In this guide, we are going to focus on Pedestrian accident lawyer and how to hire one. How many people are killed or injured every year in pedestrian accidents in the United States? More than 4,000 people have died and more than 70,000 have been injured, according to estimates.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one pedestrian is injured every seven minutes. Even if a car/pedestrian collision isn’t fatal, it can be disabling, resulting in costly and life-altering injuries.
Accident Due To Driver’s Fault
Pedestrians are frequently struck by these cars due to negligence or recklessness of the driver. Even if someone is crossing the street in a crosswalk, they may be struck by a vehicle that is turning too quickly and failing to surrender the right of way. Because many incidents involve automobiles leaving a roadway, pedestrians are also hurt when drivers back up without glancing behind them or drive on the shoulder or even a sidewalk. These injuries are not the pedestrian’s fault; in these circumstances, pedestrian accident lawyer options should be considered.
The pedestrian has a legal right to seek financial compensation for their losses, which may include medical expenditures, lost wages in the present and future, and pain and suffering. Despite the fact that many pedestrians are wounded or killed when jaywalking or crossing a street without a legally authorized crosswalk, the driver is responsible for around half of all auto/pedestrian collisions.
Injuries Sustained By The Pedestrian
In a car accident, no one is more vulnerable than a pedestrian. The head, legs, and arms are frequently injured in pedestrian accidents. Leg injuries are common when a pedestrian is struck by an automobile. Pedestrian injuries are considerably more severe when they are hit by a larger vehicle.
Pedestrians are more vulnerable when it’s dark or close to twilight, and they’re more likely to be hit in areas with heavy foot traffic. Pedestrians are also more likely to be struck by electric or hybrid vehicles, which have quieter engines. Indeed, pedestrian accidents involving a hybrid or electric vehicle are 37 percent more common than those involving a gas-powered vehicle.
However, when it comes to heavier cars, injuries can be severe or even fatal. Lawyer Jim Adler, however, can and has developed solid cases regardless of the size of the automobiles involved in pedestrian accidents. He’s handled cases involving automobiles, SUVs, trucks, buses, motorbikes, 18-wheelers, and other types of vehicles.
Why You Should Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you are severely injured and do not want to manage your own legal matters following your accident, you may wish to engage a pedestrian accident lawyer. A lawyer can look into your circumstances and figure out who is to blame for the accident. They can also protect your interests during insurance company talks and, if necessary, by initiating a lawsuit for recompense.
Insurance companies will frequently offer you a rapid settlement that is not even close to the value of your case. In other situations, the insurance company may deny that its insured party is to blame for the accident or claim that you are to blame for the accident more than it is. We can focus on safeguarding your legal rights and appropriately evaluating your prospective personal injury lawsuit while you focus on your recuperation from the accident.
A Lawyer Advises On The Next Step To Take In Your Case
Many people are unsure where to turn after suffering serious injuries in a pedestrian accident, or when a loved one has died as a result of those injuries. Your first reaction to an accident is likely to be seeking medical attention or mourning the loss of a loved one. You will, however, surely have concerns regarding your legal rights.
Following an accident that has resulted in injuries, a pedestrian accident lawyer can advise you on what actions to pursue. You can learn whether you have a legal case against someone else, how to pursue that case, and what types of compensation you could be eligible for. Most significantly, you will be able to acquire answers to your queries, which may assist to alleviate your fears.
A Lawyer Negotiates With the Insurance Company
When a pedestrian accident occurs, you will almost certainly receive a call from an insurance adjuster right away. The insurance company for the responsible party may try to persuade you to accept an instant settlement in order to conclude your case as soon and inexpensively as possible.
These conversations can be handled by a pedestrian accident lawyer. They can assess what a fair settlement in your case would be, taking into account your medical expenditures, lost wages, pain and suffering, and lasting limitations. Then they can either negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies or take your case to trial.
A Lawyer Ensures You Meet All Deadlines In Your Case
A statute of limitations applies to all personal injury cases, including those stemming from pedestrian incidents. In comparison to other states, the timeframe for filing a lawsuit in court in Louisiana is especially short. You normally have one year from the date of your accident to launch a lawsuit under CC Art. 3492.
