Pedestrians face a significant amount of danger, with the number of pedestrians getting killed in crashes involving vehicles increasing by 10% since 2019. It totals about 500 people a year. However, these are just numbers until you are hit by a vehicle.
These accidents can potentially result in significant injuries and loss. You may need professional help in securing the just compensation you need. Look out for these nine signs that you need to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer.
1. Severe Injuries
An injured pedestrian can experience a broad range of ailments due to the accident. They could be minor bumps, bruises, and scrapes. They could also be spinal cord, skeletal, soft tissue, internal organs, or traumatic brain injuries.
Medical treatment costs can quickly multiply. A lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your injury costs, including medical bills, lost wages, long-term disability, and ongoing therapy.
2. Question Over Fault
Many people assume that the vehicle driver is always at fault in a wreck involving a pedestrian. However, this is not true. Every accident is different, and the details of the circumstances define who the liable party is.
Some accidents have clear facts that readily answer the question of fault. Other accidents have murkier facts that can bring up questions of fault.
For example, if a pedestrian darts out in front of a vehicle at the last second and is not in a crosswalk. The driver will argue that the pedestrian’s actions caused the accident.
Hiring a lawyer can help you collect the evidence necessary to argue liability. This could include pictures and video of the accident scene and medical records outlining the extent of your injuries. They may also bring in experts who can testify to their analysis of the physical damage.
3. Insurance Claim Denial
The insurance company may respond to your claim filing by flat-out denying it. They will refuse to work with you or agree to a settlement when this happens. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the next steps.
Insurance companies are businesses, and the goal of a business is to make a profit. So, insurance companies will look for reasons to deny your claim to maximize profits.
Your lawyer will gather all of the evidence and file a lawsuit on your behalf. Your lawsuit will then go to trial, where a judge will hear you and the other party’s arguments.
4. Low Settlement Offer
Once you file a claim with the driver’s insurance company for the pedestrian accident, they will evaluate your claim and provide you with a settlement offer. Insurance companies have a reputation for submitting low settlement offers.
If you receive a settlement offer, you can enter negotiations with the insurance company. Hiring an experienced lawyer can help you in the negotiation process. Their experience with pedestrian accidents and insurance negotiation can help put you on equal ground with the insurance company’s lawyers.
5. It’s Been a While
You only have so much time to file your lawsuit. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits vary based on the type of injury. Car accident personal injury victims have two years to file their claims.
This may seem like a long time to file a personal injury case. However, time can fly by when you have much to deal with. You have your own recovery to focus on.
Hiring a pedestrian accident attorney can ensure you file before the statute of limitations runs out. You can focus on your recovery while your lawyer pursues compensation for your injuries and loss.
6. Long-Term Disability
If your injuries create long-term disability, they can have a significant impact on your personal and professional life. Your injuries could prevent you from continuing in your professional career. This means not earning as much as you could have if not injured.
Hiring an experienced lawyer can help you calculate your long-term losses. Otherwise, you risk accepting a settlement that only addresses your immediate losses. Your attorney will work with medical professionals to calculate the cost of your ongoing care and future treatment needs.
7. Government Entity Involvement
You should speak with a lawyer about your options if a government entity is involved. The statute of limitations is significantly shorter.
Your lawyer will also know several other procedures that you must comply with. Not following these special procedures can potentially bar you from recovery.
8. Wrongful Death
If it is your loved one who was in a pedestrian accident, you may find yourself facing a wrongful death action. The victim’s estate and family bring a claim against the liable party. A wrongful death lawyer can help you determine the full extent of damages.
Wrongful death compensation includes economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include loss of financial support and benefits. It also includes funeral and burial costs.
Non-economic damages include loss of companionship, moral support, affection, protection, sexual relations, and guidance. There’s no set amount; damages are awarded based on common sense and evidence. An experienced wrongful death attorney can maximize your damages by knowing how to best present the evidence.
9. Driver Fled the Scene
When some drivers realize that a struck pedestrian results from their accident, they may panic. This can result in them fleeing the accident scene. Perhaps they feel guilty or are afraid of the consequences.
Whatever the reason, the victim will want to file a police report and contact an attorney. They will need assistance tracking down the liable party and holding them accountable. Their lawyer can work with the police to use all available evidence.
Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries as a pedestrian hit by a vehicle, your priority should be healing. Additionally, you can then pursue compensation for your injuries and loss. Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer at Titan Law Firm can provide valuable guidance.
An experienced lawyer knows what evidence is the most compelling and how to collect it. They can then negotiate with the insurance company or take your claim to trial.
Get the compensation you deserve for your injuries by scheduling a consultation with our experienced attorneys at Titan Law Firm or call 888.848.2656 today.
