Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Encino

We Seek Justice and Compensation for Injured Pedestrians in Encino

Walking is a pleasant way to get around Encino, where residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful California weather year-round. Walking is beneficial for various reasons— from improved health to less pollution — but also comes with risks. The streets around Encino and the nearby communities can be perilous when a negligent driver is in the area. If you or a loved one was hit by a vehicle and sustained serious injuries, it is crucial to get help from a personal injury attorney in Encino.

Dangerous Streets for Pedestrians in Encino

Any intersection can be dangerous when a negligent driver is in the area. Certain intersections in Encino have been the location of high numbers of pedestrian accidents and are of great concern to residents. These intersections include:

• Ventura Boulevard
• Hayvenhurst Ave.
• Lindley Ave.
• Newcastle Avenue, South of the 101
• White Oaks Avenue
• Balboa Highway and Burbank Blvd.

Driver Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents

At V&A Law Firm, our team of personal injury attorneys has seen the impact on innocent individuals and their families when a driver hits a pedestrian. Pedestrians have very little protection when impacted by a vehicle of a minimum of about 3,000 lbs. When a child or adult is struck by an automobile, they may sustain catastrophic injuries that come with severe consequences, with astronomical medical bills, the need for long-term medical care and rehabilitation, or lead to disabilities or loss of life. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact our law office today for a free case evaluation.

Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accident Cases in Encino

A pedestrian, even when hit by a slower-moving vehicle, can sustain a range of very serious or fatal injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries include the following:

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, often resulting in permanent disability and long-term medical care.

Broken Bones

Fractures can range from simple breaks to complex, compound injuries that may require surgery and extended rehabilitation.

Amputations

Severe trauma may result in the loss of a limb, drastically affecting a person’s mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Head Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, mobility issues, and other long-lasting neurological effects.

Neck Injuries

Injuries to the neck, such as whiplash or disc damage, can cause chronic pain and limit range of motion, and may require ongoing medical or rehabilitative treatments.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding or organ failure that are challenging to resolve.

Crushed Limbs

When a limb is caught or compressed, it can suffer extensive tissue and nerve damage, potentially leading to amputation or permanent disability.

Joint Injuries

Damage to joints like knees, elbows, or shoulders causes physical instability, chronic pain, or loss of function.

Fatal Injuries

In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents result in death, leaving families with profound emotional loss or facing extreme financial hardship.

Proving Fault: Who is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

It is necessary to prove driver negligence, which could be a complicated situation. Issues can arise, such as hit-and-run drivers, or even when all parties’ identities are known, liability may not always be clear. More complex cases can include cases in which a speeding driver strikes a jaywalking pedestrian, with both parties having some degree of fault. Under the state’s comparative negligence laws, compensation can be pursued even when you are partially at fault. The amount of compensation paid will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to each party.

Establishing Negligent Driving Conduct

Your personal injury lawyer in Encino must establish a driver who acted in a negligent manner by proving the following four elements:

• Duty of care: Everyone on California roads has a duty to avoid actions that could harm others. This is true for a bus driver, motorist, bicyclist, and even a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
• Breach of duty of care: When a person violates the duty of care, they put others in danger. For instance, a drunk driver has violated this duty by endangering others. A driver who is speeding through an intersection and hits a pedestrian has violated the duty of care, which involves being aware of pedestrians who are crossing before moving through an intersection.
• Causation: It must be established that the breach was the underlying cause of the pedestrian accident.
• Injury or damages: A violation of duty only results in liability if actual injuries or damages occur. These are the actual losses suffered by the pedestrian due to the impact on the vehicle, including the financial costs of treatment, the pain and suffering, the emotional anguish associated with the incident, and the physical harm sustained.

If a speeding driver hits a person who was jaywalking, three elements can exist even when the victim shares the blame. California is a comparative negligence state, and an injury victim can still recover damages even if they’re partially responsible for their own losses. If you have a loved one who died in a fatal pedestrian accident, a wrongful death claim can be brought against the negligent driver to seek compensation for the close family left behind. All pedestrian accident cases are different. The first step is a free case evaluation to determine what can be done to seek justice and compensation, and we are here to help.

Contact our pedestrian accident attorney in Encino, CA. Schedule your free consultation with V&A Law Firm today.

What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Encino?

Having an experienced attorney on your side can prove invaluable. They can help you establish liability and pursue financial recovery. It is necessary first to establish the cause of an accident. It is vital to identify all parties who may share some blame in an accident. If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian crossing or elsewhere while walking, the accident likely involved one of the following causes:

• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Drug intoxicated driving
• Lack of pedestrian infrastructure
• Reckless driving
• Visibility issues (night driving, rain, fog, etc.)
• A child’s smaller stature
• Lack of pedestrian crosswalks or other safety infrastructure
• Faulty or non-functioning signals

It is possible that a distracted driver caused an accident — but perhaps this wouldn’t have happened if the city had installed pedestrian infrastructure by adding a stop light or crosswalk. In such a situation, multiple parties could be negligent. This can complicate cases, so you should speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer today. An experienced legal professional can investigate your claim and help you decide how to proceed.

Do You Need an Attorney for a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Some cases are relatively straightforward. Others may involve more complex issues, or the insurance company may attempt to prove that the pedestrian was at fault. Do you need an attorney in a pedestrian accident where negligence is apparent? After all, aren’t those cases “open and shut”? The truth is that insurance companies will often contact pedestrian accident victims soon after the incident. They may make a quick settlement offer, which is traditionally far lower than the injured person could recover with the assistance of a skilled pedestrian accident attorney.

