You should know your legal options if you or a loved one has been harmed in a pedestrian accident. An attorney can help you settle if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost income, and pain and suffering.
A pedestrian collision can cause severe and life-altering injuries. Some of these include broken bones, lacerations, and traumatic brain injuries.
Identifying the At-Fault Party
Accidents involving pedestrians are often severe, resulting in high medical bills for the victims. In addition, survivors are often left unable to work and may even die from injuries.
Pedestrians are required to follow traffic laws and use designated crosswalks when available. Drivers are also required to exercise reasonable care on the roads, highways, and other public areas to prevent accidents involving pedestrians.
It is usually the driver’s fault when a pedestrian is injured in a car accident. However, there are some instances where the pedestrian can share some or all of the legal blame.
Gathering Evidence
A thorough investigation of an accident scene is the only way to determine who is responsible and if they are liable for damages. Then, your lawyer will fight to hold these parties accountable for your injuries.
To collect evidence, an experienced attorney from a law firm such as Wilk Law, LLC will gather witness statements and contact information, take photographs of the accident scene, and examine the condition of the street. It will allow them to get as many details as possible, including the speed and size of cars traveling during the accident.
A pedestrian accident can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries and property damage. Often, these injuries require medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. They also may involve significant pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses.
Gathering Witnesses
Witness statements can make a significant difference in your compensation case. They can prove who was at fault and help paint a clear picture of the accident.
It’s essential to locate witnesses as soon as possible after an accident. Get their contact information and forward it to your attorney once you’ve hired one.
Obtaining their statements early can also prevent them from rewriting their stories later, which may distort their recollections and damage your case.
Identifying witnesses can be difficult and frustrating, but doing so as quickly as possible is essential. Collecting their contact information, including names and phone numbers, is an excellent first step to finding them.
Obtaining Medical Attention
Obtaining medical attention immediately after a pedestrian accident can help you avoid disputes with the insurance company over the cause and severity of your injuries. These arguments can be devastating to your case and your health.
Pedestrians often suffer severe car accidents, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken bones, spinal cord injuries (SCI), amputation of limbs, or impaired vital organs.
Despite the destructive nature of these injuries, it usually takes months or years before pedestrians can recover compensation for their medical expenses from liability insurers. In addition, they may also struggle with ongoing medical bills and long-term care costs during this time.
Obtaining Compensation
If you were hurt as a pedestrian in an accident, you may or may not be entitled to compensation for your losses. It can include medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
The amount of money you recover will vary on the inflicted injuries and the type of treatment you seek. Therefore, discussing your case with a pedestrian accident lawyer at the earliest time possible is essential.
The first step in a successful pedestrian accident claim is to establish liability. It means proving that the at-fault party caused your injuries or property damage.