Even if you think you might share the blame for your pedestrian accident, don’t blame yourself. Many factors can play a role in pedestrian accidents. The most important things to focus on right away are taking care of your health and protecting your rights. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help guide you through the process and ensure you're treated fairly.
Getting Medical Care After a Vehicle Hits You
Make your health your top concern after any accident involving a car hitting you. Even if you don't think you're badly hurt, get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries aren't obvious right away but can become serious if left untreated.
Common injuries from pedestrian accidents include fractured bones, cuts and bruises, concussions, and internal injuries. A thorough medical exam can spot problems you might not notice on your own. Follow your doctor's advice for treatment and recovery. It also creates a record of your injuries that you will need later on.
Don't let worries about medical bills keep you from getting the care you need. A pedestrian accident lawyer can ensure the liable party or insurer covers your medical costs.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
You'll probably hear from insurance companies soon after the accident. They may ask for statements or offer quick settlements. It's best to say nothing to insurers at this stage. Their goal is often to pay out as little as possible on claims.
Instead of trying to handle talks with insurance on your own, have a pedestrian accident attorney speak for you. They know how to deal with insurance companies and can work to get you a fair outcome. With a lawyer on your side, you can focus on getting better while they handle the legal details.
How Fault is Decided in Pedestrian Accidents
Working out who's to blame in a pedestrian accident isn't always simple. Even if you think you made a mistake, the driver might share some or most of the fault. Things like speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic signs can make a driver responsible even if a pedestrian wasn't perfectly careful.
You need a pedestrian accident lawyer to look out for your interests because of the complicated laws about fault in accidents. They can dig into all the facts of what happened and build the strongest case possible for you.
Gathering Evidence for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
To get fair treatment after a pedestrian accident, you'll need proof of what happened.
This can include:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Your medical records
- Traffic camera footage
- The police report
A pedestrian accident lawyer has experience collecting and using this kind of evidence. They know what to look for and how to put the pieces together to present your side of the story clearly.
Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian
As someone hurt in an accident, you have important rights. These include the right to seek payment for your medical bills, lost income if you can't work, and the pain and suffering you've gone through. You also have the right to have a lawyer represent you and fight for your interests.
It's normal to feel unsure about your rights or whether you have a case. That's why talking to a pedestrian accident attorney can be so helpful. They can explain your rights in simple terms, and explain your damages.
The Value of Having a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When you're dealing with injuries, medical appointments, and maybe missing work, the last thing you need is the stress of handling a legal case on your own. A pedestrian accident lawyer can take that burden off your shoulders. They have the knowledge and experience to guide your case from start to finish.
Some of the ways a pedestrian accident attorney can help include:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly
- Dealing with insurance companies for you
- Gathering and organizing evidence
- Figuring out the full cost of your injuries, including future expenses
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court if needed
With a lawyer handling these tasks, you can put your energy into healing and getting your life back on track.
How Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Work
Most pedestrian accident lawyers work on what's called a contingency fee basis. You do not pay anything upfront. Rather, they get paid a percentage of what they win for you. You don't owe them legal fees if they don't win your case.
This arrangement makes it possible for anyone to get legal help after an accident, regardless of their financial situation. It also motivates your lawyer to get you the best outcome possible.
When you first meet with a pedestrian accident lawyer, they'll listen to your story and ask questions to understand what happened. They'll explain how they can help and what you can expect from the legal process. This first meeting is usually free and comes with no obligation to hire them.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Understanding why pedestrian accidents happen can help show why the fault isn't always clear-cut. Some common reasons include distracted driving, failing to yield to pedestrians, speeding, drunk driving, and poor visibility due to weather or lighting conditions.
Pedestrians can sometimes contribute to accidents by not using crosswalks, ignoring traffic signals, or walking while distracted. However, even if a pedestrian made a mistake, the driver may still bear partial or full fault.
A pedestrian accident lawyer can sort out these factors and determine how they affect your case. They know how to look at all aspects of the accident to build a strong argument for why you deserve fair compensation.
The Impact of Pedestrian Accidents
Being hit by a car can have a big impact on your life. Beyond the immediate pain and medical treatment, you might face a long recovery period. This can mean time away from work, ongoing medical care, and changes to your daily routine. Some people struggle with anxiety or fear of walking near roads after an accident.
It is important to consider these long-term effects when seeking compensation. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help ensure all these impacts are considered. They'll work to get you compensation for your current medical bills and for future expenses and the overall impact on your quality of life.
