When a negligent driver strikes and injures a pedestrian, the outcome can be catastrophic for the victim involved. Pedestrians have no physical barrier between themselves and the road, unlike drivers who have a vehicle’s frame and safety features to shield them.
A Spring Hill pedestrian accident lawyer could help you seek legal accountability and rightful compensation if you have been injured in this type of roadway crash. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and an attorney could advocate for your best interests and negotiate a fair settlement for your pedestrian crash.
In pedestrian crashes, liability typically falls on the driver if they were negligent or violated traffic laws. For example, drivers can be held liable if they fail to yield the right of way, run a red light or stop sign, speed, or otherwise act negligently, especially at intersections or crosswalks where pedestrians have the right of way. Drivers have a higher duty of care to pedestrians at crosswalks and they are generally expected to yield the right of way.
It is advisable to consult with an attorney if you were in a pedestrian accident in Spring Hill to determine liability and pursue compensation for damages. Insurance companies frequently try to deny or minimize the value of claims to avoid paying out proper compensation to personal injury victims. If you try to handle a case with the insurance company on your own, recovering fair compensation could be very challenging.
The insurance company may also try to argue that liability rests with the injured pedestrian rather than their insured driver. Drivers have a legal duty to use reasonable care to avoid harming pedestrians. A breach of this duty occurs when a driver fails to meet that obligation, such as by driving while distracted or driving under the influence.
To achieve a successful recovery of compensation, the driver’s negligence must be the direct cause of the pedestrian’s injuries. The pedestrian must have also suffered compensable damages due to the crash, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Pedestrians can suffer from severe injuries in a collision that involves a motor vehicle, resulting in a serious, long-term impact on their physical and emotional health. For example, pedestrians can sustain fractures in their legs, arms, ribs, or other bones due to the force of the impact.
Brain trauma can occur when the force of the impact causes the brain to collide against the skull, leading to a range of symptoms, including dizziness, vomiting, loss of consciousness, confusion, and mood swings. Victims may also suffer from back and spinal cord injuries due to the impact of the vehicle or from being thrown onto the road.
Medical records are crucial for establishing the extent of your injuries and the need for compensation. Ensure that the police file a report, as this creates a record of the accident and can be crucial evidence for your claim.
If you can, obtain the name, address, and insurance information of the driver involved and note any important information about the crash, such as the time, location, and conditions. Then, contact a qualified attorney in Spring Hill who has experience handling pedestrian accident cases. An attorney could guide you through the complexities of filing a claim, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and potentially litigating the case.
The legal process after a pedestrian crash can be complex and confusing. A Spring Hill pedestrian accident lawyer could help guide you through each step, from filing a claim to representing you in court if required.
By handling the case strategically, an attorney could help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you were recently injured in a pedestrian crash, contact our office today to request your no-obligation case evaluation.
727-849-5353