Call Now 24/7 • Free Consultation • Hablamos Español:
Call Now 24/7 • Free Consultation • Hablamos Español:
Pedestrian accidents involving commercial vehicles present unique challenges and often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. In bustling cities like Los Angeles, where commercial trucks, delivery vans, and rideshare vehicles are common, the risk of pedestrian accidents increases significantly.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we specialize in representing pedestrians who have been injured in accidents, including when they involve commercial vehicles. Our California pedestrian accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases, which often involve layers of liability, insurance coverage, and stringent legal regulations.
If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, our team is here to guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Whether the incident occurred in a busy urban center or a quieter suburban area, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and holding negligent parties accountable.
Unique Dangers Posed to Pedestrians by Trucks and Buses
Trucks and buses pose distinct dangers to pedestrians due to their size, weight, and operational characteristics. These vehicles, essential for public transportation and logistics, can become a significant hazard in pedestrian-heavy areas, especially when operators fail to exercise caution.
The unique risks associated with trucks and buses make pedestrian safety an even greater concern in cities like Los Angeles, where urban streets are bustling with activity. Here are some of the reasons why these dangers exist.
One of the most significant dangers trucks and buses pose to pedestrians is their extensive blind spots. Unlike passenger cars, these vehicles have limited visibility around their sides and rear. Drivers may struggle to see pedestrians crossing in front of or walking beside the vehicle, particularly when making wide turns. Blind spots are even larger on buses and semi-trucks, increasing the likelihood of accidents in crowded intersections or narrow streets.
The size and weight of trucks and buses also mean they require longer distances to come to a complete stop. This factor poses a serious risk when a pedestrian suddenly steps into the street or when the vehicle is traveling at higher speeds. Even at lower speeds, a truck or bus driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
Trucks and buses often require more space to turn, especially in tight urban areas. Pedestrians may not realize the vehicle’s turning radius extends far beyond that of a standard car. For example, pedestrians standing at a curb may be struck by the rear wheels of a turning truck or bus, a phenomenon known as “off-tracking.” These turning challenges also increase the danger at crosswalks, where pedestrians may feel they are safe but are actually within the vehicle’s path.
The sheer mass of trucks and buses means that collisions with pedestrians often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Unlike collisions with smaller vehicles, where injuries may be less severe, accidents involving large commercial vehicles amplify the risk of life-altering harm, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures.
Buses and delivery trucks frequently stop and start in urban areas, creating additional hazards for pedestrians. Pedestrians crossing in front of a stopped bus may not anticipate the vehicle suddenly pulling away, leading to potential accidents. Similarly, delivery trucks double-parked on streets or blocking crosswalks force pedestrians to navigate around them, often into traffic lanes where visibility is reduced.
The demanding schedules of truck and bus drivers contribute to distracted or fatigued driving, increasing the danger to pedestrians. Truck drivers often face long hours behind the wheel, while bus drivers may become distracted by passenger interactions or tight timetables. A momentary lapse in attention can be enough to cause a devastating pedestrian accident.
In urban areas like downtown Los Angeles, pedestrian accidents involving trucks and buses are often exacerbated by congestion and the presence of numerous distractions for both drivers and pedestrians. In suburban or rural areas, the dangers may include inadequate lighting, higher vehicle speeds, and fewer crosswalks, which make it harder for pedestrians to navigate safely around large vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a truck or bus, seeking experienced legal representation is essential to navigate the complexities of these cases and pursue fair compensation.
Determining Liability in Commercial Vehicle Pedestrian Accidents
In commercial vehicle pedestrian accidents, determining liability is often more complex than in standard car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties and the unique characteristics of commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, and delivery vans. Pedestrian accidents involving these vehicles can lead to severe injuries, and determining who is responsible for the incident is crucial for securing compensation.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, our experienced California pedestrian accident attorneys understand how to investigate these cases thoroughly to establish liability and fight for the justice that victims deserve.
The first step in determining liability is evaluating the actions of the commercial vehicle driver. In many pedestrian accidents, the driver’s negligence is the primary factor. Common causes of driver negligence include distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a driver was engaged in any of these behaviors at the time of the accident, they may be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries.
