Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a life-altering experience, leaving you with injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. Knowing the right legal steps after an accident can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you were hit by a negligent driver or injured due to unsafe conditions, taking immediate action can make all the difference in your recovery and legal case.
If you have suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, you are probably wondering what to do next. Contact an experienced Jonesboro pedestrian accident attorney who can fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice.
How Often Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian accidents are fairly common nationwide. According to the National Safety Council, the number of pedestrian accidents that happened across the country marginally increased in 2022. Here are some of the statistics that the National Safety Council reported:
- In 2022, the number of pedestrian accidents increased by one percent
- The number of deadly pedestrian accidents has increased over the past several years
- The number of pedestrian accidents accounted for 17.7 percent of the total number of traffic deaths in 2022
- Pedestrian accidents represented nearly 20 percent of the total number of deadly accidents nationwide
- The largest number of pedestrian deaths occurred among people between the ages of 35-44 and people aged 55-64
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian accidents can happen for various reasons. Pedestrian accidents usually happen because of negligence, poor road conditions, or lack of awareness. Here are some of the most common reasons that pedestrian accidents happen:
Defective or Poorly Designed Roads
Pedestrians and motorists share the road and should look out for each other to promote safety. If the roads are poorly maintained or designed, the defect can cause an accident. For example, the lack of sidewalks, broken traffic signals, or unmarked crosswalks can easily contribute to an accident.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Reckless or aggressive driving can lead to significant accidents. Running red lights, making illegal turns, or ignoring traffic signals can put pedestrians at risk.
Jaywalking or Crossing Outside Crosswalks
Pedestrians and motorists must use the roads safely. Pedestrians might put themselves in unsafe positions if they cross in unsafe areas or against traffic signals.
Poor Visibility
The roads should always have adequate lighting and visibility to promote safety. Accidents are common at night, in bad weather, or in areas with poor lighting.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to serious accidents. Driving while impaired is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents nationwide.
Failure to Yield
Drivers have the responsibility to yield to pedestrians to ensure safe travel. Many pedestrian accidents happen at crosswalks when drivers ignore the right-of-way laws.
Speeding
When a motorist drives their vehicle at a rate higher than the posted speed limit, they can cause an accident. A speeding vehicle is much harder to stop than one traveling at a legal speed. Speeding cars can cause serious injuries to pedestrians who are hit during an accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving includes any activity that takes the driver’s attention off the task of driving. Drivers using their phones, eating, or not paying attention to the road can easily miss pedestrians.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, contact an attorney today to get started down the road to financial recovery.
What Legal Steps Should I Take After a Pedestrian Accident?
Each step that you take after a pedestrian accident is designed to help protect your legal claim. Consider taking the following steps to protect your right to full and fair compensation:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately After an Accident
Always seek medical care after an accident, even if you do not think your injuries are serious. Your health is a top priority. Remember that some injuries cannot be determined before a medical evaluation.
Seeking prompt medical attention after an accident can also protect your rights to compensation. Failing to see a doctor or complete a treatment plan can give the insurance company the “proof” they need to deny your claim.
Keep Records of Medical Treatment and Expenses
You should always keep records of your treatments and medical bills. Document everything after a pedestrian accident, including visits to your doctor, treatments you were counseled on or completed, prescriptions, and any out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Gather Evidence
Start gathering evidence immediately after an accident. You will need as much proof as possible to ensure you get the full and fair compensation you might be entitled to after a pedestrian accident. If possible, collect:
- Driver’s details, including insurance information and license plate number
- Contact information for witnesses
- Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the vehicle involved
Share the information that you have collected with an experienced attorney. Work with a lawyer to gather even more, harder to collect evidence. Some evidence is harder for individuals to collect on their own. An attorney can help provide information like expert testimony, traffic camera footage or other surveillance video, and accident reconstructionist reports.
Avoid Speaking to The Insurance Company
After an accident, you might be asked to speak to the driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters might call you and ask you to provide a written or recorded statement. You should never give a statement to an insurance company without speaking to a trusted legal professional. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer before consulting an attorney.
Consult a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
It is always a good idea to get legal advice after you get into an accident. A lawyer can help increase your odds of a successful outcome after being injured in a pedestrian accident.
