What Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
Did you know that there’s one death every 88 minutes because of pedestrian accidents? Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed than the occupants of a car. If you or your loved ones are injured in a pedestrian accident, you need to know your rights. You can get compensation for your medical and legal expenses. But, you need a qualified and experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to guide you through the process.
A pedestrian accident lawyer can help negotiate settlements, advocate on your behalf, and navigate the complex world of courts on your behalf. Keep on reading to learn more about what a pedestrian accident attorney can do for you.
What Is a Pedestrian Accident?
Before you go any further, you need to understand what is a pedestrian accident. It’s not the same thing as getting into a car accident. Knowing what it is can help you find the right personal injury lawyer on your side who can get you the compensation that you deserve.
A pedestrian accident is when an individual is injured by the negligence of a driver. A pedestrian is anyone who is not driving, including those people who are walking, jogging, or even standing. They could be on roller skates or skateboards, or in a wheelchair.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
The various types of pedestrian accidents are generally split based on the different reasons for the accident. Most accidents are due to traffic violations by the driver or the pedestrian. For example, about half of the deaths caused by running a red light are pedestrians and any other cars that are hit.
The third most common cause of pedestrian fatalities is when the driver of the car is distracted, mainly because of electronic devices. Other types of pedestrian accidents are caused by:
- Illegal U-turns
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drivers not stopping at crosswalks or stop signs
- Turning right without checking for pedestrians
Sometimes it is not the negligence of the driver at issue, but the fact that the pedestrian didn’t follow the rules. For example, when a pedestrian jaywalks, especially at night. Almost 74% of pedestrian accidents take place at night.
Why Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Knowing all that a pedestrian accident lawyer does, you want to get that expertise on your side. A pedestrian accident lawyer is more than just about getting the right paperwork when starting a court case.
Take Advantage of Expert Advice
You need expert advice when dealing with insurance companies and other law firms. You want someone on your side that has the knowledge and expertise to guide you. You also want to understand your rights so you put your best foot forward.
At the start of any case, you need to determine who is at fault. The insurance company will try to put forward evidence to show that you are also at fault, which can reduce the compensation that you receive. For example, they may argue that you were jaywalking, or you were distracted on your phone when crossing the road.
This is where a pedestrian accident lawyer can come and help you understand whether you were at fault and how best to frame your case moving forward. You need expert advice from lawyers who have prior experience dealing with similar situations.
A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help Determine Your Damages
If you have been hit by a negligent driver, you have to deal with medical expenses and even ongoing health issues. As you deal with health issues, you may have to take time off work or even lose your job. The amount of pressure on you and your finances is substantial.
The amount of your damages is an important element to understand because it determines the amount of your settlement. Your damages include all your medical bills, legal fees, lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering.
This is where a pedestrian accident lawyer can be your greatest asset. They can let you know what information you need to support your damages claim and help you calculate your total damages.
Avoid Dealing with Insurance Companies
The biggest reason to hire a lawyer is to avoid dealing with insurance companies. They can be aggressive and difficult to deal with, especially when you have your recovery and finances to worry about.
Insurance companies will want to pay you as little as possible to increase their profits. They have a whole team of lawyers dedicated to this job. They will try to intimidate you by relying on case law and legalese.
A pedestrian accident lawyer will be your best bet to fight against them and get the best compensation. You want an attorney with strong negotiation and advocacy skills to negotiate with the insurance company.
A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Handles the Paperwork
There is a lot of paperwork involved in a court case, including:
- requesting accident and police reports
- collecting evidence at the scene including surveillance camera footage
- ordering medical records
Rather than dealing with the hassle of this paperwork and deadlines, you can let a pedestrian accident attorney handle the paperwork for you. They will assess your case and help you understand your rights. A pedestrian lawyer can review the evidence and determine your chances.
Strong Network of Contacts
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will also have a strong network that they can use to get evidence including medical reports and police reports to support your case. They will have a wide network of medical experts who can support your case.
Advice on Next Steps
Finally, you want to make sure to hire a lawyer to help you with your next steps. If you receive a settlement, you need someone to help you decide whether it’s an appropriate amount and whether it meets industry standards. You also need to know whether you have a strong case or not, so your lawyer can help you decide on the right next steps.
Consult with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Now you know exactly why you may need to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer. It can be stressful and exhausting dealing with insurance companies who are trying to reduce the amount of your settlement. A pedestrian accident lawyer can do all the heavy lifting for you.
If you or your loved ones are a victim of a pedestrian accident, contact us today and get the compensation you deserve. With us by your side, you can relax as we guide you through the entire process. With a success rate of 99%, we will fight for the justice you deserve.