One year can fly by, especially if you have suffered devastating injuries that will take months to fully recover from. A complete recovery may not be achievable in some circumstances. A pedestrian accident lawyer can assist you in meeting the statute of limitations and any other deadlines that apply to your case.
Causes Of Pedestrian Accident
Distracted Drivers
Drivers who are texting or talking on their phones endanger not only pedestrians but also other motorists. Pedestrians who are engrossed in digital devices while crossing streets, on the other hand, are vulnerable to vehicle-pedestrian collisions. The bottom message is that you should not use digital devices when walking or driving in traffic.
Drivers Who Drink
Drivers who drive while they are drunk or under the influence of narcotics endanger everyone on the road, particularly pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents can occur when drunk drivers drive through crosswalks against the lights or make left turns right into a crowd of pedestrians. All pedestrians crossing the street at night should be aware of impaired drivers.
Drivers Who Lack Patient
Pedestrians have the right of way in New York State in general. Even if a pedestrian fails to see your car and begins crossing the street against the signal, the pedestrian has the right of way. Many pedestrian accidents are caused by impatient drivers who do not look out for pedestrians or try to drive through pedestrians walking in crosswalks.
Recklessness
One of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is irresponsibility on the part of both drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrians can be endangered by drivers who do not look for pedestrians or who do not respect traffic laws at crosswalks.
Poor Weather
A slick road may make it difficult or impossible for a car to stop in time to allow a pedestrian to pass, and dangerous walking conditions may cause a pedestrian to tumble into the path of an unwitting motorist. Rainwater can also lead cars to hydroplane into crosswalks, while ice can cause them to jump the curb.
Putting On Dark Clothes at Night
As the day progresses into the evening, the number of pedestrian accidents tends to rise. Wear white or other light-colored clothing and have a pocket flashlight to use when crossing a street if you plan on strolling after dark. Despite the fact that most junctions and crosswalks are lighted by flashing lights and streetlamps, cars still have difficulty distinguishing pedestrians who blend in with the darkness. At the same time, vehicles should be cautious of pedestrians and anticipate seeing them on the roadways late at night.
Road Construction
The hassles that come with road construction are well-known to many individuals. Many people are unaware that road construction can push pedestrians to stroll in places where vehicles are not expecting them.
Vehicles That Make Left Turn
Just because a crosswalk has signals does not guarantee that drivers will see them. Pedestrians are always at risk of being struck by cars turning left since drivers are often focused on navigating congested junctions while looking straight ahead rather than to the left.
How To Reduce Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian fatalities increased by 27% in the United States between 2007 and 2016, more than any other form of traffic accident. If you’re a pedestrian, there are several recommendations you may follow to help you avoid becoming another statistic.
Avoid Walking In The Street
Walking in the street obstructs traffic and can result in a variety of other issues. It’s pointless to argue over whether or not it’s lawful to walk down the street when doing so can result in being hit by a car. Instead, stroll on the sidewalks and other designated walking zones that are located around the city. This may assist you in avoiding being caught wandering in an area where drivers are simply not paying attention.
Never Assume Drivers Are Paying Attention
In numerous traffic scenarios in New York, pedestrians have the right of way. That does not, however, imply that drivers are always on the lookout for pedestrians. As a pedestrian, you should practice defensive walking just as you should practice defensive driving on the road. Even if you’re crossing at an authorized crosswalk and the signal is green, be sure the road is free before proceeding. The fact that a vehicle is required by law to stop does not always imply that it will.
Use The Cross Walks
The majority of motorists are on the lookout for pedestrians crossing at authorized crosswalks. To prevent becoming involved in an accident, cross at a crosswalk and wait until the signal turns green.
What is a Pedestrian accident?
When a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle, collides with someone who is not using a vehicle, such as someone strolling in a crosswalk or out for a morning jog, a pedestrian accident happens.
What are the main causes of Pedestrian accident?
