When many think of car accidents, they typically think of one car colliding with another. While car crashes are common, accidents often involve Cars hitting innocent pedestrians. Pedestrians hit by cars raise a critical question: can pedestrian victims recover monetarily for their injuries?
Generally, yes, a pedestrian is allowed to pursue financial compensation after getting hit by a car.
The type of damages and amount of financial recovery you’re entitled to receive depend on the details of your case. A pedestrian accident lawyer can protect your rights and fight for the fairest possible outcome on your behalf.
If you’ve experienced a pedestrian accident, the legal team at The Joel Bieber Firm wants to hear from you.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
When pedestrians are hit by cars it most often arises out of dangerous driving behaviors or driver misconduct. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to yield
- Disobeying traffic signals and laws
When you suffer injuries from a car accident/ no license/ or insurance at the hands of a negligent driver, do not hesitate to discuss your situation with a pedestrian accident lawyer.
Common Injuries Pedestrian Victims Are Likely to Suffer in an Accident
Victims of pedestrian accidents are likely to suffer significant injuries. These injuries happen because, as a pedestrian, you have no protection whatsoever. If a car hits you, the impact can cause extensive harm.
The type of injuries pedestrians suffer often depends on the speed of the vehicle and the details of impact. Some of the most common pedestrian victim injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Fractured and broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Crush injuries
- Internal injuries
Injuries from pedestrian accidents regularly require considerable medical treatment. The more treatment your injuries require, the greater your expenses.
If someone causes you injury, it’s only fair to pursue compensation instead of bearing the financial burden entirely on your own. Rely on the assistance of a pedestrian accident lawyer to help get you the recovery you deserve.
Liability for Pedestrian Accidents
If pedestrians hit by cars it is most often arises out of driver negligence. When a driver is negligent, they fail to operate their vehicle in a way other reasonable drivers would under similar circumstances.
Proving a driver’s negligence is critical in your pursuit of compensation. To prove a driver was negligent, you must satisfy the elements of negligence, including:
- The driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver’s actions breached their duty of care
- The driver’s actions were the cause of your accident
- You suffered injuries and losses as a result of your accident
Strong evidence is the best way to prove a driver was negligent and, therefore, financially responsible for your harm. Evidence and documentation could include such things as police reports, video surveillance, and medical records.
Establishing liability is one of the most challenging parts of a pedestrian accident case. Fortunately, pedestrian accident lawyers have the right knowledge and tools to handle the task and get you one step closer to financial recovery.
Damages for Pedestrians Hit by Cars
Damages for a personal injury claim serve to compensate victims for their injuries and losses stemming from an accident. The type and amount of damages you’re entitled to receive depend on your specific circumstances.
Economic damages are verifiable damages arising from an accident. These could include:
- Medical expenses for both past and future treatment
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
Non-economic damages represent other, less tangible losses resulting from an accident. They can include:
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement
Several factors play a role in determining the value of your case. Based on the answers to certain questions, a pedestrian accident lawyer can calculate your damages, including:
- What type of injuries did you suffer?
- How serious were your injuries?
- Will you require medical treatment in the future?
- Did you lose time from work? If so, what was the total of your lost wages?
- Will your injuries permanently affect your ability to work in the future?
- What was the total of your other financial losses resulting from your accident?
Figuring out how much your case is worth can be difficult if you don’t have a lawyer. To help ensure you get the fairest possible outcome, allow a qualified attorney to handle your pedestrian accident claim.
How to Pursue Compensation When Pedestrians Hit by Cars
Typically, the person responsible for a collision is financially liable to the victim. The same rule applies to pedestrian accidents.
In most cases, you can’t expect the liable party to pay you out of pocket, as most individuals do not have that kind of money. Instead, the at-fault party’s insurance coverage will kick in, and you’ll be able to receive compensation directly from the insurer.
However, it is important to note that dealing with insurance companies is rarely easy. Insurance companies are known to put up quite a fight. Therefore, it’s imperative you have the help of a pedestrian accident lawyer to fight for compensation on your behalf.
Discuss Your Case with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at The Joel Bieber Firm
A pedestrian accident can take quite a toll on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. The legal team at The Joel Bieber Firm can help take some of the pressure and stress off your shoulders.
Our lawyers understand the frustration and disappointment that comes from the aftermath of a pedestrian accident. Fortunately, we have the experience, skill, and drive to help get you the resolution you need.
After a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to handle your claim alone. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation, and let’s discuss how we can help you.
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