Oakland Pedestrian Injury Leads to Six-Figure Settlement
A pedestrian accident in the Bay Area can change your life forever, causing catastrophic injuries and lifelong disabilities. It might be impossible to earn a living after an incident like this, and you might struggle with psychological trauma for years. Fortunately, there is hope for injured pedestrians in the Bay Area; this was made clear after a six-figure settlement in Oakland. The injured pedestrian received the funds from the City of Oakland, highlighting the possibility of a lawsuit against the government after a pedestrian accident. If you would like to learn more about this possibility after a pedestrian accident, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer in the Bay Area.
Injured Pedestrian Receives $6.2 Million from the City of Oakland
In July of 2024, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that an injured pedestrian was set to receive a $6.2 million settlement from the City of Oakland. The plaintiff had suffered what authorities described as “life-threatening” injuries after being struck at the intersection of Opal and 40th Street. In his lawsuit, the plaintiff claimed to have experienced a fractured skull and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries are quite common among pedestrians, and they often occur after impacts with vehicles and the road.
The brain injury appears to have been life-altering. His wife claims that their marriage is not the same, and she successfully pursued compensation for the loss of consortium. This type of damage is associated with the breakdown of a relationship and the loss of intimacy between partners. In other words, the husband may not be the same man that the wife initially married because of his head injury.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this lawsuit is the fact that the City was sued for creating a dangerous intersection with confusing or misleading signs. These types of lawsuits are relatively rare, but this case shows that they can be successful. The plaintiff pointed out that “hundreds” of lawsuits had been filed against the City of Oakland for accidents caused by dangerous road conditions. This has led to $35 million in settlements over the past decade, including a single settlement of $6.5 million for a bike crash caused by a “broken” street sign.
Residents of Oakland probably recognize the intersection as one of the worst in the city. Although the casual observer might think that a lawsuit for confusing signs is laughable, these hazards are very real. A confusing sign can easily send a driver the wrong way down a street, causing a head-on collision. Signs may also direct vehicles into pedestrians due to blind spots and lack of visibility. Even landscaping that is not properly trimmed could obscure visibility, leading to more crashes each year. Local governments have a legal responsibility to maintain these roads and address potential safety concerns. After all, road maintenance is perhaps one of the most basic reasons we pay taxes in the United States.
Suing for a Head Injury After a Pedestrian Crash
If you have suffered a serious head injury after a pedestrian crash in San Francisco, you may experience numerous losses and psychological issues. These types of damages fall into two categories: Economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are very straightforward, and they involve your financial losses. A head injury may make your current career impossible. Perhaps you are struggling with cognitive decline and memory loss, and your career requires you to engage in critical thinking throughout the day. Perhaps you have suffered a loss of motor control, making the physical tasks at work impossible. Whatever the case may be, a head injury has the power to dramatically reduce your income, or even eliminate it altogether. You also need to consider your medical expenses.
Non-economic damages are more complex, and they include a range of psychological issues and disorders stemming from your brain injury.
Find an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in the Bay Area
If you have been searching for an experienced accident attorney in the Bay Area, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. With our assistance, you can strive for positive results and fair compensation after a pedestrian crash. We know how serious these accidents can be, and we are ready to guide you toward justice. A personal injury claim can cover your medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and other damages. Although internet research represents a positive first step, no amount of reading can provide you with a personalized action plan. To continue this discussion in more detail, reach out today and book a consultation.
