People can suffer many types of injuries while walking, with many occurring on or near roadways. People traveling along the road on foot often assume that drivers will strictly adhere to the laws of the road and be vigilant enough to keep everyone safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Instances do occur in which drivers strike pedestrians with their vehicles, resulting in a wide variety of injuries, ranging from minor contusions to devastating injuries or even death.
If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, you may be wondering if hiring a lawyer is necessary or what having them on your side may accomplish for you. Following a pedestrian accident injury, you have multiple factors to deal with, including your physical recovery, medical bills, and how to go about pursuing compensation.
With the right legal representation, you can take some of the burden and stress off your shoulders and rely on an experienced lawyer to help guide you through the process to seek the compensation you deserve. Contact a Bellingham pedestrian accident attorney today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your accident and options.
Overview of Pedestrian Accidents
As our society has grown more populated and more hectic with each passing decade, the risks of accidents on busy streets have also increased. In addition to car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents, thousands of pedestrian accidents happen each year. Though the causes of these accidents vary depending on each unique set of circumstances, the consequences are often significant, with injuries ranging from broken bones and head injuries to fatalities. Being aware of the causes, types, and resulting consequences of these accidents can be beneficial as you begin your pursuit of financial compensation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian accident can result from many different situations, with most involving negligence of vehicle drivers. Some of the most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Vehicle operators not paying attention to what is in front of them.
- Speeding: Driving at speeds over the legal limit, creating safety hazards.
- Failure to Yield: Not giving pedestrians the proper right of way at intersections.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Visibility Issues: Poor lighting or inclement weather conditions affecting visibility.
No matter the cause of your accident, consulting an experienced lawyer can provide insight into the different options available and the right path to take moving forward after your accident.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Claims
Determining your next steps after being injured in a pedestrian accident can be a complicated process, especially when it comes to understanding the legal issues involved. A pedestrian accident claim requires a detailed evaluation of the circumstances of the accident to determine who was at fault. Being familiar with the different types of pedestrian accidents, the injuries that commonly result from them, and how liability is determined can better prepare you for what the future may hold as you consider pursuing compensation through a pedestrian accident claim.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Each pedestrian accident is unique and can present its own set of challenges. Knowing how pedestrian accidents occur and how different circumstances may change the process can provide helpful clarification regarding what you can expect. Common types of pedestrian accidents include:
- Vehicle Collisions: Pedestrians being struck by cars, trucks, buses, or other vehicles.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Drivers who flee the accident scene after striking a pedestrian.
- Bicycle Accidents: Collisions on paths or sidewalks shared by cyclists and pedestrians.
- Non-Vehicle Accidents: Slips, trips, and falls on poorly maintained walkways.
Regardless of how you were injured, your pedestrian accident attorney can help analyze the circumstances of your accident to determine who was at fault and if there are grounds for legal action.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Due to the varying nature of pedestrian accidents, the injuries suffered by victims of such incidents can run the gamut of severity. Ranging from relatively minor to life-threatening, these injuries can affect victims in many unique and costly ways. Common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
- Bruises, Abrasions, and Lacerations: Cuts and scrapes may require sutures.
- Bone Fractures: In many instances, legs, arms, hips, or ribs may be broken.
- Head Injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, or other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Internal Injuries: Bleeding or injuries to internal organs, sometimes requiring surgery.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Neurological damage, mobility issues, or paralysis.
If you have suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident — no matter the severity — you have the right to take action to hold the responsible party accountable and seek compensation for the physical harm you have suffered.
Potential Long-Term Impact from Injuries
Depending on the severity of your injuries, your quality of life may potentially be impacted — both immediately and long-term. More significant injuries, such as brain injuries or spinal trauma, can result in permanent disabilities, the necessity of ongoing medical care, and drastic changes in your lifestyle. Though other, less-severe injuries like broken bones or head injuries may not leave permanent effects, surgeries and periods of rehabilitation may be necessary. Even psychological effects like depression or anxiety may result from such an accident.
The financial impact of any of these injuries can linger for long periods, necessitating appropriate compensation from the responsible party.
Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
With varying circumstances in pedestrian accidents, liability for such accidents can also potentially fall on multiple parties. Liability for damages depends on determining which party was at fault for the accident. Key factors that can influence liability in a pedestrian accident include:
- Driver Negligence: Distracted driving, exceeding the speed limit, or failing to yield.
- Pedestrian Negligence: Jaywalking, distracted walking, or failing to obey traffic signals.
- Third-Party Liability: Poor maintenance, signal malfunctions, or construction hazards.
