Did you know that pedestrian fatalities account for 18% of all crash fatalities? According to the National Safety Council, 19% of people killed on the roads are pedestrians aged 35 to 74. Age groups of 35 and 44 and 55 and 64 are most likely to die while walking.
So now that we know that pedestrian accidents are far more common than we think, what should you do if you’ve been involved in such an accident? According to an Oceanside pedestrian accident attorney, a good attorney can help you secure evidence from the scene of the accident, obtain statements from witnesses, and even consult relevant experts who can provide professional opinions on specific details of the case.
Hiring a lawyer is really necessary if you want to save yourself from the stress of having to deal with the legal process on your own. Here are the reasons why hiring a pedestrian accident attorney is important when you’re facing a pedestrian accident.
Legal Expertise in Pedestrian Laws
A pedestrian accident lawyer can change the outcome of your case. His or her experience in pedestrian rights allow him or her to make a solid case for you. Your attorney can obtain witness testimony and traffic camera footage to support your claim. He or she can also foresee third-party or insurance company issues and strategize how to fight them.
Your pedestrian law specialist lawyer will protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering.
Maximizing Insurance Claim Benefits
In personal injury cases, you have to be aware of the statute of limitations so you can get the most out of your insurance claim. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for how long you have to file a lawsuit after an injury and it differs across U.S. states.
For example, the Colorado statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years. And in California, it’s 1 to 2 years from the date of the injury. If you are unable to file the case within the statute of limitations, you will lose your chance to get compensated for your injuries.
In order to safeguard your interests, your lawyer must be proactively dealing with the insurance company. He or she should negotiate with insurance adjusters to maximize your benefits and improve your chances of a fair outcome.
Negotiating Fair Settlements
Your pedestrian accident lawyer will use their experience to negotiate appropriate settlements for you. He or she evaluates medical bills, missed wages, pain and suffering, and accident-related expenditures. Your lawyer will gather witness accounts, medical documents, and accident reports to enhance your case in negotiations with the insurance company or at-fault party’s lawyers.
Your lawyer will handle all negotiations and counteroffers to defend your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Liability Issues
Understanding pedestrian accident responsibility means identifying who’s legally liable for harm. The negligent party (could be a driver, biker, or pedestrian in some case) is usually liable for pedestrian accidents. Failure to cede the right of way, disobeying traffic signals, DUI, and inattentive driving can all affect liability.
To prove liability, you need witness testimony, police records, and surveillance footage. Your lawyer can investigate the accident, determine liability, and advise you on how to recover damages.
Ensuring Proper Documentation
For pedestrian accident compensation, you must acquire all the appropriate documentation. Gather medical records of your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. These data show the number of your injuries and the accident’s influence on your life. Maintain records of accident-related expenses such as medical bills, treatment, and lost earnings.
Getting a copy of the police report that was filled out at the scene of the crash can reveal important details about what happened. Statements from witnesses, photos of the accident scene, and any video footage that is available can all help your case get the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer is worth it. These lawyers know about pedestrian rules, insurance claim benefits, fair settlements, liability difficulties, and compensation. You can improve your chances of getting the right compensation if you hire the right attorney.