If You Have Been Injured or Lost a Loved One, Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Introduction

If you or a loved one has ever been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you’ll understand firsthand the fear and tribulation that such an incident entails. From grave physical injuries to the emotional trauma, the journey to recovery is often fraught with multiple challenges. It’s in such dire times that a pedestrian accident lawyer becomes an essential support system, providing legal assistance and advocating for appropriate compensation on your behalf.

Discussing the Challenges and Fears of Being Involved in a Pedestrian Accident

Being a victim of a pedestrian accident is terrifying. Aside from the abrupt and violent nature of such incidents, victims typically face immediate physical discomfort and immense confusion. The fear of facing high medical expenses, loss of income, and navigating complex insurance claims, create a daunting scenario. However, with the help of a dedicated pedestrian accident lawyer, you can focus on healing while your attorney manages the legal procedures associated with your pedestrian injury claim. Motor vehicle accident lawyers are well-versed in the legal landscape, having handled numerous similar cases.

Available Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

Following a pedestrian accident, victims are often entitled to various forms of compensation. Claims can include coverage for medical expenses, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, or compensation for personal injury, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Economic damages relate to the financial losses incurred from the accident, such as medical bills and lost income. Non-economic damages, though more intangible, cover things like pain and suffering or emotional distress. Economic damages and non-economic damages form a crucial part of the compensation landscape, intended to help victims and their families regain control over their lives post-accident.

Retaining a pedestrian accident lawyer is critical in securing this compensation, as they can ensure all losses are accounted for in the claim, build a strong case by gathering necessary evidence and can negotiate fiercely with insurance companies to ensure you’re justly compensated.

Responsibility for Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents usually occur due to a complex mix of factors. Frequently, distracted driving emerges as a significant cause. This encompasses behaviors such as texting while driving or eating while driving, which take the driver’s focus away from the road. Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians is another common cause of pedestrian accidents.

On many occasions, these accidents happen due to blatant disregard for traffic laws — from ignoring speed limits to violating right-of-way rules. Understanding the dynamics and causes of such incidents is a key area of expertise for pedestrian accident lawyers who can apply their understanding towards building a solid case on your behalf. Navigate our informative page about traffic-law violations for detailed insights on this topic.

Potential Issues with Crosswalks

In addition to driver negligence, crosswalk design and placement play crucial roles in pedestrian safety. Poorly lit crosswalks, lack of pedestrian signals, and incorrectly placed pedestrian crossings all contribute to an increased likelihood of pedestrian accidents. Exploration of potential crosswalk issues is a significant aspect of determining car accident liability as local government entities, roadway design engineers, or construction companies may bear some responsibility.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to hire a well-versed pedestrian accident lawyer who understands this nuance and is capable of taking on both individuals and corporations to fight for your right to compensation. Read more about the causes of accidents, including crosswalk issues and our comprehensive approach to handling such cases, here.

The Importance of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Hiring a pedestrian accident attorney can dramatically influence the outcome of your injury claim, ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to while minimizing the stress typically associated with navigating the legal system. An attorney will comprehensively assess the circumstances of your case, from evaluating driver negligence and potential liabilities to thoroughly reviewing accident reports.

Additionally, your attorney will spearhead the negotiation process with insurance companies, advocating aggressively for your interests. Often, these tactics can result in significantly higher settlements than individuals might negotiate independently. For more information about the benefits of hiring a pedestrian accident attorney, visit our attorney services page.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2017 alone. Furthermore, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash. These statistics highlight the high frequency and severe outcomes of pedestrian accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) further reports that in recent years, pedestrian fatalities accounted for approximately 17% of all traffic deaths. Visit our compilation of relevant accident statistics and trends for a comprehensive understanding of the extent of this public health issue.

Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians in Car Accidents

When a pedestrian is involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, the range of potential injuries is vast and, unfortunately, often severe. These can include orthopedic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple fractures — each with a high likelihood of leading to significant long-term impairment or disability.

Soft-tissue injuries, whiplash, and neck discomfort are also common occurrences in pedestrian accidents, impacting victims’ mobility and quality of life. Discover more about the range of injuries typically endured in pedestrian accidents on our injuries page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pedestrian Accidents

One of the most common questions asked after a pedestrian accident is, “Who is at fault?”. Determining fault requires a comprehensive evaluation of the accident’s circumstances, including driver behaviors, road conditions, and the victim’s actions. Pedestrian accident lawyers are proficiently equipped for such determinations, considering all contributing factors.

Other frequently asked questions involve the statute of limitations: “How long do I have after the accident to file a claim?” The answer depends on state laws. Ensuring your claim is timely is crucial to preserving your legal rights, which is yet another aspect a pedestrian accident lawyer will handle on your behalf.

Safety Measures for Pedestrians and Drivers

Both pedestrians and drivers bear responsibility for ensuring their safety and those around them. From a pedestrian’s perspective, simple actions like using sidewalks and crosswalks, obeying traffic signals, and avoiding distractions can be lifesaving. For drivers, adherence to speed limits, being extra cautious in congested areas, or during low-visibility conditions could significantly reduce accident risks.

With the alarming frequency of distracted driving-related accidents, adopting safe driving practices like avoiding eating while driving or texting while driving can make a considerable difference. For more safety tips, visit our accident prevention page.

Conclusion

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be an overwhelming and confusing time, with victims often facing significant medical expenses, income loss, and a complex legal process to secure rightful compensation. A qualified pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through this process, handling the legal aspects of your case, while you focus on recovery.

At JMB Law, we specialize in personal injury law and represent pedestrians injured in accidents in Tennessee and Mississippi. With expert knowledge of the legal landscape and a relentless determination to fight for our clients, we strive to deliver the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today, and let us work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.