Additionally, driver fatigue is a significant concern in commercial vehicle accidents. Truck drivers, in particular, are often required to meet strict delivery deadlines and drive for extended hours. If a driver was fatigued or violated hours-of-service regulations, they could be considered negligent. Our attorneys will examine driving logs, rest schedules, and other evidence to establish whether fatigue played a role in the accident.
In some cases, liability extends beyond the driver to the employer or company that owns the commercial vehicle. Under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability, an employer may be held responsible for the actions of its employees while they are working within the scope of their job. If the driver was operating the vehicle during working hours, the employer could be held liable for their actions, especially if the driver was negligent, fatigued, or undertrained.
Employers are required to ensure that their drivers adhere to safety regulations and company policies. If an employer failed to properly train the driver, enforce safety protocols, or maintain the vehicle, they could share liability for the accident. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate the employer’s role in the incident to determine if they contributed to the accident in any way.
In some pedestrian accidents, the condition of the commercial vehicle itself may be a contributing factor. Trucks, buses, and delivery vehicles are large, complex machines with many moving parts, and equipment failure can sometimes play a role in accidents. If the vehicle’s brakes, lights, or other safety equipment were defective or malfunctioning, the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle could be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries.
Regular maintenance and inspections are required by both state and federal regulations to ensure that commercial vehicles are in good working order. If a company failed to properly maintain the vehicle or ignored safety standards, it could be deemed liable for any resulting accidents. Our attorneys can examine maintenance records and conduct an in-depth investigation into the vehicle’s condition at the time of the accident.
In some cases, liability for a commercial vehicle pedestrian accident may lie with a third party, such as a manufacturer or maintenance company. If the vehicle’s equipment was faulty due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer could be held responsible. Additionally, if a third-party mechanic or repair shop failed to properly service the vehicle, they could be held liable for any negligence that contributed to the accident.
Establishing liability in commercial vehicle pedestrian accidents requires careful investigation and the consideration of all potential responsible parties. Factors such as driver negligence, employer responsibility, vehicle maintenance, and third-party involvement all need to be thoroughly examined.
Our team at Countrywide Trial Lawyers has the resources and expertise to investigate these cases and hold all responsible parties accountable. We are dedicated to fighting for fair compensation for pedestrian accident victims and their families.
Determining liability in pedestrian accidents involving commercial vehicles can be complex, but with the right legal guidance, victims can pursue the compensation they deserve.
Evidence from Dashcams and Surveillance Footage in Pedestrian Accident Cases
In pedestrian accident cases, gathering sufficient evidence is critical for proving liability and securing fair compensation for the victim. One of the most valuable forms of evidence in these cases is video footage, such as dashcam recordings and surveillance footage. These sources can provide clear, objective insight into the events leading up to an accident, often offering an accurate portrayal of how the incident unfolded.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we understand the importance of using this type of evidence to build a strong case for our clients. Here's why dashcam and surveillance footage are crucial in pedestrian accident claims.
Dashcams, or dashboard cameras, are increasingly common in commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses, and delivery vans. These devices are designed to record video footage of the vehicle's surroundings, including both the road ahead and often the view of the driver. In cases where a pedestrian accident involves a commercial vehicle, dashcam footage can be incredibly valuable for several reasons.
Firstly, dashcam footage can show whether the driver was paying attention to the road and whether they followed proper safety protocols when approaching the crosswalk or pedestrian area. It can also reveal whether the driver was speeding, distracted, or engaged in any other negligent behavior at the time of the accident.
In addition to providing insight into the driver’s actions, dashcam footage can also help establish the timing of the accident. The video can capture the moment of impact or show the pedestrian’s position relative to the vehicle prior to the collision. This can be critical for determining fault in cases where liability is disputed.
In urban areas, surveillance cameras are often installed around businesses, street corners, and traffic intersections. These cameras can capture video footage of accidents involving pedestrians, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, this footage can provide essential evidence that supports the victim’s version of events.
