Can A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me Get Compensation?

Home » Can A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me Get Compensation?

by Larry Nussbaum
March 22, 2022

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When a pedestrian is in a collision with a car, truck, or another motor vehicle, the pedestrian almost always suffers catastrophic injuries.

Those catastrophic injuries will lead to catastrophic medical bills.

That’s why, after seeking medical care, the most important thing you can do after a pedestrian accident is to speak with experienced pedestrian accident attorneys.

It’s rare for a pedestrian to bear all of the fault for an accident.

So if you’ve sustained injuries in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to significant financial compensation.

The article below will discuss how pedestrian accident lawyers can maximize your financial compensation.

How A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation

If you were hit by a car, you need a lawyer with experience handling cases like yours.

Experienced personal injury attorneys can work to maximize your personal injury lawsuit so you can get the compensation you deserve.

After getting hit by a motor vehicle, your lawyer will handle all of your legal needs.

They will deal with insurance companies and investigate the accident scene.

All you have to do is focus on your physical rehabilitation and recovery.

They will also be sure the negligent driver is held accountable so you can receive maximum compensation.

Pedestrian accident lawsuits can be complex, but your attorney will collect evidence to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their negligence.

If necessary, they will also work with accident reconstructionists or medical experts.

Negotiating with insurance companies after traffic accidents can be intimidating. If an accident victim is left to do it on their own, they will often settle for less than they deserve.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

All drivers owe other road users, including pedestrians, a duty of care.

Unfortunately, many drivers breach this duty of care and cause accidents.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents are:

Speeding
Reckless driving
Driving while fatigued
Distracted driving
Disregarding traffic signals
Driving while intoxicated

Common Injuries In A Pedestrian Accident

Every person’s injury is different, as is every person’s road to recovery.

That’s why accident victims should always speak with a personal injury attorney.

They will help you get the compensation you need from the negligent parties to recover and return to a “normal” life.

The worse injuries a pedestrian can sustain include:

Head And Brain Injuries

Head injuries like a traumatic brain injury or concussion from a blow to the head can alter the course of your life.

These injuries will require immediate medical treatment.

Even with treatment, these injuries can leave you permanently unconscious or with lifelong motor, cognitive, and emotional disabilities.

Neck, Shoulder, And Spine Injuries

Injuries to the spine can also cause permanent damage.

Many pedestrian accident victims are left paralyzed and confined to mobility devices for the rest of their lives.

Neck, spine, and shoulder injuries can also result in chronic pain and disability.

Internal Bleeding And Organ Damage

The violent impact your body endures during a pedestrian accident can easily cause internal injuries and damage to internal organs.

These injuries often result in internal bleeding and swelling that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

car turns to hit man walking on crosswalk

What Can You Be Compensated For After A Pedestrian Accident?

Depending on your pedestrian accident circumstances, you could receive compensation for several things.

They include:

Past and Future Medical Bills

Many pedestrians suffer severe injuries after being in a pedestrian accident.

Medical costs can rise quickly, and the injured party should not be on the hook to pay for them if someone else’s negligence caused the accident.

Your financial recovery depends heavily on your past and future medical bills being taken care of.

Your compensable medical expenses include:

Surgeries
Hospital stays
Pain medications
Physical therapy
Chiropractic care
Assistive medical devices, like wheelchairs
Doctors’ visits
Imaging tests

Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Potential

After being injured in an accident, you may be unable to return to work, whether short or long term.

Your lawyer will help determine the value of your lost employee benefits, income, and bonuses by reviewing your employment records.

They will also consult with economists to learn about how much you could lose in job-related benefits in the future.

Pain and Suffering

There’s no exact formula that spells out how much you can claim for pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering are meant to make up for the physical pain and emotional distress you suffered.

The monetary value of your pain and suffering will depend on:

Your quality of life (or lack thereof)
The severity of your injuries
How long it takes you to recover
The total of your economic damages
How much time you miss from work

What is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?

The worth of pedestrian accident cases depends on the facts of the accident and injuries sustained.

Severe injuries, like broken bones, often lead to higher settlement offers than “soft” injuries like strains and sprains.

Likewise, spinal cord injuries are more valuable if they result in long-term or permanent conditions.

If you’re expected to recover from your injury fully, you are still entitled to full recovery of medical expenses and lost wages.

You should expect lower-value offers for pain and suffering or emotional distress.

One thing that will significantly impact the value of your settlement claim is how your injuries disrupt your life.

If you can no longer perform major life activities, like bathing, eating, or getting dressed, you will likely receive a higher settlement than if you have only minor disruptions.

The types of treatments you need and the length of your recovery can also impact the value of your pedestrian accident case.

If you need more aggressive treatment, attend more doctor’s appointments, or spend more time in physical rehabilitation, you are likely to rack up significant medical bills.

This isn’t as big of an issue for pedestrians in accidents, but the amount of property damage you have will also impact your claim.

If your belongings, like a computer, phone, or tablet, are damaged in the accident, you will also be compensated for those.

Talking to a pedestrian accident lawyer is the best way to see exactly what your case is worth.