With its beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery, Sonoma is a great place to get around on foot. Walking is also a great form of exercise and is better for the environment. Unfortunately, people who walk around Sonoma are often at risk. Negligent, or careless, drivers do not always watch for people out walking, and they can even become aggressive toward them and violate their rights. This results in many accidents, and without protection of any kind, pedestrians sustain some of the most catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt, you may be able to claim compensation for your medical expenses and more. Filing a claim comes with many challenges, though. Our Sonoma pedestrian accident lawyer can help you overcome them so you claim the full and fair damages to which you are entitled.
Are Drivers Always at Fault for Pedestrian Accidents?It is a common misconception that drivers are always at fault for pedestrian accidents. This is not always the case. The law in California outlines many protections for pedestrians. For example, when a pedestrian is legally crossing a road using a crosswalk and they are hit, the driver can likely be held liable for paying damages.
However, pedestrians also have certain responsibilities under the law. They must use a sidewalk when one is available and use crosswalks whenever possible. If a pedestrian has to cross the street and a crosswalk is not available, the pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to traffic. If a pedestrian jumps out in front of a vehicle and the driver does not have enough time to stop, the walker may not be entitled to full damages.
The pure comparative negligence law of the state still allows pedestrians to file a claim for compensation if they were partly to blame. However, any damages they receive will be reduced by the same percentage of fault. Due to the pure model of this legal standard, victims can file a claim even if they are 99% to blame. Negligent motorists will usually argue that a pedestrian jumped out in front of them. It is important to work with a Sonoma pedestrian accident attorney who can refute these arguments.
How Much is Your Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?It is natural to wonder how much your personal injury claim is worth after a pedestrian accident. Although there is no way to determine the exact amount of damages without fully reviewing the facts of your case, there are some guidelines you can follow. These include:
If you have suffered injuries after a crash with a vehicle, a pedestrian accident attorney in Sonoma at Brod Law Firm can help you claim the full settlement that is justly yours. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.