San Jose Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

San Jose Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Historically, San Jose has seen a high number of auto/pedestrian accident injuries and fatalities. The San Jose Police Department reported that 32 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in a recent year.

This figure is far higher than numbers from previous years, despite the city’s attempts at public awareness and safety campaigns.

Authorities point to factors such as impaired driving, distracted driving, and violating traffic laws as the main causes of preventable pedestrian accidents in San Jose. They encourage drivers to stay focused and attentive behind the wheel and constantly scan for pedestrians on the road.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in San Jose?

Pedestrian accidents in San Jose can result from various causes or a combination of factors.

Some common causes of pedestrian accidents in San Jose include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by mobile phones, navigation systems, or other reasons may fail to notice pedestrians in their vicinity, leading to collisions.
• Speeding: Excessive speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of pedestrian accidents. Speed limits are set to enhance safety for all road users, including pedestrians.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and road rage can endanger pedestrians.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections contribute significantly to accidents. Pedestrians have the right to expect drivers to respect their right of way.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment can impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Disregarding traffic signals, running red lights, or failing to stop at stop signs can lead to collisions between pedestrians and vehicles.
• Unsafe Crossings and Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of well-marked crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and safe crossing zones can contribute to accidents. Pedestrians may be forced to navigate busy streets without adequate infrastructure.

Additionally, inadequate street lighting, weather conditions, and obstructed views can reduce visibility for drivers, making it harder to anticipate and avoid accidents with pedestrians.

What Types of Injuries Can Pedestrians Sustain in San Jose Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents in San Jose can result in a range of injuries, varying in severity depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and the age and physical condition of the pedestrian.

Common injuries pedestrians sustain in San Jose pedestrian accidents include:

• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a collision can lead to fractures or breaks in the bones of the legs, arms, pelvis, or other areas of the body.
• Head Injuries: Pedestrians are vulnerable to head injuries, including concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures, especially if the head makes direct contact with the vehicle or the ground.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe pedestrian accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis or other long-term impairments.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Pedestrians may suffer injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing strains, sprains, or contusions.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a collision can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, sharp objects, or other debris can cause cuts and lacerations, leading to significant bleeding and potential scarring.
• Bruises and Hematomas: Impact from a vehicle can result in bruises and hematomas (localized collections of blood), causing pain and swelling.
• Road Rash: Sliding on the pavement after being struck by a car can lead to road rash, causing abrasions and friction burns on the skin.
• Psychological Trauma: Pedestrian accidents can have lasting psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
• Fatal Injuries: In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to severe injury due to the lack of protection compared to occupants of vehicles.

Seek immediate medical treatment following a pedestrian accident in San Jose, even if you don’t think you’re severely injured. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and you need documentation that you sustained an injury and received treatment to file an injury claim against the at-fault party.

As soon as you can after getting treatment for your pedestrian accident injuries, contact Alexander Law Group LLP to speak with one of our lawyers about your claim.

What Damages Can I Recover from a San Jose Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Following a pedestrian accident in San Jose that injured you or killed a close family member, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages. The specific damages you can recover will depend on the circumstances of your case, the extent of your injuries, and the impact on your life.

Some damages that you may recover in a San Jose pedestrian accident claim include:

• Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the accident. This includes hospital bills, doctor’s fees, surgery costs, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatments.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries result in missed work or a diminished earning capacity, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. This includes the income you would have earned if the accident hadn’t occurred.
• Pain and Suffering: You may also recover non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish. Quantifying these damages can be challenging, but they are an essential component of many personal injury claims.
• Property Damage: If the accident damages your personal property, such as your clothes, electronic devices, or other items, you could obtain compensation to repair or replace them.
• Disability and Impairment: If the accident results in a permanent disability or impairment, you may be entitled to compensation for the impact on your quality of life, future earning capacity, and the cost of ongoing care or accommodations.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, the spouse or family members of the injured party may be able to recover damages for the loss of companionship, support, or services due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If the pedestrian accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

To maximize your chances of recovering these damages—and any other damages not listed here–it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in San Jose. An attorney from Alexander Law Group LLP can assess the details of your case, help determine the full extent of your damages, and seek fair compensation on your behalf.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in San Jose?

You must take certain steps immediately after a pedestrian accident in San Jose to protect your legal rights and ensure your well-being.

These include:

• Prioritize Safety: Ensure your safety by moving to a safe location, away from traffic and any potential danger. If you’re injured and unable to move, try to remain as still as possible and wait for emergency services to arrive.
• Seek Medical Attention: Call 911 to request emergency medical assistance, even if your injuries seem minor. Accept medical attention at the scene and follow up with a healthcare professional for a thorough examination.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license information with the involved parties, including the driver of the vehicle.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including the location of the vehicles involved, any traffic signals or signs, and your injuries. Note the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle involved in the accident.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Refrain from making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when providing information to law enforcement, insurance companies, or other parties.
• Report to Law Enforcement: Call the police to report the accident. Having an official police report can be valuable when filing a personal injury claim. Provide a detailed and accurate account of the events leading up to the accident.
• Obtain Witness Statements: If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and, if willing, obtain their statements about what they observed.
• Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as your damaged clothing, personal items, and any communication with the other parties involved.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident.

Contact an Attorney

All of this may seem overwhelming, especially if you suffered severe injuries in the accident. However, an attorney can collect information, gather evidence, and report the incident.

Contact a San Jose personal injury attorney as soon as you’re physically able to understand your rights, assess the potential for a personal injury claim, and guide you through the legal process.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in San Jose?

California’s statute of limitations allows you two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to pursue legal action against the at-fault party.

Certain exceptions may apply if you didn’t discover your injuries until some time later or in cases involving minors. Also, claims against government entities often have shorter time limits, and it’s essential to comply with the specific rules.

Given the time-sensitive nature of filing a personal injury lawsuit, you must consult a pedestrian accident attorney in San Jose as soon as possible after the incident. An attorney from Alexander Law Group LLP can assess the specifics of your case, determine the applicable deadlines, and help you navigate the legal process within the required time frame.

Can I Afford a San Jose Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Yes. The personal injury attorneys at Alexander Law Group work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay anything out of pocket for us to represent you, and we will only accept a fee if we negotiate a favorable settlement or win your case at trial.

Contact a San Jose Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Alexander Law Group Immediately

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in San Jose, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance promptly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. The experienced and dedicated team of San Jose personal injury lawyers at Alexander Law Group LLP is ready to help you.

Call us at 408noswap-289-1776 or use our online contact form to request a free consultation. Time is of the essence, so reach out to the dedicated team at Alexander Law Group LLP to begin the process of seeking justice and fair compensation after a pedestrian accident in San Jose.

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