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FAQs After You Are Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, leaving the victim with severe injuries and significant financial losses. If you’ve suffered an injury after you were struck by a car, you likely have many questions and concerns about what to do next.

Jones Law Group attorneys have decades of experience representing people struck by vehicles while on foot. We want to share the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive after a pedestrian accident. If you’d like more information on how we can help you get the money you deserve, contact us online or call (727) 571-1333 for a free consultation.

Who’s At-Fault for My Accident?

Determining liability for a pedestrian accident is critical in recovering compensation for your injuries. In most cases, the driver of the vehicle is at fault. However, there may be situations where the pedestrian’s actions contributed to the accident.

If you were crossing the road in a designated crosswalk and had the right of way, the vehicle’s driver would likely be entirely to blame for the accident. However, determining fault may be more challenging if you were jaywalking or crossing outside a designated crosswalk. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can investigate the accident and determine who is responsible.

How Do I Prove Liability After My Pedestrian Accident?

To obtain compensation from the at-fault party, you’ll need to demonstrate that the driver of the vehicle was negligent. To do so, you must establish four elements:

  • Duty: The driver was legally obligated to operate the vehicle safely and reasonably.
  • Breach of Duty: The driver breached their duty by failing to operate their vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner.
  • Causation: The motorist’s breach of duty was the direct cause of the pedestrian’s injuries.
  • Damages: You suffered damages as a result of the accident.

Additionally, you may need to gather evidence such as eyewitness testimony, police reports, surveillance footage, and medical records. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you collect and present this evidence to build a strong case.

Do I Need to Contact the Police After a Pedestrian Accident?

Yes, it is essential to contact the police after a pedestrian accident. The police will create an accident report that documents the details of the accident, including the parties involved, the location of the accident, why the accident took place, and any injuries sustained. Additionally, this report can be valuable evidence in your case.

In addition to contacting the police, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not believe you are seriously injured, it is critical to have a medical evaluation to document any injuries sustained in the accident. Delaying medical treatment may also harm your claim, as the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not severe or that something other than the accident led to that injury.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover?

If you suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, you might be entitled to compensation for various types of damages, including:

Medical expenses

You could be eligible for reimbursement for all the costs associated with your medical treatment. Compensation could include hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy expenses. But you’ll have to get medical treatment as quickly as possible to be eligible. If you don’t get help, the insurance company could claim you’re not as severely injured as you claim.

Lost income

If your injury is severe, there’s a high likelihood you won’t be able to work for a long time. You only have so many sick days and vacation days, so it won’t be long until you’ll start to lose your salary. When you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you might receive compensation that covers your past and current lost wages and your future lost earning capacity.

Pain and suffering

Damages include more than just the tangible financial losses you experience, such as your medical bills and lost wages. You could also obtain compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.

How Much Will My Settlement Be?

The amount of your settlement will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, and the extent of your financial losses. When you hire a skilled lawyer, they can help you assess the value of your claim and negotiate a settlement that fairly compensates you for your losses.

How Much Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Cost?

When you choose Jones Law Group, you won’t pay a dime unless we achieve a successful result in your case. We work on a contingency-fee-basis. That’s the only way we’ll receive compensation for our efforts. You focus on getting better. We’ll focus on everything else related to your case.

Before hiring a lawyer, you must remember to discuss their fee structure and ensure that you understand the terms of the representation agreement. A reputable attorney will be transparent about their fees and should not charge any hidden costs.

Do I Need to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Insurance companies value their bottom line more than doing what’s fair or what’s right. An attorney can help level the playing field by advocating for your rights and pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. If you don’t have legal help, you’ll have very little chance of getting the money you have coming.

Why Should I Hire Jones Law Group?

Jones Law Group attorneys have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases and have helped numerous clients recover the compensation they deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take on you and your family. That’s why we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the highest levels of legal representation and support throughout the legal process.

At Jones Law Group, we pride ourselves on our compassionate approach, attention to detail, and commitment. Contact us today for a free case review to learn how we can help you recover from your pedestrian accident. Call (727) 571-1333 or use our online contact form.

About the Author

Heath Murphy is a partner at Jones Law Group and focuses on personal injury law. He has been working as a lawyer for 18 years and routinely writes about auto accidents, wrongful death, and personal injury laws.

Read more: Heath’s Bio