As a pedestrian, you are more exposed to the dangers on the road than someone in a vehicle. If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, you probably are dealing with the aftermath of the mishap and your injuries. Even with personal injury laws in place, it can be hard to get a fair settlement from the insurance company (or the driver at fault). You should consider consulting a reliable personal injury law firm at the earliest to understand your legal options. The typical choice is to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer, or you can file a lawsuit. Here are some critical things about pedestrian accident claims.
Steps to take immediately
Following a pedestrian accident, do the following –
- Get the names, numbers, license numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved in the mishap.
- Call 911 if you are seriously injured and seek medical care without delay.
- Inform local law enforcement and wait at the scene, if possible, so that you can get a copy of the police report.
- Inform the insurance company about the accident.
Contact a pedestrian accident injury attorney
Insurance companies are known for taking claims for granted, and even when the claims adjuster calls you for an offer, you can be assured that the deal is unfair and nowhere close to what you should get. In other words, you cannot trust the insurance team for either their offer or investigation of the accident. Having a pedestrian accident injury attorney ensures that you are not alone and wouldn’t fall prey to the tactics and tricks of the claims adjuster. Your lawyer will also consider how your injuries are likely to impact your future life so that the compensation is fair.
If that seems unlikely or the insurance company doesn’t make an offer, your lawyer can help file a lawsuit against the driver who has caused the mishap. While personal injury lawsuits take time, it is often the best way to recover a higher settlement, depending on the situation and evidence. Lawyers have a clear understanding of state laws, besides the experience of handling numerous claims and lawsuits. Just ensure that you choose someone who deals with pedestrian accident cases frequently and has the necessary expertise.
Many factors can influence the result of a pedestrian accident lawsuit, but with an attorney handling the case, you can be assured of a positive outcome. Call an attorney soon after to make the most of available evidence.