Limited visibility, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, running into the road, failure to yield the right-of-way, crossing a road improperly, and standing, lying, playing, or working in a street are all common causes of pedestrian accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Who’s at fault when pedestrian accident happens?
In most cases, the driver would be held responsible in a situation like this. This isn’t always the case, though. There are a number of factors that can impact who was at fault for the accident, which is why engaging with a pedestrian accident attorney is so important.
Where are pedestrian most likely to be hit by car?
At a junction where a car is making a left turn, pedestrians are most vulnerable to being hit by a car. This is because a driver is significantly more attentive to incoming traffic when turning left than they would be if turning right. This diverts their attention, making it more likely that they may miss a pedestrian crossing the roadway.
What happens when you get hit in a cross walk?
Because crosswalks are designed to be safe crossing areas for pedestrians, it’s likely that the driver was at blame for your injuries if you were injured by a car while using one. You should immediately contact a pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss the occurrence.
What happens to a driver who hits a pedestrian?
A pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle will almost certainly file a personal injury lawsuit against the motorist. If the motorist is determined to be at blame, they must reimburse the victim for any damages incurred as a result of the accident, including medical costs and lost wages.
Are Pedestrians at fault in an accident?
Pedestrians, contrary to popular assumption, can be at fault even though they have the right-of-way when a car strikes them. A pedestrian who is hit while walking on a road that doesn’t allow foot traffic, for example, is likely to be held responsible for the accident.
Who is a negligent pedestrian?
A pedestrian is considered negligent if they behave in an unpredictable or irresponsible manner in or near a roadway. If there is negligence on the part of the pedestrian, the pedestrian is likely to be held partially responsible for the accident.
What’s usually the settlement for hit pedestrian?
When a pedestrian is struck by an automobile, compensation is due, but no one amount applies to all pedestrian accident claims. When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the facts and circumstances are unique, and the settlement amounts are unique as well. By examining at how much similar pedestrian accident cases have been worth, an expert pedestrian accident lawyer can give you a clearer estimate of how much your case might pay out.
List Of Top Pedestrian Accident Law Firms In USA
For your personal injury lawsuit in California, the Drake Law Firm is the best choice. You will not only be represented aggressively in court to obtain the compensation you deserve, but you will also be working with an empathetic and caring team of specialists. Reach out to us right away, tell us your experience, and we’ll work together to close this chapter. Drake will keep you safe.
We treat each personal injury case as if it were unique. We always take the time to understand what you are going through in personal injury situations. We want to know how your injury has affected your personal and professional life so that we can make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Being injured as a result of someone else’s negligence is a serious matter, and the Drake Law Firm will be there for you every step of the way. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation!
Kaufman Law Firm
We are committed to defending the rights of harmed people at Kaufman Law, P.C. If you have just been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact our experienced attorneys for the help you need. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers work hard to obtain maximum compensation for our clients so that they can move on with their life without financial hardship as a result of their injuries. If you choose to be represented by our firm, you can rest assured that you are retaining the services of a renowned and compassionate law office.
We have collected millions of dollars in compensation for our clients over the course of our more than 40 years in business. Whether we’re dealing with a vehicle accident or a medical malpractice case, we take the time to listen to our clients’ concerns and don’t let anything get in the way of getting justice. If we believe that taking a case to trial will assist the case’s outcome, we are not hesitant to do so.
We are the type of law firm you want on your side if you need assistance with a personal injury case. We will personally handle all of the specifics so you don’t have to worry about paperwork, and we will walk you through the whole claims-filing procedure until your case is resolved to your satisfaction. We are confident in our ability to assist you, regardless of the seriousness or complexity of your personal injury case.
The Wallace Firm
Don’t hesitate to contact a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer if you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. These claims can be extremely intricate, and only an experienced wrongful death attorney has the knowledge and experience to help your family obtain the compensation they deserve. At The Wallace Firm, we have wrongful death lawyers in Los Angeles that are ready to fight for you and can answer your inquiries. Please contact us right away if you need assistance with your claim.