How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help You
Date: 2/17/23
Author: Prime Law Group
A Breakdown of Pedestrian Accidents:
Pedestrian accidents are a growing concern across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2019, and an additional 137,000 were injured. Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic experience, leaving victims with serious injuries and financial burdens. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about pedestrian accidents and how a pedestrian accident attorney can help you.
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident is a collision between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle. Pedestrian accidents can occur in various settings, including crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, and on the side of the road. These accidents can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries, and can even be fatal.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents:
Pedestrian accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver negligence, poor road conditions, and pedestrian error. Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
Distracted Driving: When drivers are distracted by their phones, radios, or other distractions, they may fail to see pedestrians in their path.
Speeding: Drivers who exceed the posted speed limit may have less time to react to pedestrians in their path.
Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections can cause serious accidents.
Poor Lighting: Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur at night or in poorly lit areas.
Alcohol and Drug Use: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol may have impaired judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of a pedestrian accident.
What Can a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Do to Help You?
If you are a victim of a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek legal assistance from a pedestrian accident attorney. A pedestrian accident attorney can help you in the following ways:
Conduct a Thorough Investigation:
A pedestrian accident attorney can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and identify any contributing factors, such as poor road conditions or a defective vehicle.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies:
Insurance companies may try to settle your claim quickly and for less than it is worth. A pedestrian accident attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Represent you in Court:
If negotiations with insurance companies fail, a pedestrian accident attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights.
Calculate Damages:
A pedestrian accident attorney can help you calculate the damages you have suffered, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Advise You on Your Legal Options:
A pedestrian accident attorney can advise you on your legal options and help you make informed decisions about your case.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Pedestrian Accident:
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to take the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you feel fine, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after a pedestrian accident. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, may not present symptoms immediately.
Contact the Police:
Call the police and report the accident. The police will file a report, which can be useful in your case.
Collect Evidence:
Take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney:
Pedestrian accidents can be a very scary situation that leaves victims wondering what they should do next. However, people still need to be aware of the actions that need to take place following an accident.
Above all, if you are in an accident make sure you are not injured and get to a place of safety. In addition, individuals may not think about this at first, but you likely will need to report your accident. Specifically, you should know how long you have to report an accident in Illinois and the laws involved with doing so.
It is important to know about reporting pedestrian accidents in Illinois and how long you have to report the incident in the event that you get into an accident.
