A pedestrian accident can leave an injured person facing medical treatment, lost income, and significant disruption to daily life. When a driver, property owner, government entity, or another party contributed to the accident, California law may provide a path to seek compensation.
Coopers LLP represents pedestrians injured in accidents in Santa Barbara and throughout California. Our pedestrian accident lawyers strive to help clients understand their legal options, investigate the circumstances of the accident, and pursue claims against any responsible parties.
Common Types and Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Santa Barbara
Pedestrian accidents can occur in many different settings throughout Santa Barbara, including busy downtown corridors, residential neighborhoods, shopping districts, and areas with significant tourist activity. Common types and causes of pedestrian accidents may include:
- Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections: Drivers may fail to stop for pedestrians who are lawfully crossing the street or may strike pedestrians while making left or right turns.
- Distracted driving: Cell phone use, navigation systems, and other distractions can reduce a driver’s awareness of nearby pedestrians.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug impairment can affect judgment, reaction time, and the ability to identify hazards.
- Speeding: Higher speeds can increase stopping distance and the severity of injuries in a collision.
- Parking lot and driveway accidents: Drivers backing up or entering roadways may fail to notice pedestrians behind or beside their vehicles.
- Low-visibility conditions: Poor lighting, fog, and other visibility challenges can make it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.
- School zones and high-traffic pedestrian areas: Increased foot traffic near schools, parks, beaches, and commercial districts can create additional risks when drivers are not paying attention.
Coopers LLP represents pedestrians injured in accidents caused by driver negligence and other factors that contribute to serious collisions.
Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in California
California law gives injured pedestrians the right to seek compensation when another party’s negligence causes an accident. Several California laws address the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians and drivers, including rules governing crosswalks, right-of-way, and the duty to exercise reasonable care on public roadways.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means an injured pedestrian may still pursue a claim even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, any compensation awarded may be reduced based on that percentage of fault.
In most cases, California’s statute of limitations gives injured pedestrians two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Different timelines may apply for circumstances involving government entities, minors, and delayed discovery of injuries. A Santa Barbara pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand the deadlines that might apply to your claim.
How Coopers LLP Handles Pedestrian Accident Cases
Every pedestrian accident case is different, but most claims follow a similar process. Coopers LLP works with clients at every stage of a case and aims to keep them informed of important developments and decisions.
The process often begins with a free consultation and case evaluation. During this stage, we generally discuss the accident, injuries, available insurance information, and any questions you have about your legal options. We may also review photographs, accident reports, medical records, witness information, and other available evidence.
As a claim moves forward, our team reviews the circumstances of the accident, gathers additional records and documentation, and communicates with insurance companies regarding liability and damages. If a claim cannot be resolved through settlement discussions, litigation may become necessary.
Contact Coopers LLP After a Pedestrian Accident in Santa Barbara
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Santa Barbara, contact Coopers LLP today to take the first step toward recovery. We offer 100% free consultations and represent clients on a contingency-fee basis. You do not pay attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is typically a percentage of the recovery. In some cases, clients may be responsible for prevailing-party costs as determined by law.