must also use sidewalks when available.

Drivers in California must:

1. Yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street at an intersection, either at a marked or unmarked crosswalk
2. Slow down when approaching pedestrians or driving near them
3. Take extra caution when driving near pedestrians

Even if a pedestrian breaks the law or fails to keep themself safe, drivers still have to do what they can to avoid hitting them. If a driver hits a pedestrian and causes injury, the pedestrian can file a legal claim against the driver. If the pedestrian is the cause of the incident and causes injury to the driver, they may have a legal case filed against them.

When and Where to File Your Car Accident Case in Ontario

The deadline to file your car accident case is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the car accident involved a government-owned vehicle, such as a police car or garbage truck, the deadline shrinks to only six months.

Filing is typically done at the Civil Division of the San Bernardino District, located at 247 West Third Street. Before filing, consult with and hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to help make sure you meet all legal deadlines.

How an Ontario Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help

In 2023, there were around 105,400 cars owned and operated by residents of Ontario. That same year, Ontario’s population was 178,000 residents. With almost one car per resident, those choosing to walk are at a high risk of being hit by a car.

In 2023, there were 57 pedestrians injured or killed in a traffic accident in Ontario. Across California that year, 1,106 pedestrians passed away due to a motor vehicle accident. If you’ve suffered during a car accident, having an attorney on your side can help in a variety of ways.

They start your case by determining how much compensation you can request, based on the estimated liability and the losses you’ve suffered. Two primary kinds of damages can be requested in a car accident case:

Economic Damages

This kind of damages help victims recover compensation for their financial losses, such as:

1. Their medical bills for any surgeries, physical therapy, mental health therapy, in-home aid, medications, medical supplies, and mobility aids
2. Lost income from missing work because of injuries
3. Damage to their vehicle and other personal belongings, such as sunglasses, clothing, a bag, or a cell phone

Non-Economic Damages

This kind of damages help victims recover compensation for their non-economic losses, such as:

1. Their pain and suffering
2. Loss of enjoyment of life
3. Disability
4. Disfigurement

While more subjective to calculate, non-economic damages are just as important as economic damages. You deserve to pursue the full extent of your losses to help ease your present and future financial burden.

FAQs

What Are Punitive Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Case?

In a pedestrian accident case, punitive damages are a unique type of compensation awarded in cases where the liable party acted with malice or recklessness. For example, if a driver hit you on purpose, or was driving while drunk when they hit you, the court may make them pay punitive damages. Punitive damages were designed as further punishment for wrongdoers and to deter them from committing similar acts in the future.

What Happens if the Car Accident Was Partially My Fault?

If the car accident was partially your fault, any compensation awarded to you in your case may be reduced. For example, if you ran into the crosswalk when the light was about to turn red, you may be assigned 40% at fault. If you were awarded $100,000, it would be reduced to only $60,000.

What Should I Avoid Doing After Being Hit by a Car or After Hitting Someone With My Car?

You want to avoid admitting fault or apologizing after being hit by a car or after hitting someone with your car. Regardless of whether the accident actually was or wasn’t your fault, if you apologize, it can be used against you later on in your legal case. You also want to avoid arguing with the other party involved in the incident, as this is likely to make them not want to cooperate during legal proceedings, making it difficult to secure compensation.

Is Jaywalking Legal in California?

Jaywalking is technically not legal in California, but there are exceptions to this law. Jaywalking happens when pedestrians cross the street illegally and not at designated crosswalks. You may be able to cross the street outside of a crosswalk if there’s no oncoming traffic. However, police officers may still ticket you if they see that you crossed the street when drivers were nearby, causing the driver to brake or swerve to avoid hitting you.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to Represent Your Case

Duque & Price is ready to hear the full details of your situation and answer any questions and concerns you have about your case. Reach out to our team today to get started on your legal case and take back control of your life. We help clients living in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and the surrounding areas in Southern California.