Being involved in a pedestrian crash is one of the worst experiences any person could have. You’re just walking on the sidewalk, minding your own business, then all of a sudden, a car suddenly hits you. Instead of being relaxed after a few minutes of walking, you acquire bruises and wounds instead.
When you’re in this situation, you can’t help but feel helpless and clueless about what you should do next. A lot of questions are on your mind right now, like whether you should hire an attorney or not. That should not be the case.
In this article, let’s dive into pedestrian crashes and should a victim hire an attorney after.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Many pedestrians face their untimely demise every day just because they have been walking on a particular part of the road at the wrong place and time. No matter how hard these pedestrians try to be careful, unfortunately, some drivers don’t necessarily care about the other people who are on the road.
This mindset among drivers leads to the rising number of cases of pedestrian accidents across the country. There are various reasons why pedestrian accidents occur.
One of the most common reasons drivers lose control over their cars is because they are distracted by their phones. Even though it’s prohibited, many drivers continue to text and drive, and this action leads to their focus on the road.
On the other hand, many drivers still take the wheel even though they are intoxicated, and many news reports have proven that alcohol and drivers don’t mix well. If you have taken a glass or two, it’s better to take the back seat and let someone drive you to your home to avoid causing any accidents. What’s better is if you just a cab to lessen the possibility of you destroying any property.
Some pedestrian accidents involve impatient and reckless drivers who can’t just wait for the red light to turn green. Some believe that they own the road and all the pedestrians strolling around are under their control. For example, some drivers making left turns on the wrong ways are causing more harm than you could imagine.
If you’re driving during bad weather, there’s a higher chance that you’ll be involved in an accident. The rain causes reduced visibility and slippery roads, so you should be extra careful during that time.
As a pedestrian, if possible, avoid walking near road constructions because it could increase your chances of being in an accident. Construction sites pose many hazards and unsafe conditions, especially to pedestrians.
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, you should learn about pedestrian injuries and liability claims. Remain safe on the street by reading this article.
The Right to Sue an At-Fault Party For Damages Resulting from Pedestrian Crashes
When you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, the rule of thumb is that you have a legal right to sue the at-fault driver for the personal injuries caused by the crash, including aggravation of pre-existing injuries.
As a pedestrian, what you need to do is gather as much evidence as possible that you’re not at fault for the incident. Generally, the law of negligence determines fault. In this case, you need to prove that you exercise reasonable care while you’re walking, and you try to be involved in an accident as much as possible.
On the other hand, it’s also worth noting that the pedestrian may be at fault in some cases, losing him the chance to get the settlement claim. If this happens, it would be challenging for you to recover any damages from the accident, so you should be extra careful when dealing with the other people involved, especially at the time of the accident.
What You Should Know Before Filing a Lawsuit
After a pedestrian accident, the first that comes to your mind is to file charges against the driver that caused you harm. As much as you want to expedite the settlement claim process, you should plan your move strategically to ensure that you can maximize your settlement amount.
If you’re involved in a car accident, you should seek medical help immediately. If you can, dial 911 and state where you are at the moment. Get to a place of safety away from moving vehicles to avoid any more harm.
After you seek medical help, it’s time for you to contact the authorities. Talk to the police and provide a statement on how you think the accident came to be. Inform your insurance provider that you’re in an accident and ask for the steps on what you should do next.
It would be best for you to exchange information with the other people involved in the accident. Ensure that you have the presence of mind and avoid admitting guilty, so be careful with your statements. Remember that every word that you say might be used against you.
Discuss your pedestrian crash case with a seasoned personal injury lawyer from Diamond & Diamond Law.
Contact a Diamond & Diamond Personal Injury Lawyer Today To Seek Legal Advice on Pedestrian Accidents
When you’re involved in an accident, it would be best for you to search for a pedestrian accident attorney who knows how you can defend yourself in court.
A pedestrian accident attorney in Canada can help you understand how the severity of your injuries will impact your future care and how this information should be included in a claim for benefits through a lawsuit.
They can also give you the best chances at being rewarded the damages and compensation you deserve.
Most of all, the best pedestrian crash lawyer should guide you on how you can get the justice that you deserve.
To speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer today, contact us today!