Surveillance footage may show the pedestrian crossing the street at the designated crosswalk, or it could capture the vehicle’s actions leading up to the accident. In cases where there is a dispute over whether the driver stopped at a red light or yielded the right of way, surveillance footage can provide a clear picture of the events.
Additionally, traffic cameras at major intersections or busy roads may record the incident from a broader angle, offering a more comprehensive view of the scene. These cameras can help establish whether a vehicle was driving erratically, running a red light, or failing to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Both dashcam and surveillance footage can provide an unbiased, accurate depiction of the events leading up to and during a pedestrian accident. When combined with other evidence, such as eyewitness testimony, police reports, and medical records, video footage can significantly strengthen a pedestrian accident claim.
Video evidence can be especially helpful in resolving conflicting statements between parties involved in the accident. For example, if a driver claims that the pedestrian was jaywalking, but surveillance footage shows the pedestrian crossing legally in a marked crosswalk, the video can help refute the driver’s claims and establish fault.
In cases where liability is unclear, video footage can also help illustrate the conditions that contributed to the accident, such as poor visibility, weather conditions, or the driver’s failure to yield. This type of evidence can be pivotal in securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
While dashcam and surveillance footage can be incredibly helpful, there are some challenges in obtaining and using this evidence. In some cases, video footage may not be readily available, especially if the camera was not actively recording at the time of the incident, or if the footage has been deleted or overwritten. Additionally, issues such as camera angle, visibility, and video quality may impact the usefulness of the footage.
It is essential to act quickly after a pedestrian accident to preserve video evidence. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we have experience in securing and analyzing video footage from dashcams and surveillance cameras. Our team can work with experts to obtain, review, and present this evidence in a way that strengthens your case.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation that knows how to obtain and utilize this type of evidence effectively. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we are dedicated to securing justice for pedestrian accident victims and ensuring that all available evidence is used to support your claim.
How Our Firm Handles Complex Commercial Pedestrian Cases
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we understand that commercial pedestrian accidents can be particularly complex, involving multiple parties, large corporations, and intricate liability issues. When a pedestrian is involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck, bus, or semi-truck, the legal process often becomes more challenging due to the involvement of corporate entities, insurance companies, and the potential for significant injuries.
Our firm has extensive experience handling these types of cases, and we are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
One of the first steps in handling complex commercial pedestrian accident cases is conducting a thorough investigation of the accident scene. Our team of experienced attorneys works with accident reconstruction experts, private investigators, and other professionals to gather all available evidence.
This includes securing dashcam footage, surveillance videos, and witness statements that provide an accurate account of the events leading up to the accident. In some cases, we also work with traffic engineers to assess the safety of the area where the accident occurred, especially if poor road design or infrastructure contributed to the incident.
In commercial pedestrian accident cases, liability is often shared among multiple parties. This could include the driver of the commercial vehicle, the company that employed the driver, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts, or even third-party maintenance providers. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we thoroughly analyze all aspects of the case to identify all potentially liable parties. By holding all responsible parties accountable, we increase the likelihood of securing fair compensation for our clients.
When commercial vehicles are involved in pedestrian accidents, the insurance claims process can be complicated. Commercial vehicles are often covered by large, corporate insurance policies, which may be more difficult to navigate than standard auto insurance. Additionally, companies may try to limit their liability or shift blame to the driver or other parties involved.
Our firm has experience negotiating with large insurance companies and is prepared to fight for your rights. We ensure that all insurance policies, including those of the employer, driver, and vehicle manufacturer, are properly explored to maximize the compensation available to our clients.
Commercial pedestrian accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Our firm works with medical experts to assess the full extent of the injuries and the long-term impact they may have on the victim’s life. This allows us to build a strong case that accounts for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we are not afraid to take on large corporations and their insurers in court. While we always strive to reach a fair settlement for our clients, we are fully prepared to go to trial if necessary. Our team’s aggressive advocacy ensures that your case is given the attention it deserves and that we pursue every avenue for compensation.
Handling complex commercial pedestrian accident cases requires a multifaceted approach, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the legal issues involved. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, our California pedestrian accident lawyers have the resources and expertise to navigate the complexities of these cases and fight for the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial pedestrian accident, contact us at (213) 772-6547 for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