When to Call a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
It's best to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer ASAP after your accident. The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your rights will be. A lawyer can start gathering evidence before it disappears or memories fade.
Even if you're unsure whether you have a case, it's always worth talking to a lawyer. Most offer free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose by getting their opinion. They can help you understand your options and decide on the best course of action.
Don't let worries about cost keep you from getting legal help. Remember, pedestrian accident lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, so you only pay if they win your case.
What to Expect in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Every pedestrian accident case is unique, but there are some common steps you can expect. Your lawyer will start by thoroughly investigating the accident and gathering evidence. They'll also help you get the medical care you need and document your injuries and treatment.
Next, your lawyer will typically try to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. If a fair settlement can't be reached, they may recommend taking your case to court. Throughout the process, your lawyer will keep you informed and involved in decision-making.
The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Pedestrian Accident
There are several reasons why it's important to act quickly after a pedestrian accident. First, there are legal time limits, called statutes of limitations, for filing a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Second, evidence can disappear or change over time. Skid marks on the road may fade, witnesses' memories may become less clear, and surveillance footage might be erased. The sooner your lawyer can gather evidence, the stronger your case will be.
Finally, the sooner you start the legal process, the sooner you can get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other expenses. Don't wait and hurt your chances of getting fair treatment.
How Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Build Your Case
Building a strong case after a pedestrian accident involves many steps. Your lawyer will gather police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. They may work with accident reconstruction experts to understand exactly how the accident happened.
Your lawyer will also collect all your medical records related to the accident. They may consult with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries and how they might affect you in the future.
All this information creates a clear picture of what happened and why you deserve compensation. Your lawyer will use this to negotiate with insurance companies or present your case in court if needed.
Dealing with Challenges in Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Sometimes, pedestrian accident cases face challenges. The driver's insurance company might argue that you were mostly at fault for the accident. Or they might claim your injuries aren't as serious as you say.
A good pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to handle these challenges. They can gather evidence to show the driver's fault and the true extent of your injuries. They can also anticipate and prepare for the arguments the other side might make.
Even if you think you might have been partly at fault, don't let that stop you from seeking legal help. Your lawyer can often still build a strong case for you to receive compensation.
The Emotional Impact of Pedestrian Accidents
Being hit by a car can be traumatic. Many people struggle with fear, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a pedestrian accident. These emotional impacts are just as real and important as physical injuries.
A good pedestrian accident lawyer understands this. They'll take the emotional toll of the accident into account when seeking compensation for you. This might include the cost of therapy or compensation for pain and suffering.
Your lawyer can also help by taking on the stress of dealing with legal and insurance matters, giving you space to focus on your emotional and physical recovery.
Understanding Settlement Offers
At some point in your case, you may receive a settlement offer. This is the amount of money the insurance company offers to pay to resolve your claim without going to court.
Never accept the first offer until a lawyer reviews it, even if you face mounting medical bills. Initial offers rarely cover your expenses. Your pedestrian accident lawyer can explain whether an offer is fair based on the specifics of your case.
If the offer isn't fair, your lawyer can negotiate for a better settlement or advise you on whether to take your case to court. They'll help you weigh the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.
What Happens if Your Pedestrian Accident Case Goes to Court?
While many pedestrian accident cases settle out of court, sometimes going to trial is necessary to get fair compensation. If your case does go to court, your pedestrian accident lawyer will be there to represent you every step of the way.
Your lawyer will prepare your case, gather evidence, and argue on your behalf in court. They'll question witnesses, present expert testimony, and make sure the judge and jury understand why you deserve compensation.
Your lawyer will explain what to expect and how to prepare. They'll fight for your rights and work to get you the best possible outcome.
Reach Out to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Take the first step towards protecting your rights and securing your future. Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer today to discuss your case and learn about your options. With the right legal support, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer works to get you the best possible outcome.
Gabriel Levin - Owner/Founder
Gabriel Levin is a highly experienced and award-winning attorney with over 10 years of practice in Pennsylvania. Known for his tenacity, he has represented clients in a wide range of civil matters and tried hundreds of cases. He prepares each case as if it will go to trial, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
Unlike many firms that delegate tasks, Attorney Levin personally handles every aspect of each case and maintains open communication with his clients throughout. He has secured millions in compensation, making him a smart choice for those seeking legal representation.
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