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When most people think about car accidents, they imagine two cars colliding into each other. However, an often-overlooked percentage of car accidents actually involve a car colliding with a pedestrian. For most of us, our priority when driving on the roads can be avoiding other cars. However, this can unfortunately leave pedestrians in an unsafe position. Further, as pedestrians, we often don’t consider the fact that we are in a dangerous position when out for a walk on the sidewalk or walking in the intersection of what seems to be a quiet intersection.
As a pedestrian, being involved in a pedestrian accident can be extremely frightening, and the consequences can be severe. Pedestrians do not have the protection that a car provides, which means that physical injuries can often be much worse than an accident involving two vehicles. Unfortunately, the possibility of being in such an accident has grown in recent years—the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in the most recent available data that there was more than a 3% increase in the number of pedestrians who were killed in traffic crashes in 2018 for a total of 6,283 deaths, which was the most since 1990.
If a vehicle has hit you or a loved one, call (800) 863-5312 for a free case evaluation with a pedestrian accident lawyer today.
What Is A Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian accident is any type of accident that involves a pedestrian, i.e., a person walking along a road and a vehicle. This vehicle does not necessarily need to be a car, it could be a bike or even an electric scooter. Though pedestrian accidents might occur more frequently in a bustling city like Dallas or Austin, they can also occur in much smaller areas and are unfortunately all too common across the US. The US Department of Transportation has attempted to fight back against these accidents with programs such as Everyone is a Pedestrian, but thousands are still killed each year.
Though not all pedestrian accidents result in death, the consequences can still be quite severe. Cars and trucks have built-in safety features like seat belts and airbags that deploy upon impact. Pedestrians have none of these protections. As a result, a pedestrian can incur severe injuries if a car going as slowly as 10 mph strikes them, while the same impact between cars might only cause a minor fender-bender.
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents
Though we have discussed the different consequences that can result from pedestrian accidents as compared to a car crash, they actually share many of the same root causes. A few of the more common causes include:
- Failure to obey traffic laws
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted Driving
- Failure to yield to pedestrians
- Weather conditions
CASE RESULTS
What Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do?
You might be wondering what exactly someone in this profession does. The role and responsibilities of a pedestrian accident lawyer are to provide legal representation for those injured while walking on the road. Pedestrian accidents can be very severe, and it’s important to have someone on your side who knows the law and can help you navigate through the legal process.
A pedestrian accident lawyer helps in many ways, including negotiating with insurance companies, investigating the cause of the accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and representing their clients in court if necessary.
The benefits of hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer are numerous. They can help you get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident. With their expertise in this area of law, they can also ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. So how can a pedestrian accident lawyer help you? Let’s take a closer look.
How Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help You?
Find out how hiring an expert can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve after a devastating incident. A pedestrian accident lawyer can provide legal representation to help you navigate through the complex legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. They will work with insurance companies, witnesses, and other parties to build a strong case on your behalf.
With their experience, knowledge, and dedication to fighting for your rights, a pedestrian accident lawyer can help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
They understand that every case is unique and requires personalized attention to detail. By working with a knowledgeable lawyer specializing in pedestrian accidents, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while leaving legal matters in capable hands.
Finding the right attorney who fits your needs is crucial if you’re looking for legal representation to assist with compensation claims after a pedestrian accident. The next section will explore some key factors to consider when selecting a pedestrian accident lawyer who is right for you.
How to Find the Right Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Are you seeking the perfect legal representation to help you get what you deserve? Finding options can be daunting, especially when it comes to pedestrian accidents. It’s important to seek out a professional who specializes in this area of law and has experience standing up against insurance companies and representing clients in court.
A legal consultation is one way to find an excellent pedestrian accident lawyer. This initial meeting allows you to share your case details and ask any questions you may have about the process and potential outcomes. From there, you can assess whether or not the lawyer is someone whom you feel comfortable working with and trust to handle your case effectively. Once that’s settled, you’ll be on your way toward recovering damages for injuries sustained due to someone else’s negligence.
Now that we know how crucial it is to find a great pedestrian accident lawyer, let’s dive into what steps we should take after experiencing such an incident.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
After being hit by a vehicle, taking immediate action is essential to protect your rights and ensure justice. The first step is to seek medical attention for injuries sustained in the accident. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a healthcare professional as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Next, gather evidence from the scene of the accident. Take photos of the area and any damage to your belongings or clothing. Get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. This evidence can be crucial when filing insurance claims or seeking compensation for damages incurred during the accident.
As we conclude, it’s important to note that seeking legal help after a pedestrian accident can make all the difference in ensuring justice is served and compensation is received.
Common Pedestrian Accident Claims
Within the broader category of pedestrian accident claims, there a few common claims that can arise. These include:
Crosswalk Accidents
The law may differ from state to state and depending on the situation, but generally speaking, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are legally in a marked crosswalk. However, due to distracted or aggressive driving, drivers can sometimes fail to take adequate precautions and strike pedestrians. Pedestrians have the inherent expectation that drivers will stop for them when they are on the road, but the unfortunate reality is that drivers will sometimes ignore the rules and cause serious injuries.
Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lots can put pedestrians in dangerous situations because there are often no defined walkways, forcing pedestrians to share the same area as cars. In addition, cars pulling into or backing out of a spot might have a limited range of vision because of the other cars in the lot. Though accidents in parking lots often occur at lower speeds, this does not mean they won’t cause a serious injury.
Sidewalk Accidents
Accidents occurring on the sidewalk are different from the other two categories in that they occur where the typical pedestrian has no expectation of being in danger. Drivers who are driving under the influence of alcohol, while talking on a cellphone, or simply not paying attention can leave the roadway and strike pedestrians on nearby sidewalks. These accidents are less common than accidents occurring on a sidewalk, but the resulting injuries can be devastating.
