Were you struck by a negligent driver while walking in Monterey County, California? You may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call Mercado Kramer, LLP at (888) 311-4050 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Monterey County pedestrian accident attorney.
Our legal team has 18 years of combined experience representing injury victims across the Central Coast. We dedicate our practice to representing clients who have suffered because of careless drivers and other negligent parties. We are prepared to put our knowledge and resources to work for you.
Contact our attorneys today to learn how we can help after a serious pedestrian accident. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney’s fees when we secure compensation for you.
Why Choose Mercado Kramer, LLP After a Pedestrian Accident in Monterey County, CA?
After a pedestrian accident, victims often face steep medical bills, weeks or months of lost income, and a long, painful recovery. Insurance companies rarely make things easier; they may minimize your injuries, shift blame onto you, or push you to settle for far less than your case is worth.
That’s why having the right law firm on your side can make all the difference. At Mercado Kramer, we take pride in fighting for injury victims throughout Salinas and across Monterey County, California.
When you work with our Monterey County pedestrian accident lawyers, you can expect:
- 18 years of combined legal experience handling pedestrian accidents and serious injury claims.
- Proven case results for clients hurt in accidents.
- Personalized attention from attorneys who understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take.
- Strong litigation skills, ensuring we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
- Local insight, with deep familiarity with the unique challenges pedestrians face across Monterey County.
Contact us today to schedule a free case review to learn more about our services. Our Monterey County personal injury lawyers are here to assist you.
How Much Is My Monterey County Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
Every pedestrian accident is different, and the value of your claim will depend on the facts of your case.
Factors that may influence your case value include:
- The severity and type of injuries sustained.
- Current and future medical expenses (including rehabilitation and long-term care).
- Lost wages and reduced ability to earn income.
- Whether the injuries cause lasting disability or impairment.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Impact on your quality of life and independence.
- Whether you bear any share of responsibility for the accident.
- The amount of insurance coverage available.
Our attorneys carefully evaluate these factors to determine a fair and accurate estimate of your damages. We work with doctors, economists, and other professionals to ensure every loss is accounted for before entering settlement negotiations. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your case’s worth.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in Salinas or elsewhere in Monterey County, you are entitled to pursue damages for both financial and non-financial losses.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment, surgeries, and hospital stays.
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Prescription medications and medical devices.
- Lost wages from time missed at work.
- Reduced earning potential if you cannot return to your previous occupation.
- Physical pain, emotional trauma, and mental anguish.
- Disfigurement or permanent disability.
- Loss of enjoyment of life and reduced independence.
- Wrongful death damages (funeral costs, loss of financial support, and companionship)
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish a defendant’s reckless behavior, such as a driver who was intoxicated or intentionally violated traffic laws.
What If I’m Being Blamed for My Pedestrian Accident in California?
California uses a pure comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if your damages total $200,000 and you are found 25% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $150,000. Even if you were 90% at fault, you could still recover 10% of your damages.
It’s common for drivers and insurance companies to argue that pedestrians caused or contributed to their own injuries. For example, they may claim you crossed outside a crosswalk, were distracted by your phone, or failed to follow a traffic signal. Our attorneys know how to challenge these tactics and protect your right to fair compensation.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians have no protection against the force of a vehicle. Even accidents at relatively low speeds can result in catastrophic injuries.
Our Monterey County pedestrian accident attorneys represent clients who have suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
- Broken bones and complex fractures.
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding.
- Severe lacerations, scarring, and disfigurement.
- Amputations or crush injuries.
- Neck, back, and soft tissue damage.
- Psychological injuries, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Injuries leading to wrongful death.
These injuries often require extensive medical care and can alter every aspect of a victim’s life. Our mission is to ensure your compensation reflects the full extent of your losses—not just what insurance companies are willing to pay.
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in Monterey County?
Monterey County is known for its scenic roads and heavy pedestrian activity. Unfortunately, this also means they are at constant risk when drivers fail to use caution.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Salinas and surrounding areas include:
- Distracted driving (texting, adjusting GPS, or eating behind the wheel).
- Speeding near schools and residential neighborhoods.
- Failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Unsafe turns..
- Poor visibility, such as nighttime driving or inclement weather conditions.
- Improper road design or malfunctioning traffic signals.
Sometimes pedestrian accidents have more than one cause. It’s important to identify each contributing factor in your accident to hold the proper parties accountable for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in California?
Like all personal injury cases, pedestrian accident claims in California are subject to strict filing deadlines. These time limits are known as the statute of limitations.
You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If the accident resulted in a fatality, the family usually has two years from the date of death to file. If your accident was caused by unsafe road design, poor maintenance, or negligence by a city or county agency, you must first file a government claim within six months.
If you fail to file your claim by the deadline, you will lose your right to recover compensation in court. That’s why it is essential to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after your injury. Your attorney can help you identify and comply with all relevant deadlines in your case.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Monterey County?
While the driver of the vehicle is often the most obvious liable party, many pedestrian accident cases involve multiple responsible parties.
At Mercado Kramer, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all potential sources of compensation, which may include:
- Negligent drivers of cars, trucks, buses, or motorcycles.
- Employers of commercial drivers whose negligence led to a crash.
- Government entities that failed to maintain safe crosswalks, lighting, or traffic signals.
- Property owners are responsible for unsafe sidewalks or parking lot conditions.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers in cases where defective parts contributed to the collision.
Identifying all liable parties is critical because it increases the pool of insurance coverage available after your crash. This, in turn, maximizes your potential recovery.
Contact a Monterey County Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Monterey County, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. You deserve a dedicated legal team with the skills, experience, and resources to fight for your recovery.
At Mercado Kramer, our attorneys have 18 years of combined experience standing up for injury victims. We know the devastating impact pedestrian accidents can have, and we are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation available under California law.
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs and no attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you through a settlement or verdict. Our fee is simply a percentage of your recovery, agreed upon in advance.
Call today to schedule your free case evaluation with a Monterey County pedestrian accident lawyer. Let us protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
