Did you know that 3,304 pedestrians have been killed in the United States in the first half of 2024, down 2.6% from the year before? The number of pedestrians killed in 2024 is 48% above the fatalities a decade ago, according to a new analysis from the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Being involved in a pedestrian accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. Even if you were just crossing the street, walking on a sidewalk, or simply standing on the curb, accidents can happen that can leave you in financial distress.
Marietta pedestrian injury lawyer John R. Bartholomew says that aside from physical injuries, victims can also suffer from emotional trauma such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s wrongdoing or negligence, you must speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and alternatives.
So, what should you do after a pedestrian accident to get the justice and financial support you deserve?
Understanding Your Rights as a Pedestrian
Knowing your rights as a pedestrian is important. If someone hits you, you’re entitled to seek medical treatment and compensation for your injuries and losses. It is important to understand that you can seek compensation or restitution for lost wages and pain and suffering that the accident caused you.
Aggravated DUI attorney Christopher J. McCann says aggravated DUIs carry more significant penalties. The defendant could face prosecution for aggravated DUI and a felony conviction if they caused you severe or permanent injuries.
Local laws may entitle you to even more, so understand yours. Remember, though. You don’t have to rush into a settlement; you have the right to take up the matter with a legal professional before reaching a settlement. They will keep you protected and fight for your rights.
Gathering Evidence After the Accident
To collect evidence after an accident, especially if a DUI is suspected, record the scene with photos of the scene and any injuries; the position of vehicles; traffic signals; and the road conditions—what may be above might prove essential information.
Gather possible contact numbers from witnesses; they will strengthen your claims. If you provide a copy of a police report, it contains the most critical information about the event, including any indication of a DUI.
Keep track of medical treatment paperwork, bills, and expenses for future claims. Write your account when the events are fresh in your mind. If a DUI is involved, evidence collection helps your case by providing a detailed picture of events.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
After collecting all evidence, the next step is to file a personal injury claim so that you may recover damages for the injuries and losses suffered.
Get in touch with a well-established, reputable pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you handle his guide on doing so. Submit the completed claim forms to the relevant party’s insurance company.
Include in such documentation the pertinent medical reports, impeachment reports pertaining to the incident, and proof of lost wages.
Expect conversations since insurance companies want to reduce their liability. If his insurer denies or offers inadequate compensation, he can contact his attorney about moving to court to get a fair settlement for his suffering.
Understanding Insurance Options
It is also critical that you learn about the insurance options that would be available to you after pedestrian accidents because they could change a whole lot on your road to recovery.
The first thing one should do is check if any of the insurance borne within their vehicle provides medical or income loss coverage for injuries caused by vehicle impact. Liability insurance must be available to you through the driver at fault.
Consider uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This type of protection may come in handy in case a driver has not been properly insured. Medical payments coverage should also pay for immediate expenses, no matter who is at fault.
Collect all necessary relevant insurance information and call your insurance company so that you may know all your options and rights.
Seeking Legal Representation
A pedestrian accident recovery can be difficult to manage, but seeking assistance from an experienced attorney can make a difference. An attorney would probably engage in gathering evidence, negotiating settlements with insurance companies, and representing you in court.
Your attorney will help you focus on healing while they get you paid for your injuries and losses.
