Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrians are often the most vulnerable people on the streets. Accidents involving pedestrians typically leave victims severely injured or may be fatal even when a vehicle is traveling at a low speed. The pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle is not protected like those in a vehicle which is equipped with safety measures such as seat belts, airbags or other crash avoidance systems.

A motorist is responsible to yield the right of way to a pedestrian at all times. Pedestrians, also, have responsibilities to behave reasonably and follow the laws such as obeying walk lights, avoid walking in areas where pedestrian traffic is forbidden, and follow all laws related to pedestrian traffic.

Pedestrian accidents usually occur because motorists are distracted, careless or due to lack of visibility. The driver is either not paying attention, does not see the pedestrian crossing the street, or simply fails to obey the rules of the road. Many pedestrian accidents and fatalities occur at night. It is dark out and many times, the pedestrian is dressed in dark clothing and without reflective equipment creating a higher risk of being involved in an accident. Daytime accidents are just as common.

Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a controlled substance (either consumed by the motorist or the pedestrian) may also play a significant role in these accidents. Absent reckless behavior by the pedestrian, or extreme weather conditions or other environmental factors, the driver of a vehicle involved in a pedestrian accident is usually considered the negligent, at fault party.

Determining liability may be complicated in pedestrian accidents, particularly should more than one party share responsibility for the accident. Insurance companies regularly deny that the driver was responsible to avoid paying a settlement. An experienced accident attorney is crucial for your case to gather evidence, help prove liability, and earn the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages while you focus on your recovery. 

If an eyewitness saw the accident, obtain the witness contact information, if you are able. If a video exists at a nearby business or residence, try to obtain a copy of the video (or ask to take a video the video footage by using your cell phone). Do not dispose of the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident and provide it to your attorney as it may be needed for your case.

If you are contacted by any insurance company following the accident, do not speak to them or provide any kind of statement until you have spoken to your attorney. Do not tell the insurance company that you are not injured because you may not feel your injuries or symptoms immediately or at the time you speak with them. Sometimes, symptoms/injuries develop days or weeks after the accident. It is good practice to allow your attorney to open the insurance claim for you and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. 

Insurance companies are not looking out for your best interest because they are a business interested in keeping money in their own pockets and paying you as little as possible, if anything at all. Your attorney, on the other hand, looks out for your best interest and works for you.

We will also assist you to get the medical attention and care you need to help in your recovery process.

Call Lena Law immediately after your accident. Let us speak to the insurance companies for you and handle your pedestrian accident case from the beginning to its conclusion. We work for you to ensure you receive the best possible and just compensation and relief, while you concentrate on recovering from your injuries.