Given California’s legendary scenery and hiking trails, it’s no surprise that hiking is a favorite pastime for many California residents. Not only can you experience the breathtaking views of nature across the state, but hiking is also a great form of exercise. While undoubtedly enjoyable, hiking does present certain risks. If you or a loved one were injured in a hiking accident in California, trust the experienced personal injury team at MI ABOGADO ® to relentlessly pursue justice and the maximum compensation available under the law. You deserve to see rightful compensation for the harm you have suffered.
MI ABOGADO ® proudly serves clients across the state of California. We’ve helped nearly 300,000 clients like you, with 96% seeing just compensation for their pain and losses, recovering millions in the process. Plus, we take cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us until we deliver results. Let us start fighting for you today.
Common Causes of Hiking Accidents
There are many factors that can result in hiking accidents. These accidents are frequently the result of third-party negligence, and those negligent parties must be held accountable for their shortcomings. Some common causes of hiking accidents include:
- Poor trail maintenance
- Inadequate signage warning hikers of potential hazards
- Encounters with wildlife
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Inadequate safety measures such as guardrails
- Negligence on the part of hiking companies, tour guides, and other hikers
- Defective hiking equipment
- Hiker error
- Underlying health conditions
Common Hiking Accident Injuries
Hiking accidents, while relatively uncommon, can result in devastating injuries, even fatalities, made worse by the fact that such accidents are largely preventable. These injuries can range significantly in severity.
Common injuries that may result from hiking accidents include:
- Sprains and fractures
- Scrapes, lacerations, and abrasions
- Environment-related injuries such as hypothermia, hyperthermia, sunburn, heatstroke, and dehydration
- Animal bites, scratches, or attacks
- Bug bites
- Injuries from falling objects
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Back and neck injuries, including spinal cord damage.
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hiking Accidents?
Following a hiking accident, it’s crucial to determine which party or parties are liable for the harm you have suffered so you can seek and secure your rightful settlement. When it comes to hiking accidents, assigning negligence may be challenging, especially without the assistance of an experienced California hiking accident lawyer. While every hiking accident is unique, these accidents are largely caused by negligence on the part of:
- The Entities Responsible for Trail Maintenance. Every trail has someone who is responsible for its maintenance. Such maintenance involves addressing potential hazards, placing guard rails, providing adequate signage, and regularly inspecting the trails. Many trails across California fall under the responsibility of various government entitles on the local, state, and federal level. The California Department of Parks and Recreation is tasked with maintaining state parks and trails in California, and the National Park Service is responsible for maintaining trails on federal land. However, not every hiking trail in California is managed by the government. Certain hiking trails are owned and operated by private organizations.
- Outdoor Activity Companies and Tour Guides. If the hiking accident occurred while partaking in a guided tour or as a part of an organized hiking activity, the tour guide or organizing company may be held liable for negligence. This negligence can manifest as a lack of supervision or failure to provide adequate instructions and vital safety equipment.
- Private Property Owners. Many trails in California cross private property. If the hiking accident occurred on the property of a private landowner, they may be held responsible for failing to warn of or address known hazards on their land or failing to take reasonable steps to ensure hiker safety.
- Wildlife Authorities. If the hiking accident resulted from an encounter with wildlife, certain wildlife authorities or government agencies may be held liable if they failed to execute adequate safety measures or failed to adequately warn hikers about potential risks involving wildlife.
- Equipment Manufacturers. If the hiking accident was the result of defective or malfunctioning hiking equipment, such as ropes, harnesses, and footwear, the equipment manufacturer, distributor, and retailer may be held liable for the product defect.
- Other Hikers. Other hikers may contribute to hiking accidents by behaving recklessly or intentionally causing harm. These individuals can be personally liable for their actions.
How Los Angeles Personal Injury Law Firm MI ABOGADO ® Can Help You with Your Hiking Accident Claim
MI ABOGADO ® makes the health and well-being of our clients our first priority. As a part of our comprehensive personal injury services, we pride ourselves on offering medical care coordination, putting our extensive network of trusted medical professionals to work for you. We want you to focus on your recovery, so we’ve made it our mission to take care of the rest.
Once we’ve ensured you’re receiving the highest quality medical care, MI ABOGADO ® will work for you, conducting an exhaustive investigation of your accident, gathering evidence, and collecting witness statements so we can determine which parties can be held liable for the harms you have suffered. From there, we will build the strongest possible case, tailored to your unique circumstances, needs, and goals. MI ABOGADO ® operates on the mindset that there are no dead ends, and we are committed to exploring every avenue to strengthen your case for a just settlement.
That’s when negotiations begin. We’ll take on the parties, insurance companies, and the government, if necessary, advocating tirelessly for your best interests and your rightful compensation. If we cannot secure an adequate settlement addressing the full extent of your harm through negotiation, we’re even prepared to take your case to court so you can see justice. MI ABOGADO ® prides itself on offering the timely, responsive, and effective advocacy only a boutique practice can provide, and we will fight relentlessly for the maximum possible settlement.
Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles Hiking Accident Attorney Today
MI ABOGADO ® is based in Los Angeles, but proudly serves clients from San Diego and San Jose. We believe that, following a hiking accident, the last thing you need is to take on exorbitant attorney’s fees just so you can see justice for the harm you have suffered. That’s why we take hiking accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless you do.
Contact us for a free and confidential consultation, or reach out for a second opinion! Our door is always open, and we’re ready to get to work on your case today.