Pedicabs, while offering a fun, entertaining and eco-friendly way to get around, can also be extremely dangerous.
Injuries resulting from pedicab accidents can range from minor scrapes to severe trauma, often leaving victims with medical bills, lost time at work, and long-term physical challenges.
If you were injured by a pedicab, it’s important to explore your legal options and take important first steps, as you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury claim, holding the responsible parties accountable for the harm you’ve suffered.
At Jassim Law, we have successfully represented clients in unique cases like these, helping them hold the right parties accountable. When you partner with Jassim Law, you will benefit from our extensive experience and compassionate nature. Attorney Pajman Jassim and the Jassim Law team have earned a reputation for their commitment to justice and community safety in San Diego.
Common Causes of Pedicab Accidents
Pedicab accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as:
- Pedicab Driver Negligence: Pedicab drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers, pedestrians, and others on the road. Accidents may occur if a driver is distracted, fatigued, or driving recklessly.
- Faulty Equipment: Pedicabs, while simpler than cars, still require regular maintenance. Brake failure, tire issues, or steering malfunctions can lead to accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, poorly marked lanes, or uneven surfaces can cause a driver to lose control.
- Improperly Secured Passengers: Pedicab drivers are responsible to make sure their passengers are safely secured in their vehicles. Often, Pedicab drivers are incentivized to take more passengers than safe because they can charge more money.
Identifying the cause of a pedicab accident is key to determining liability and pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Determining Liability in a Pedicab Accident
In some cases, multiple parties may be liable for a pedicab accident. Your attorney can establish who is accountable in order to pursue compensation for your injuries. Responsible parties may include:
- The Pedicab Driver may be at fault if they acted negligently or broke traffic laws. For example, if the driver ran a red light, was speeding, or failed to yield, they may be liable for the accident.
- Pedicab Owner may be liable. Pedicabs are often owned by a company, and then leased to drivers. The law requires the owners and drivers to be insured and be responsible for following laws, and passenger safety.
- Pedicab Companies could be held responsible for your injuries because employers are often liable for the negligent actions of their employees. In addition, the company might be held accountable for poor maintenance of the pedicab or inadequate training of its drivers.
- A Third Party might be responsible for your accident, such as another driver. For instance, if another vehicle forced the pedicab into an unsafe situation, that driver might be liable for your injuries.
Holding all negligent parties accountable is key to pursuing full compensation for the injuries and losses you’ve sustained.
What Compensation Is Available After a Pedicab Accident?
If you or someone you care about suffered an injury in a pedicab accident, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation to help cover the costs associated with your injury. These include:
Medical Expenses
Pedicab accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe conditions like broken bones or head trauma. You may be compensated for both current and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages. This includes both the time you’ve already missed from work and any future earnings you might lose due to long-term disabilities or impairments caused by the accident.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to tangible costs like medical bills and lost wages, you may be able to seek compensation for the emotional and psychological toll of your injuries. Pain and suffering can include physical discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, and other conditions.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Pedicab Accident
First and foremost, a personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. During this process, they will gather evidence (such as witness statements, police reports, and any available video footage) to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. This will help build a strong case and demonstrate liability, which is crucial for securing the compensation you deserve.
Additionally, your lawyer will assess the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. They will work with medical professionals to understand your current and future medical needs, ensuring all potential costs are accounted for in your claim. This includes immediate medical expenses, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment, and any necessary medical devices.
Your personal injury attorney will also handle all communication with insurance companies. Often, insurers aim to minimize payouts, and having a lawyer on your side will protect you from unintentionally accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf, advocating for the compensation you are entitled to for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Lastly, should your case go to court, a personal injury lawyer will represent you, presenting your case effectively to a judge and jury. They can provide peace of mind, knowing you have a dedicated professional fighting for your rights and improving your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Secure Compensation for Damages After a Pedicab Accident
If you’ve been injured in a pedicab accident, it’s important to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. At Jassim Law, we are committed to advocating for our clients’ rights in unique and challenging cases like these. With our experience in personal injury law, we can help determine who is liable for your accident and guide you through the legal process. Our lead attorney, Pajman Jassim, recognized as a SuperLawyer from 2017 to 2024, is known for his relentless dedication to securing the compensation our clients deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
You don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. Our team has a proven track record in handling personal injury claims, and we will use this experience to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Call us today at (858) 524-6140 or visit our contact form to get started.