Getting around Stockton on foot shouldn’t be dangerous, but busy corridors like March Lane, Pacific Avenue (the Miracle Mile), Hammer Lane, El Dorado Street, and the Crosstown Freeway (CA-4) see heavy traffic, frequent speeding, and tough visibility near schools, shopping centers, and transit stops. If you or a loved one were hit by a vehicle while walking you deserve a local team that knows these streets and how San Joaquin County insurers and courts handle pedestrian claims.
At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, our Stockton pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to take on your case and fight for your rights. With over 25 years of experience protecting people’s rights in Stockton and the greater San Joaquin County, our team of attorneys have represented hundreds of families and have helped them get the justice they deserve.
As a result of their hard work and commitment, the firm has an established track record of securing fair full settlements for their clients and delivering much needed justice to those responsible. Whether a person was struck by a distracted driver or by a negligent rideshare driver, our legal team will be there every step of the way to give you the legal representation you deserve.
Call us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form for a free case consultation.
Stockton Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to a 2022 report from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 138 pedestrians who were either injured or killed, making Stockton the 5th most dangerous city in California for pedestrians. In fact, preliminary data suggests that pedestrian harm has risen about 57% from 2021 to 2022 and risk patterns show that vehicle–pedestrian crashes are about 8.5× more likely to cause a fatal or severe injury when compared to motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, roughly 90% of reported crashes occur within 250 feet of an intersection and, as a result, the city is advancing a Vision Zero program with new safety plans and community workshops to address these trends.
Common Injuries in a Stockton Pedestrian Accident
The types of injuries a person can sustain in a Stockton pedestrian accident will always vary on a case by case basis as it will be dependent on factors such as the speed and impact force of the car striking the pedestrian.
With that in mind, if someone has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is vital that they seek medical attention immediately because due to the lack of protective measures people have against speeding motor vehicles, they could succumb to fatal injuries. For instance, some of the most common injuries in pedestrian accident are the following:
- Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Lacerations
How Long Does a Pedestrian Accident Claim Take in Stockton?
The length of a Stockton pedestrian accident claim will vary on the complexity and severity of the accident. For example, pedestrian accident claims with minor to moderate injuries with sufficient evidence of the at-fault party causing the accident may take anywhere between several months. However, on the other hand, complex accident claims with multiple liable parties, fatalities, and conflicting evidence can take anywhere from several months to years. In order to get a better understanding how long your case may take, it is recommended to consult with a skilled Stockton pedestrian accident lawyer.
How Much Does a Stockton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Charge?
A Stockton pedestrian accident lawyer can charge their clients either hourly or on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee basis means that the lawyer will not charge any upfront legal fees or forms of payment and will only charge their clients a flat fee only if they win their case. Should they manage to do so, the percentage of the flat fee can vary anywhere between 25% to 40%, but this rate will be dependent on the attorney’s experience and the difficulty of the case. If you are in need of an attorney, there are many in Stockton who offer free consultations and you can make your decision based on your conversations.
Common Mistakes To Avoid in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
In the event of a pedestrian accident there are a lot of things that can happen and it can ultimately affect the outcome of your claim. While it is understandable to feel shaken up after a pedestrian accident, it is crucial that you do not make any of the following mistakes.
- Not seeking medical attention immediately
- Not documenting the accident scene
- Admitting fault (even passively)
- Speaking to insurance adjusters by yourself
- Not seeking a Stockton personal injury lawyer
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident?
Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer can not only protect your rights, but it can give you better chances of recovering the just compensation you deserve. While you can file a claim on your own, it is generally discouraged because there are a number of things that can go wrong in a personal injury claim and lower your chances of recovering the compensation.
From misfiling paperwork to missing deadlines to not providing sufficient enough evidence for your claim, accident victims who are not familiar with the legal process are very likely to make these mistakes and are ultimately forced to either take a lower settlement offer or have their case dismissed. With these things in mind, it is vital for accident victims to hire an attorney, especially if the affected party has suffered severe injuries.
Types of Recoverable Compensation
In Stockton Pedestrian accidents, the total amount of recoverable compensation will ultimately vary on the severity, scale, and degree of liability. Depending on these factors, accident victims may recover damages such as medical expenses, physical therapy costs, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of earning capacity.
If the accident victim perishes then their immediate family members are able to file a claim on their behalf and recover a variety of damages such as any leftover hospital bills and any emotional suffering that the surviving family experiences. As calculating these costs will always vary on a case-by-case basis, it is highly recommended to consult with a skilled Stockton pedestrian accident lawyer. By doing so, you will get a comprehensive understanding of your situation and what you can recover.
Schedule a Free Case Consultation with Frank Penney Injury Lawyers Today
Getting injured on someone else’s property can bring all sorts of complex legal problems that can be difficult to manage, especially on your own. At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, our team of Stockton pedestrian accident lawyers are prepared to take on your case and fight for your rights. With decades of experience representing clients from all walks of life, the attorneys at Frank Penney have an established track record of settling cases and securing compensation for their clients.
Unlike other law firms, our firm has represented hundreds of clients throughout Stockton and the greater San Joaquin Valley, and we are prepared to advocate for Stockton families on their behalf. By hiring our legal team, you can rest easy knowing your case is in the right hands. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form for a free case consultation.