In California, if you’ve been hit or run over by a car, you should hire an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. For example, you have the right to sue the negligent driver who struck you. Compensation for your losses could include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Since California is a pure comparative negligence jurisdiction, courts allow injured parties to collect compensation even if they are 99 percent at fault. Contact CaseyGerry for a free consultation with a San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer.
What to Do After Being Run Over by a Car
After being run over by a car, here are some steps to take to safeguard your health and well-being:
- Report the Accident. Call 911 and report the accident. If there are witnesses, try to gather their contact information. Their testimony may be helpful if you decide to pursue a personal injury case.
- Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention. Some injuries have delayed onset symptoms, such as traumatic brain injury or internal injuries. These medical records may be crucial in building a solid case that connects your injuries to the accident.
- Document the Scene. If possible, collect evidence of the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the location, damage to the vehicle, and your injuries, which often provide important evidence for your attorney.
Finally, after you’ve taken care of your health and safety, contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer to protect your legal rights.
How Attorneys Can Help in a Pedestrian Accident
Two legal theories can serve as the basis of a pedestrian accident lawsuit in California: negligence and battery. However, most are caused by careless driving, and a skilled lawyer can build a compelling case for negligence by:
- Investigating the accident: Lawyers can gather evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. Evidence may include medical records, the official accident report from law enforcement, eyewitness testimony, vehicle damage and debris, video surveillance footage, cellphone records, and traffic data from GPS and navigation services.
- Negotiating: Your attorney will know the actual value of your case and will not be swayed by lowball offers from the defendant and their insurance companies, who often seek to minimize or deny your damages.
- Representation in Court: Having an experienced attorney by your side can significantly improve your chances of success if your case goes to court, which can happen if, for example, the opposing party will not offer a reasonable and fair amount for your losses.
Contact CaseyGerry for a Free Consultation
We have recovered billions of dollars for our injured clients and their families and believe in individual and corporate responsibility. We can leverage our substantial resources and experience to pursue your right to recover compensation for losses and damages you sustained as a pedestrian. We provide strong representation, compassion, and outstanding responsiveness.