How To File A Pedestrian Accident Claim
1. Call the Police
It is extremely important that you contact the police as soon as possible—even if the accident seems relatively minor to you at the time. When the police arrive, file an official report, which may become very important later in the process of filing your claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention
After you have filed a report, it is important to quickly seek medical attention. There a couple of reasons for this. One, certain injuries might not present symptoms immediately, and addressing them as soon as possible may prevent them from worsening. In addition, a long period of time between your accident and medical attention may be used against you to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you’re claiming.
3. Speak with an Attorney
Speaking with an attorney may be a great way to make sure that you accurately understand all of your options after your accident and to make sure that you are treated fairly during the process. Filing a successful claim can become complicated, and an experienced attorney can help you work through a difficult time.
4. Investigation
Once you have selected an attorney, they may be able to begin the investigation process, which entails gathering and analyzing all of the relevant evidence, including police reports, medical records, and eyewitness statements.
5. Negotiation
Remember, insurance companies operate as a business and would like to pay you as little money as they are legally required to. However, having an experienced pedestrian accident attorney on your side may aid in a better understanding of what your claim is worth, as well as give you a partner with the necessary experience to negotiate a fair settlement offer from the other side.
Compensation For Pedestrian Accident Claims
After you or your loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are calculated with your medical bills, damage to property and past and future lost wages from being unable to work. Non-economic damages include the pain and suffering that you experience as a result of your accident.
Non-economic damage calculation is not an exact science, but generally speaking, the worse an injury is, the higher this number will be. Different states have different rules on calculating these damages, so speaking with an attorney might give you a better idea of what your case could be worth.
Some states also allow for what are called punitive damages. Punitive damages aim to punish a wrongdoer in cases where they have acted extremely recklessly or maliciously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
As pedestrian accident lawyers, we see firsthand the devastating effects of pedestrian accidents. However, many people are unaware of the most common causes of these accidents. Crosswalk safety is a crucial factor in preventing pedestrian accidents.
Drivers should always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and be aware of their surroundings. Distracted driving significantly impacts pedestrian safety. Drivers texting or not paying attention to the road can easily miss seeing a pedestrian crossing the street.
By taking steps to increase crosswalk safety and avoid distracted driving, we can work together to prevent tragic accidents from occurring on our roads.
Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
If you were partially at fault for a pedestrian accident, you might wonder what legal options are available. The concept of comparative negligence is often applied in these cases, which means that each party’s level of fault will be assessed and considered when determining damages.
While it may seem daunting, legal avenues remain available if you were partially at fault for the accident. A knowledgeable lawyer can help guide you through the process and advocate. It’s important to remember that seeking legal assistance doesn’t mean shirking responsibility – rather, it’s about ensuring that all parties involved are held accountable fairly and justly.
How Long does Receiving Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident Case Typically Take?
On average, it takes about 14 months to receive compensation for a pedestrian accident case. However, this timeline can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of injuries sustained, the complexity of the case, and negotiations between the parties involved. It’s important to note that each case is unique and has no set timeline for receiving compensation.
Factors such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress can also affect the compensation awarded. Waiting for compensation can be frustrating and stressful as someone who has been through a pedestrian accident. That’s why having a knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Should a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Know Any Specific Laws or Regulations?
When it comes to pedestrian accidents, there are a variety of laws and regulations that need to be taken into consideration. Pedestrian accident laws vary from state to state, so it’s important for any lawyer working on these cases to have a deep understanding of the specific regulations in their area.
Some common legal challenges in pedestrian accident cases include proving liability, determining damages, and navigating insurance policies. As professionals passionate about serving others, we strive to stay current on all relevant laws and regulations to provide our clients with the best representation.
What Damages Can I Expect to Receive in a Pedestrian Accident Settlement or Verdict?
The damage can be extensive and long-lasting when you’re involved in a pedestrian accident. You may find yourself with medical expenses that continue to pile up, lost wages due to your inability to work, and never-ending pain and suffering. Additionally, the emotional distress from such an experience is not something to be taken lightly.
However, when seeking compensation for these damages, it’s important to remember that options are available to you. You may receive financial compensation for all the damages mentioned above through a settlement or verdict process. While this won’t take away the emotional trauma of the experience entirely, it can help ease some of the financial burdens and provide a sense of justice served.
In conclusion, seeking legal help after a pedestrian accident is crucial. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. They can also work to get you the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damages you may have incurred.
Did you know that in 2019, there were over 6,200 pedestrian fatalities in the United States? A staggering number highlights how dangerous it can be for pedestrians on our roads. By working with a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer, you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming another statistic. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident – your future could depend on it.
Statute Of Limitations
Each state places a time limit on your ability to file a claim. The legal term for this time limit is the statute of limitations. For example, if the statute of limitations in your state is three (3) years, then you have three (3) years from the date of your accident to file a claim. Failing to abide by the statute of limitations may result in your claim being dismissed entirely by the court.
Speak To A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, do not hesitate in reaching out to Zinda Law Group for help. We don’t believe that accident victims should need to worry about being able to afford representation, which is why we use a no-win, no-fee policy—you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
If a vehicle has hit you or a loved one, call (800) 863-5312 for a free case evaluation with a pedestrian accident lawyer today.
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Case Results for Pedestrian Accidents
- Pedestrian Struck by Car While Using Crosswalk
- Pedestrian Hit by Car on Highway
- Pedestrian Struck by Car While Walking in Parking Lot
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020) AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021) AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020) LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDAOur Awards
