San Mateo Pedestrian Accident Attorney Near You

Pedestrian accidents can cause life-altering injuries, lasting emotional trauma, and significant financial distress. Victims of these accidents are particularly vulnerable, as they don’t have the protection of an airbag, seatbelt, or vehicle frame to mitigate damage and keep them safe. As a result, pedestrian accident injuries are often severe, even fatal. At Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, we understand how devastating pedestrian accidents can be to the victim’s personal life, career, and finances. Our experienced lawyers take great pride in protecting our injured clients’ rights and fighting for their fair compensation.

CHM Law Firm brings over four decades of experience in personal injury litigation to every pedestrian accident case, and we have an extensive track record of substantial victories to back it up. Not only have we secured multimillion-dollar recoveries for our clients, but those same recoveries have contributed to safer industry standards.

Don’t wait to get the legal support you need after being hit while walking on or crossing the street. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a San Mateo pedestrian accident lawyer.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney for My San Mateo Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Trying to handle a pedestrian accident lawsuit on your own is a tall task, especially as you recover from your injuries. A lot of work goes into building a strong case; trusting a pedestrian accident lawyer in San Mateo puts that critical work in the hands of an experienced professional. At CHM Law Firm, we can provide the following:

• Legal Guidance – Your San Mateo pedestrian accident attorney has the knowledge and experience to assess your case and offer the most effective course of action. They’ll be able to help you understand your rights and options, answer your questions, and keep you updated on the latest developments in your case.
• Investigation and Documentation – Proving negligence and showing your pain, suffering, and financial losses requires ample evidence. Experienced pedestrian accident lawyers know the types of evidence they need to gather and how to get them. They will also help you meticulously document any details relevant to your case.
• Accurate Claim Calculations – Many factors go into calculating compensation, and it’s easy to leave money on the table if you don’t have strong legal support. Your attorney will take a thorough look at your medical costs, lost income, other expenses, physical pain, and emotional distress to accurately assess the value of your claim and pursue the full amount you deserve.
• Aggressive Negotiation – Insurance companies are not your friends, and they will do whatever they can to convince you to accept a low settlement or even deny your claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to handle their tactics and will aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation on your behalf.
• Representation in Court – Most pedestrian accident cases are settled after negotiations. But when the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and, if necessary, represent you in court.
• No Fees Unless We Win – After being seriously injured in a pedestrian accident and facing seemingly nonstop medical bills, the last thing you need to worry about is paying an attorney. So, CHM Law Firm handles injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket for our legal services. If we recover compensation for your case, we receive an attorney’s fee that is typically an agreed-upon percentage of your recovery.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

The first two things you should do after a pedestrian accident injury are seek medical attention and file a police report. Assuming you’ve already done those things, then there are a few steps you’ll want to take if you plan on seeking compensation from the responsible party, such as the following:

• Documenting the Scene – Documenting the scene of the accident can help support your version of events. Take photos or videos of the accident location, surrounding area, nearby street signs and traffic signals, skid marks, vehicle damage, and any conditions or hazards that may have contributed to the accident.
• Gathering Evidence – The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your case will be. Seek out any witnesses and collect their contact information, save all communications, keep all your medical bills and other expenses on file, keep a pain journal, and hold on to any other relevant documents.
• Informing Your Insurance Company – Your insurance carrier will need to know about your accident, and informing them as soon as possible will help get the ball rolling on your claim. However, you must be extremely cautious when communicating with them. They will try to get you to say things to weaken your own claim, offer more information than they need, or accept an unfavorable settlement. Never admit fault, avoid recorded statements, never accept quick settlements, and always speak with a lawyer before speaking with the insurance company.
• Calling a Lawyer – Working with a knowledgeable, experienced San Mateo pedestrian accident attorney from CHM Law Firm can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. We can guide, advise, and advocate for you every step of the way, and we’ll handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on healing.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

Several parties may be partially or fully responsible for a pedestrian accident, including the following:

• Driver of the Vehicle – The most common causes of these accidents are drivers who are speeding, distracted, tired, or under the influence. Drivers often fail to yield or commit other traffic violations that result in pedestrian accidents.
• Employers – If the driver was on the job, their employer may be partially liable for poor training or negligent hiring practices.
• Vehicle Manufacturers – Vehicle defects like faulty brakes can lead to serious accidents. When they do, the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable.
• Government Entities – When hazardous road design, lack of crosswalks, malfunctioning or broken signals, or missing road signs cause an accident, a local government entity may be liable.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

You may be eligible to recover various types of pedestrian accident compensation, including the following:

• Medical Expenses – The responsible party may be liable for covering ambulance fees, hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, surgeries, medical devices, physical therapy, and future medical costs incurred by the accident.
• Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may seek compensation for your lost wages. That includes hourly wages or salary, missed promotions and raises, tips and commissions, sick days and vacation time, and other benefits.
• Pain and Suffering – The physical pain and mental suffering following an accident can be significant. You may be entitled to compensation for the pain, anguish, stress, and loss of enjoyment of life you’ve endured.
• Emotional Distress – It’s not uncommon for victims of pedestrian accidents to experience depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms following these incidents. You may be entitled to recover compensation for any emotional distress caused by the accident.

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

California law allows a pedestrian hit by a car to file a lawsuit up to two years after the accident.

While this window is helpful if your injuries have delayed symptoms, worsen over time, or turn out to be more serious than previously believed, don’t put off initiating the legal process. Reach out to CHM Law Firm as soon as you can to explore your legal options and preserve your right to seek compensation.

How Many Pedestrians Are Killed in San Mateo and California Each Year?

More people, more cars, and more distracted drivers have led to a growing number of pedestrian accidents in the U.S. in recent years. But exactly how many pedestrians are killed in San Mateo and California each year?

According to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, pedestrian deaths make up 27 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in California. In one recent year, 208 pedestrian accidents in San Mateo County resulted in injuries or fatalities.

What Are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include the following:

Even when pedestrians make decisions that contribute to accidents, drivers still owe them a high duty of care. If you’re worried you may have been partially at fault, don’t assume anything about your case until you’ve spoken to a pedestrian accident law firm.

What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable, which means these accidents often cause severe injuries, such as the following:

These injuries can require costly medical care and prevent you from working either temporarily or permanently. A successful pedestrian accident claim can compensate you for those losses.