Valuing a Pedestrian Accident Claim

To correctly determine the value of a claim involves putting a monetary value on the following:

• The costs of medical care, surgeries, ambulance, emergency care, future medical care, medications and other costs.
• Lost income from work due to being hospitalized and under medical care.
• Reduced earning capacity due to the physical or cognitive changes related to the injuries.
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Loss of consortium (the benefits of a close personal relationship, such as companionship, affection, sexual intimacy, and guidance).
• Future estimated financial losses.
• Any costs associated with home refits.
• Costs associated with long-term nursing care.
• Costs of medical equipment, devices, and other needs.

Insurance companies may make a fast settlement offer, hoping it will be accepted long before the full scope of your injuries becomes apparent. After all, it’s often impossible to predict whether years of physical therapy or long-term treatment for chronic issues will be necessary. An Encino, CA, pedestrian accident lawyer will have a good idea of what your case is worth — and their presence will tell the insurance company that you’re serious about getting justice. Our legal team fights for full and fair compensation, and works with financial experts, medical experts, and other professionals to value a claim or lawsuit.

Lawsuit or Settlement?

If the insurer does not make a reasonable settlement offer, our law firm can file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in civil court. In these cases, you may be entitled to both economic damages (e.g., lost wages, medical expenses) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering, emotional distress). Either way, having an experienced legal professional at your side during this process is critical.

In many cases, the lawsuit threat is enough to inspire the insurance company to make a fair settlement offer. In others, particularly very high-value cases, such as those involving spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, disfigurement, or other catastrophic injuries, it may be necessary to present the case to a jury. Our legal team is highly skilled, persuasive, and well-prepared in court.

FAQ: Pedestrian Accidents

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?

Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries appear minor. Report the accident to law enforcement, gather any evidence if you are able (photos, eyewitness information), and contact our personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

Who can be held liable for a pedestrian accident?

A negligent driver could be liable, a government entity could be liable due to failing to address unsafe road conditions, or a third party, such as a rideshare company, could be held liable in a pedestrian accident case. Our personal injury lawyer could help identify all responsible parties.

What compensation can I recover?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care needs, and other damages. In wrongful death cases, the close family can seek compensation for the losses associated with the loss of a loved one.

What if I was partially at fault?

California follows a comparative negligence rule. You could still pursue damages even if you were partly at fault—although the amount paid is reduced by what is determined to be your percentage of fault.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. The deadline can vary in some cases. The earlier the claim is initiated, the more likely it will succeed, as all critical evidence can be gathered and preserved before it is lost or destroyed.

Do I need an attorney to handle my pedestrian accident case?

While not legally required, having a skilled personal injury attorney increases your chances of recovering full compensation. Insurance companies often offer low settlements if they discover you do not have a lawyer to protect your rights.

Does V&A Law Firm offer free consultations?

Yes. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to review your case and speak with you about how to move forward with filing a claim or lawsuit.

Do you help non-English speakers?

Our law firm proudly offers legal services in English, Spanish, and Farsi so clients can communicate comfortably in their own languages.

What if a driver fled the scene?

If the driver left without stopping, it’s considered a hit-and-run, which is a serious offense. You may still have options for compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues. We can help investigate and discover all possible sources of compensation.

Can I file a claim if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?

Yes. While being outside a crosswalk affects issues of liability, it does not automatically prevent you from recovering damages. The fault determination will be based on the totality of the circumstances, and pedestrians still have rights under California law.

How long does a pedestrian accident take to resolve?

Every case is different, but timelines can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the severity of injuries, insurance negotiations, and whether litigation is necessary. We work efficiently to resolve cases while prioritizing your full recovery.

Why Choose Us in a Pedestrian Accident Case in Encino?

Experienced Representation

Led by Founder and Managing Partner Ghazal Amy Vahdat, our firm brings years of focused personal injury experience to every case.

Proven Results

We’ve recovered significant compensation for accident victims across Southern California and are proud of our reputation for legal excellence.

Client-Centered Approach

Your well-being is always the priority. We handle all legal issues so you can focus on the crucial matters of your health and your recovery.

Aggressive Advocacy

Whether negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial, we argue vigorously for the compensation you are entitled to pursue under state law.

No Fees Unless We Win

We operate on a contingency fee basis. You will not owe us any legal fees unless we successfully negotiate a settlement or achieve a favorable verdict in civil court.

Accessible & Responsive

We prioritize ongoing, personal communication and are always available to answer your questions or provide updates as your case progresses through the system.

Multilingual Legal Services

We proudly serve clients in English, Spanish, and Farsi, ensuring clear communication and trusted representation for diverse communities.

Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Encino, CA Today

Even a low-speed collision can result in disastrous outcomes, and if you’re not careful, a fast settlement could be a drop in the bucket compared to the costs you face. If you’ve been injured due to the negligence or reckless actions of another party, you deserve compensation. We invite you to meet with us for a free case evaluation.

At V&A Law Firm, we’ve helped countless personal injury victims over the years. This has sometimes involved reaching a settlement with the driver’s insurance company. It may be necessary to take the case to a jury in civil court. The appropriate approach in your case will depend on the circumstances of your accident. Fortunately, our law firm will provide a free initial consultation to help you better understand your options and how to move forward. Contact us today by calling 818-369-3270.

Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Encino, CA are ready to assist.