Pedestrian accidents in California
When a pedestrian is struck by a car, the costs, physical, emotional and financial, can be monumental. Unfortunately insurance companies often raise questions about the pedestrian's own conduct, the allocation of fault and not infrequently the extent of bodily injuries.
The strongest thing you can do for your personal injury case is add the strength of a powerful witness statement.
At Beverly Hills Injury Firm, we have worked with countless victims of pedestrian accidents to create winning cases, and we understand that the information offered up by independent witnesses can make the difference between a settlement that doesn’t cover your bills and a full and fair overall settlement.
Here’s the Top 10 Questions to Ask a Pedestrian Accident Witness so your attorney will be prepared with the evidence they seek.
top 10 questions to ask a Pedestrian accident witness
#1. What Do You Remember Seeing When the Accident occurred?
Start with an open-ended question. It enables the witness to present their own raw, unmediated account. You need them to remember what they observed, when they observed it, and anything they remember about the pedestrian’s and driver’s actions. The more spontaneous and elaborated their answer, the more powerful is it for your defense.
#3. Did You Observe the Pedestrian in the Crosswalk or the Intersection?
It is common for insurance companies to attempt to claim that pedestrians being involved in accidents were jaywalking or behaving erratically.
A credible witness who witnessed you crossing legally in a crosswalk or who saw you waiting for a signal may be able to write a statement to validate your lawful crossing in order to place fault on the driver.
OUR CLIENTS ALWAYS COME FIRST
OUR CLIENTS ALWAYS COME FIRST
#4. Did You Witness the Driver’s Actions Prior to the Crash?
Inquire whether the witness saw texting, speeding, a turn without a signal or running a red light. Evidence of any carelessness or distraction can be strong proof in a pedestrian injury lawsuit.
#6. Did You Hear Any Noise Before or as the Crash Occurred?
And then there are times when defining moments are burned into memory through sound. Did the driver honk? Did they slam on the brakes?
Was there a loud sound when it hit? This information can be used to piece together the accident, and to enhance the urgency of the situation.
We offer free consultations
We offer free consultations
#8. Did You See the Driver’s Actions After the Accident?
What a driver does after a crash counts. Did they flee the scene? Apologize? Blame you? A witness who observed this can assist you in proving consciousness of guilt, or that the driver failed to help an injured person, each factor that could influence damages in your favor.
#10. May I Have Your Name and Number?
Ask for the following before leaving the scene:
Full name
Phone number
Email address
Mailing address (if possible)
Without this information, your attorney won’t be able to follow up or include that witness as part of a legal strategy on your behalf. Grab it now and keep it securely.
Navigating the Legal Process
The Importance of Witness Testimony to Pedestrian Traffic Accident Claims
Pedestrian accidents can cause severe or debilitating injuries but proving fault is often an uphill battle for victims. Insurance companies might claim the pedestrian darted into traffic, blatantly disregarded signals, or was partly at fault for the accident.A reliable third-party witness can prove:
The driver was at fault or not paying attention
That the pedestrian had the right-of-way
Validate the severity of injuries
Undermine false or misleading statements
Even in the event that you do have a useful video, good witness testimony is often the nail in the coffin, especially in high-stakes compensation negotiations.
Preparing for Your Legal Consultation
After you’ve gotten medical care and reported the incident, gather up your evidence — such as photos, notes about the incident and any witness information. By handing over such evidence to your legal team from day one, they can start to construct a strong case for receiving the best compensation.
At Beverly Hills Injury Firm, we are dedicated to obtaining the justice deserved by pedestrian accident victims. Our lawyers are prepared to use every bit of evidence (including testimony from 3rd-party witnesses) to keep careless drivers and their insurance companies responsible. Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
Don’t settle for less. Call Beverly Hills Injury Firm free of charge to receive a free consultation today, and we'll fight for your right to compensation. You don’t pay us if you don’t win.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
FOUNDER & TRIAL ATTORNEY
Meet Shawn Mangoli
“Shawn Mangoli, the founder of Beverly Hills Injury Firm, is a distinguished trial attorney specializing in personal injury law. With a decade of experience in civil litigation, Shawn has successfully championed the rights of those injured due to negligence, securing numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Recognized consistently by Super Lawyers and a respected member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and American Attorneys for Justice, Shawn’s commitment to justice is profound and unwavering.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Irvin
Hear what Irvin has to say about their experience with BH Injury Firm.
YOUR CASE RESULT DEPENDS ON WHO YOU HIRE
See how much your claim is worth
California Personal Injury Firm committed to getting maximum compensation. Don’t settle for less.
Contact
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Quick Links
Follow Us
California Personal Injury Firm committed to getting maximum compensation.
Don’t settle for less.
Contact
Quick Links
Follow Us