Over 6,000 pedestrians died in traffic crashes within a single year. That’s a 3% increase year-over-year. If you were recently in an accident, it’s likely you sustained serious injuries.
Consider consulting a pedestrian accident lawyer right away. They’ll help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Without their help, you might have to pay for your medical bills out-of-pocket. It’s likely you’ll have to remain out of work to heal, too. Your lost wages could make it difficult for you to pay for your medical bills.
Instead, consider the benefits of a pedestrian accident lawyer.
Here are four reasons you might consider hiring a lawyer. With their help, you can discover your legal options before filing a lawsuit. Read on to discover why you should hire an experienced pedestrian lawyer today.
1. To Determine Fault
If you plan on building a lawsuit, you’ll need to prove the other parties involved were at fault.
Consider what you were doing immediately before the crash. For example, maybe you were looking at your phone, distracted. Perhaps you were jaywalking.
The details surrounding your case can impact your ability to fight. As a pedestrian, you’re responsible for paying attention before crossing the street.
Video footage might prove you were acting negligently. The other party’s lawyer might argue that you played a part in the accident. You might struggle to receive the compensation you’re due as a result.
Instead, consider hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer. Your lawyer will gather the evidence needed to prove the other party was at fault. For example, the evidence they gather might prove the other party was:
- Acting outside of the scope of responsible driving
- Speeding
- Texting and driving
- Making an illegal turn
- Driving through a stop sign or stoplight
Before you can prove the other driver was at fault, you’ll need to gather hard evidence.
First, make sure to keep up with your doctor appointments. Otherwise, the other party’s lawyer will argue there was a gap in treatment. They might argue your injuries weren’t as serious as you claimed, either.
Your doctor’s medical assessment will prove your injuries were severe.
Your lawyer can gather witness statements and testimonies. They can have investigators gather evidence, too. They might recreate the scene as well.
They’ll fight to prove the driver was at fault for the accident.
Common Causes
In order to prove the other driver was at fault, you’ll need to prove they failed to exercise responsible care. Their irresponsibility could have caused the crash.
This lack of care is called negligence.
Your lawyer will need to prove what caused the crash in order to prove the driver was at fault. Then, they can prove the driver was negligent.
Possible causes for a pedestrian accident include:
- Intoxicated driving
- Municipal negligence (traffic control device failure, poor street layout, etc.)
- Pedestrians jaywalking across busy streets
- Failure to stop at a crosswalk
- Right runs through crosswalks without looking for pedestrians
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (including texting while driving)
- Illegal U-turns
- Limited visibility (illegally parked cars obstructing pedestrians from view)
- Running a red light and hitting a pedestrian
Make sure you have an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer working on your case. They’ll gather the necessary evidence to prove the driver was at fault.
2. To Calculate Damages
About 20% of pedestrian deaths were caused by hit-and-run crashes within the past 10 years. Did you lose someone in a pedestrian-car accident? Consider contacting a wrongful death lawyer.
If you were injured as a result of a pedestrian-car accident, it’s likely your medical bills are starting to stack up. If you’re healing from intense injuries, you might find yourself out of work, too.
Talk to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. They’ll calculate your losses.
Otherwise, you might fail to fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve. You might risk accepting a lowball offer, too.
Don’t leave money on the table. Instead, consult a lawyer. One of the benefits of a pedestrian accident lawyer is the ability to calculate your losses.
They’ll look at your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage to your bike. They’ll calculate your lost wages, too.
With their help, you can fight for the full amount of compensation you’re due.
Common Damages
Talk to an experienced lawyer about the details of your case. They’ll first look at your injuries, which might include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries/internal bleeding
- Facial and dental injuries
Bring all documents relevant to your medical treatments to your consultation appointment. Consider your treatments, medications, and physical therapy.
Your lawyer will use these documents to calculate your losses. They’ll also consider your loss of enjoyment in life. They’ll calculate your future lost wages and medical expenses, too.
3. Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Don’t try to negotiate with an insurance company on your own. Instead, consider the benefits of a pedestrian accident lawyer.
If you don’t have a lawyer, the insurance company might take advantage. If you’re under the effects of medication, you might not think clearly. The insurance company might send you a lowball offer as a result.
Don’t accept the first offer you receive. Instead, consult your lawyer.
They’ll handle any negotiations with the insurance company for you.
4. To Leverage Their Experience
If you were recently in an accident, you might not know what to do next. Consider consulting a lawyer. They’ll help you review your legal options.
You can leverage their years of experience and expertise as an attorney.
Ask them about the similar cases they’ve handled over the years. Talking about their recent cases will help you make an informed decision.
Discuss your goals, too. For example, maybe you want to go to court. Your lawyer will help you develop a full legal strategy.
With their help, you can make the smartest decision based on your unique situation.
State Your Case: 4 Reasons to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer ASAP
Don’t try to handle a lawsuit on your own. Instead, consider these benefits of hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer. Working with an experienced lawyer will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
With their help, you can cover your losses.
Interested in discussing the specifics of your case? We’re here to help.
Contact us today for a case evaluation.