Ascertaining which party was responsible for the accident is a critical early step in the process of seeking compensation. Your lawyer will work to analyze the details of your accident, determine who was to blame and plan accordingly.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Many people who have been in pedestrian accidents — particularly those with seemingly minor injuries — may question whether or not hiring a lawyer is necessary or what benefits legal representation may provide. Having a knowledgeable lawyer with experience in handling pedestrian accident claims can significantly affect how your case plays out. Hiring the right pedestrian accident attorney can protect your rights and interests, which is the priority throughout the legal process. Even if your injuries initially seem minor, they can worsen and lead to more extensive losses when you do not expect it.
Complexity of Legal Matters
As with any matter involving potential litigation, pedestrian accident claims involve a number of complex issues that are difficult for anyone to navigate without the assistance of a trained professional. Understanding all applicable laws and statutes, knowing the appropriate forms and paperwork that must be filed, and being aware of all legal deadlines are key aspects of the process that an experienced lawyer will handle on your behalf.
Knowing you have an attorney to deal with the legal process can give you peace of mind through the ups and downs of your case.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
One of the more overwhelming tasks in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be dealing with insurance providers. Though many insurance companies and their employees seem professional and helpful in their treatment of policyholders, it is important to remember that insurance companies are focused on their own bottom lines, leading them to attempt to settle claims for the least payout possible. With a lawyer on your side, you can let your legal representation handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies to protect your best interests and avoid falling for tactics that may minimize your financial compensation.
Maximizing Compensation
Seeking compensation after a pedestrian accident involves far more than just pursuing a dollar amount sufficient to cover your medical bills. The financial damages often extend beyond the initial medical expenses, including future medical needs, lost earnings, and emotional suffering. Your lawyer will investigate the extent of the damage you have incurred in all aspects and gather all relevant evidence to support your case. Your attorney will have the insight to assess the value of your claim and lead you in the necessary steps to take action.
How to Choose the Right Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Finding the right lawyer to represent you in your pedestrian accident claim is the first and most crucial step in your pursuit of compensation. If you have never had to choose an attorney before, you may feel unsure about how to go about it. The right lawyer will not only have the right combination of experience and knowledge but also the ability to connect with you and communicate in a clear manner. Knowing what factors to consider in your search for an attorney can prepare you to find the right legal professional to handle your case.
Qualifications & Experience
With so much depending on the outcome of your pedestrian accident claim, considering an attorney’s qualifications and experience should be a priority. Finding an attorney who focuses on personal injury law and has experience helping clients in pedestrian accident cases is beneficial. A lawyer with an extensive track record of guiding people through injury claims will have the skills necessary to not only negotiate with insurance companies but also advocate on your behalf in litigation. Once you have created a list of personal injury lawyers in your area, you can then dig deeper into learning about them.
Reputation & Client Reviews
One of the benefits of modern technology is easily researching service providers — including lawyers — and reading reviews about them. Learning more about your potential lawyer’s standing within the legal community, awards they have received, and professional memberships can give you a better understanding of their commitment to their profession and their clients. Client reviews, in particular, can be very helpful. Reading about firsthand accounts from previous clients and positive testimonials can indicate a successful track record and give you confidence that your pedestrian accident case will be in good hands.
Initial Consultation: What to Expect
Another common benefit of looking for a personal injury lawyer is that most offer free initial consultations. This process means you will have nothing to lose by meeting with multiple lawyers to find one that is the best fit for you and your case. In an initial consultation, a lawyer will ask you to provide details about your accident and injuries. It may also be helpful if you can provide the lawyer with any relevant documentation you have, such as medical records, accident reports, and other pieces of evidence.
You will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the lawyer’s experience and how they handle cases like yours. By the end of your initial consultation, you can have a strong indication of how your lawyer will work with you as you start the legal process.
Reach Out to an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Christopher C. Walton, Bellingham Pedestrian Accident Attorney
When someone suffers an injury in an accident caused by another party, it’s not the type of accident that matters most — it’s the victim having the opportunity to hold the responsible party accountable and seek the fair financial compensation they deserve. Pedestrian accidents vary in severity, and every injury victim deserves fair compensation, whether it is thousands or millions.
With the guidance of a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer, everyone can have a fair chance of obtaining a favorable outcome.
If you have suffered an injury as a pedestrian, you don’t have to go through the uncertainty and frustration of navigating the aftermath on your own. Whether your injuries are relatively minor, severe, or catastrophic, you may have legal grounds to seek compensation for their impact on your life.
When a lawyer’s initial consultation is free, you have nothing to lose by meeting with them to explain your situation, learn more about the options that may be available to you, and consider the best course of action. Contact an experienced Bellingham personal injury lawyer today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.