Legal Options Available for Pedestrian Crosswalk Accidents
Michael Babboni
Law
Many pedestrians think that they are safe as long as they are crossing in the crosswalk. However, this isn't always the case. Driving laws state that you have the right of way; however, you will find that not all vehicles follow this rule, resulting in pedestrian injuries.If you were hit in a crosswalk as a pedestrian, there might be legal options for you to consider if you sustained injuries.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you were hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian, you could file a claim with the liable driver's insurance company. Doing so may allow you to get compensation for your injuries, suffering, and other damages you sustained as a result of the accident. You can also file a civil suit against the driver in some cases.
In either case, your personal injury attorney should be able to advise you on the best course of action and will help ensure you have all the evidence and documentation you need when filing your claim.
Liability for Pedestrian Accident
To prove liability for the accident, you must gather evidence to prove your claim. You need to be able to show what led to the accident and how the driver is liable. Collect the driver's information at the accident scene and see if any witnesses would be willing to provide a witness statement.
If you need medical attention, be sure to contact emergency personnel right away, so they can assess any injuries you may have. If you don't know what other evidence to collect, be sure to consult with your personal injury attorney.
Pedestrian Injuries
After being struck by a vehicle, you may enter a state of shock. When this happens, be sure you seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel as if your injuries are minor, you still want to go to the doctor and get checked out. You never know if your injuries will turn out to be more severe than originally expected.
Documentation Needed
If you did suffer severe injuries due to the accident, you should make sure to collect all medical documentation on your short-term and long-term prognosis. This will show how much ongoing care and treatment you will require. This information will help your attorney determine how much compensation you are owed.
Other Expenses
In addition to your medical records, you also want to keep a record of any other expenses you incurred as a result of the pedestrian accident. This includes invoices for all the treatments you received and any needed medications. If you were riding a bike at the time of the accident, you might also be entitled to compensation for bike repairs.
Don't Hesitate to Ask for Help
If you were recently involved in a pedestrian accident, don't hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney to help you file your claim. They can provide you with the best chance for compensation and ensure that you have all the evidence and documentation you need to prove liability.