Huntington Park is a vibrant city in Los Angeles County. It has bustling streets and plenty of foot traffic. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the top 10 cities in California for pedestrian accident injuries and deaths among similarly sized cities. This issue is especially pronounced in certain high-traffic areas and at intersections known for accidents.
Huntington Park ranks among the worst in the state for pedestrian accidents and fatalities among those over 65. Additionally, the city struggles with high rates of hit-and-run incidents and accidents linked to underage drinking and driving, both of which increase the risk for pedestrians.
If you or a loved one were injured in a vehicle accident in Huntington Park, call The Dominguez Firm for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys can help you recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
High-Risk Intersections and Areas for Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Huntington Park often occur in specific areas, particularly on heavily trafficked roads and intersections. Key locations with high accident rates include:
- Pacific Boulevard: Known for its heavy foot traffic and numerous businesses, this road is one of the city’s busiest. Many pedestrian accidents occur here, especially around intersections with high vehicle flow, such as Pacific and Gage Avenue.
- Florence Avenue: With numerous cross streets and limited pedestrian crossings, Florence Avenue is another hotspot for accidents. Crossings at Bissell Street and Seville Avenue see frequent incidents.
- Slauson Avenue: As one of Huntington Park’s primary arteries, Slauson Avenue experiences high speeds and heavy traffic. The intersections at Miles Avenue and State Street are particularly dangerous for pedestrians.
- Randolph Street and Pacific Boulevard: This intersection is a high-risk area due to the convergence of heavy traffic, shopping centers, and nearby bus stops, which increase pedestrian activity.
These areas highlight the dangers pedestrians face daily in Huntington Park. Whether due to speeding, distracted driving, or simply a lack of sufficient pedestrian infrastructure, these intersections demand extra caution for both drivers and pedestrians.
How Serious Are Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Pedestrians have little to protect them from the impact of a vehicle, making them especially vulnerable to severe injuries. Common injuries include:
- Head trauma and brain injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term cognitive and physical disabilities, and recovery can take years.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and potentially lifelong care.
- Broken bones: Legs, arms, ribs, and other bones are often fractured in pedestrian accidents, requiring surgery, rehabilitation, and extensive recovery time.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and other internal injuries may not be immediately visible but can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.
- Lacerations and bruises: Although these injuries may seem less severe, they can still be painful and lead to scarring, infections, or complications requiring medical intervention.
In many cases, these injuries can be life-changing, affecting the victim’s physical abilities, emotional well-being, and financial stability. Medical expenses for these types of injuries can add up quickly, with some victims requiring months or even years of treatment. A personal injury lawsuit can help cover these expenses and allow victims to focus on healing.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Huntington Park occur in several ways, with certain types of accidents being more common than others:
- Crosswalk accidents: Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks is a frequent cause of accidents. This issue is especially pronounced at high-traffic intersections where drivers might be rushing or distracted.
- Turning vehicle accidents: When drivers make left or right turns, they may fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street. This is particularly dangerous at intersections with no dedicated turn signals.
- Hit-and-run incidents: Sadly, hit-and-run accidents occur more than the average in Huntington Park, leaving victims injured without immediate help and complicating the process of obtaining compensation.
Understanding the type of accident can be crucial in building a strong case and determining who is at fault. Each type of pedestrian accident presents unique challenges, but a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and work to secure the compensation you need.
What Types of Compensation Could I Be Entitled to For My Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you could be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. This compensation is generally divided into three main categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the tangible, financial costs resulting from your accident. These are typically easy to calculate and include:
- Medical Expenses: All costs related to your current and future medical care, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and in the case of permanent injuries, at-home care and home modifications.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: If you can’t work because of your injuries, you can recover compensation for lost income or the inability to work in the future.
- Property Damage: In cases where personal items (such as your phone or other belongings) were damaged in the accident, you may be reimbursed for repair or replacement costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for the emotional impact your pedestrian accident injuries have had on your life. There is no limit as to how much can be awarded in non-economic damages. These can be harder to determine, but are no less significant:
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. It can include the immediate pain from the accident and any ongoing discomfort or complications.
- Emotional Distress: Serious accidents can lead to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological issues. Non-economic damages may cover these emotional challenges.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, exercise, or other activities you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: This applies to the impact your injuries have on your relationships with close family members, including loss of companionship or support.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are less common but may be awarded in cases where the driver’s actions were especially reckless, malicious, or intentional. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate the victim, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Examples of situations that might justify punitive damages include cases where the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, engaged in hit-and-run behavior, or hit a pedestrian in a fit of road rage.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Huntington Park
If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, the following steps can help protect your health and support a potential claim. Note, only do these if they do not delay medical attention and you feel well enough to do so:
- Get immediate medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, seeing a doctor can identify dangerous internal injuries that might not be immediately visible.
- Contact the police: A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can be invaluable when filing a claim or lawsuit.
- Document the accident scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the location, any vehicles involved, road conditions, and visible injuries. Get the driver’s license and insurance information from the driver that hit you.
- Collect witness information: Witnesses can provide valuable details about the accident. Get important contact information such as first and last names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
- Consult a pedestrian accident lawyer: An attorney with experience handling pedestrian accident claims can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and advocate for fair compensation.
Following these steps can make a big difference in your ability to seek compensation and protect your health.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accident claims can be complex, involving factors like, local and state laws, insurance policies, and sometimes, hit-and-run scenarios. Having an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can benefit your case in several ways:
- Knowledge of California pedestrian laws: An experienced lawyer understands the nuances of state laws and local regulations in Huntington Park, ensuring a strong case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurers often try to minimize injuries. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to negotiate with them to secure compensation that fully covers your losses.
- Access to resources: The Dominguez Firm has the resources to gather evidence, hire experts, and prepare a thorough case to maximize your recovery. And if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we have the resources needed to go to court.
The litigation attorneys at The Dominguez Firm help injured pedestrians in Huntington Park obtain justice. We handle every detail of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery. You don’t have to deal with your pedestrian accident claim by yourself. Call The Dominguez Firm for a free consultation at (800)818-1818 today.
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— Ashley Magana
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My experience with The Dominguez Firm and the attorneys was really good. They were very informative and always returned my calls.
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