Follow Legal Deadlines
Each state has a statute of limitations and other procedural rules for filing personal injury claims. Waiting too long can prevent you from seeking compensation.
If you have suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, you are not alone. Contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney today for a free consultation and get the support you need to secure fair compensation.
How Can An Attorney Help Me After a Pedestrian Accident?
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer is an invaluable resource for injured people. Having an attorney means you have an advocate working to relieve the burden of pursuing compensation and getting your life back on track. Here is how a pedestrian accident attorney can help:
Establish Liability and Prove Negligence
Establishing liability is essential to prove negligence after a pedestrian accident. Because of the likelihood of many different potential defendants, having an attorney is the best way to ensure that you bring all who are responsible to justice.
Investigating the Accident
The insurance company will conduct its investigation, looking for anything to place the blame for the accident on you. You need to have a legal team investigating it on your behalf. An attorney will help gather evidence through a thorough investigation into the matter. Contact an attorney to get started on your own investigation.
Handle Insurance Companies
Negotiating with an insurance company is a large part of resolving your pedestrian accident claim. However, working with an attorney is intimidating if you are doing it on your own. Hire an attorney to ensure you get everything you deserve after an accident, including the compensation you might be entitled to recover.
Protect Your Legal Rights
An attorney will ensure you do not accidentally waive your rights or make statements that can harm your case. They will guide you on what to say and avoid when dealing with the other party or their insurance company.
Calculate and Maximize Your Compensation
An attorney will calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and future medical needs. They will fight for fair compensation, ensuring all your damages are considered.
Representing You In Court
If negotiations fail or the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, your case might continue to trial. Your attorney might advise that you file a lawsuit. They will represent you and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Handle All the Legal Details
An attorney will help by handling the legal details of your case so you can focus on your physical and emotional healing. An attorney will deal with the paperwork, deadlines, and legal processes, which can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. A pedestrian accident attorney will help ease your burden.
Answer Your Legal Questions
An attorney can answer all of your legal questions after a pedestrian accident. You will undoubtedly have many legal questions after an accident. Having an attorney will cut down the uncertainty that you might feel. Not understanding the entire legal process can cause you an immense amount of stress, so rely on the legal knowledge and experience that your attorney offers for you.
Contact an attorney today. You deserve legal counsel if you have suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident. Do not make the mistake of navigating the legal process on your own. Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Most attorneys offer free consultation!
What Should I Look For in a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
The attorney that you choose to hire for representation should be a professional with whom you are comfortable working. There are some qualities that good attorneys share. Some of the following qualities might help decide who to hire after an accident:
Experience in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Look for an attorney who has specific experience handling pedestrian accidents. Your lawyer should be knowledgeable about claims like yours. This can give you the peace of mind that your legal team will be the best advocates for you.
Strong Reputation and Reviews
The attorney you choose should have a strong reputation in their legal community. An attorney with a good reputation can bode well for your legal matter. Positive feedback and a strong reputation for integrity and professionalism are important indicators.
Availability and Personal Attention
Choose an attorney that is available to you and will give your case personal attention. You should be comfortable with the attorney’s communication style. You want an attorney you are confident will be directly involved in your case from beginning to end.
Knowledge of Local Laws
Each state has its laws regarding pedestrian rights and liability in accidents. Choose an attorney who is familiar with your state’s laws and who understands how to navigate the local legal landscape.
Negotiation and Litigation Skills
You want an attorney with strong negotiation and litigation skills. Many cases are resolved in negotiations. Your lawyer will present arguments to the insurance company to help you get what you deserve after an accident. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer an adequate settlement, your attorney might advise you to pursue a lawsuit. If your case continues to trial, you will need an experienced advocate to represent your interests in front of a judge or jury.
Transparency and Honesty
You need an attorney who is transparent about your case, including the potential outcomes, challenges, and timeline. They should set realistic expectations and not overpromise results.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today!
If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle, you may have serious injuries. Recovering from a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right legal steps can protect your rights and help secure the compensation you need to move forward. Whether dealing with medical expenses, lost earnings, or pain and suffering, knowing your options is vital to getting the justice you deserve.
Do not face this challenge alone- let an experienced personal injury lawyer fight for you. They have the resources to prove negligence and hold the liable party accountable. Contact an attorney today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the compensation and support you need.