Helping Injured Pedestrians Seek Full Compensation
Ventura is a pedestrian-friendly city, but also the location of many serious or fatal pedestrian accidents. Visitors come to the city to enjoy the unique ambiance, restaurants, beaches, to swim or surf, or take pleasant walks. The city can have surprisingly heavy traffic on the main thoroughfares, including E Main Street, N. Seaward, and on the walking routes to the beach. With tourists and locals focused on finding parking and starting a pleasant beach day, the risks for pedestrians are very high. If you or someone you love was hit by a vehicle while walking in Ventura, it is time to ensure you have legal representation to help you pursue compensation.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Ventura
Drivers must be vigilant while operating vehicles in Ventura due to the heavy foot traffic. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in the city include the following:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers busy using cell phones, adjusting in-vehicle systems, eating, conversing, or other distractions may fail to see pedestrians crossing the street.
- Failure to Yield – Many accidents occur when a driver fails to yield at pedestrian crosswalks or speed through intersections where pedestrians have the legal right of way.
- Drunk or Drug–Impaired Driving: Many people come to Ventura to enjoy the restaurants, clubs, and other entertainment venues and may be operating a vehicle while under the influence, posing a serious risk to any pedestrians in the area.
- Speeding – Excessive speed while operating a vehicle in the city can lead to hitting an innocent pedestrian due to failure to yield or inability to stop the vehicle.
- Poor Visibility – Accidents often occur at night, in foggy conditions, or in bad weather, making it more difficult to see pedestrians.
- Left-Turn and Right-Turn Collisions – Drivers focused on making a turn may fail to stop to allow pedestrians to cross at an intersection or crosswalk.
- Parking Lot and Driveway Accidents – Pedestrians walking near driveways or through parking lots may be struck by vehicles backing out or parking.
- Jaywalking and Midblock Crossings – Although drivers must remain alert at all times, pedestrians crossing outside designated crosswalks can be more likely to be hit by a vehicle.
- Defective Traffic Signals or Road Conditions – Malfunctioning traffic lights, poorly designed crosswalks, or construction zones can contribute to pedestrian injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents in Ventura: Types of Serious Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries. The force of impact, the vehicle’s speed, and how a pedestrian hits the roadway after being struck affect the severity of injuries. Common injuries include:
- Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Pedestrians who are struck in the head by a vehicle or on the pavement may suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, mobility issues, or a range of neurological complications.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – A pedestrian accident can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, leaving the individual facing the future with impairments, including partial or complete paralysis. Even less extreme spinal injuries can lead to ongoing chronic pain, nerve damage, and experiencing mobility issues.
- Broken Bones – The impact of a vehicle can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, joints, shoulders, or pelvis. Fractures may require surgery, immobilization with a case, and extensive rehabilitation to restore function and mobility.
- Internal Injuries – Internal bleeding, organ damage, and punctured lungs are serious consequences of pedestrian accidents. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical treatment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and tendons, deep muscle bruises, and other soft tissue injuries are common in pedestrian accidents. These can cause long-term pain and mobility issues and may require various types of rehabilitation treatments to resolve.
- Lacerations and Road Rash – Pedestrians often sustain deep cuts and abrasions from contact with the vehicle and contact with the pavement. Severe lacerations sustained on the roadway can trigger serious infections or lead to permanent scarring, or the area needs reconstructive surgeries and painful skin and tissue grafts.
- Pelvic and Hip Injuries – The lower body is often hit first in pedestrian accidents, leading to pelvic fractures or broken or dislocated hips. These injuries can be debilitating and can lead to permanent disabilities in older adults.
- Amputations – In severe cases, a pedestrian accident may have caused such severe injuries that surgical amputation is the only viable medical treatment.
- Psychological Trauma – Beyond physical injuries, many victims experience emotional distress, ongoing anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
Pedestrian accident injuries can change a life forever and come with astronomical medical bills, the inability to work and earn a living, and require extensive rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has been injured, Skinner Law Corp is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation—What Is a Pedestrian Accident Worth in Compensation?
The compensation pursued in a claim or lawsuit will vary based on the extent of the injuries, the long-term impact on the victim’s quality of life, and the financial and personal losses the individual experiences. The first step in seeking compensation is to ensure you have the support of a dedicated Ventura personal injury lawyer who will aggressively pursue every form of compensation to which you are entitled. The types of compensation sought will include:
- Economic damages: These are the actual financial losses associated with the injuries, including medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income from work, reduced earning capacity, future medical care, and other hard costs.
- Non-economic damages: Often a significant portion of a settlement or jury award, these damages include putting a monetary value on pain and suffering, emotional anguish, loss of consortium, issues related to disfigurement, and other very real but personal losses.
- Punitive damages: In some rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded when the responsible driver’s actions were particularly egregious, such as drunk driving or operating a vehicle without any concern for the safety of others.
Why Choose Skinner Law Corp for a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Ventura?
At Skinner Law Corp, we understand how devastating pedestrian accidents will be—physically and emotionally. Our talented pedestrian accident lawyer is profoundly dedicated to seeking justice for injured pedestrians in Ventura and fights hard to ensure they receive the compensation and justice they deserve. The firm offers clients a unique and personalized experience:
- Experienced and Aggressive Representation – With years of experience handling pedestrian accident claims, we have the legal knowledge and courtroom skills to take on insurance companies and negligent drivers.
- Proven Track Record of Success – We have successfully recovered significant settlements and verdicts for injured victims, focused on ensuring they have the compensation that will allow them to rebuild their lives.
- Personalized, Client-Focused Approach – At Skinner Law Corp, you will never be just another case number. Our approach is to deliver fully personalized attention and to keep you informed as your case moves through the system. We are always available to serve you and respond to your questions and concerns.
- No Legal Fees Unless We Win – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
- Extensive Knowledge in Pedestrian Accident Cases – We understand the unique challenges of pedestrian accident cases in Ventura and are familiar with the local traffic laws, how to best prove liability, and the actions to take to maximize compensation.
- Fierce Negotiator – Insurance companies may attempt to undervalue pedestrian accident claims through various tactics. We fight aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Trial-Ready Litigation – While we always aim for a favorable settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to secure the best possible outcome.
At Skinner Law Corp, we stand with accident victims and their families, offering strong legal advocacy when you need it most. If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, contact us at 310-356-0074.
Pedestrian Accident FAQ
What should I do after a pedestrian accident in Ventura?
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
- Call the police and request an accident report.
- Gather evidence, including photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Obtain contact information from the driver and any witnesses.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies until consulting a lawyer.
- Contact Skinner Law Corp to discuss your legal options.
How do you prove fault in a pedestrian accident?
Liability depends on the circumstances of the accident. In most cases, drivers are responsible for yielding to pedestrians, especially at crosswalks. However, if a pedestrian crosses outside of a designated area or ignores traffic signals, the fault may be shared. Our legal team thoroughly investigates the accident to determine who is liable and how to maximize your claim.
What compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death (for surviving family members in fatal accidents)
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in California?
California law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the accident involved a government vehicle or public entity, the deadline may be shorter. It’s best to act quickly—contact Skinner Law Corp to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Our team will explore all possible avenues to seek maximum compensation.
Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?
While you are not required to hire a personal injury lawyer, having legal representation can significantly increase your chances of recovering fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the pedestrian, and you may be unaware of the actual value of your claim. We are here to help.
How much does it cost to hire Skinner Law Corp for my case?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe no legal fees.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows a comparative negligence system, and you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total settlement will be reduced by 20%.