Pedestrians who are hit by cars often sustain injuries that have a serious impact on their quality of life. Medical bills, missed work, and pain and suffering expenses often make it necessary to file a lawsuit.
Below you’ll find out what happens in this type of settlement and how to know whether you have a case.
Pedestrian Hit by Car: What to Do
If you were hit by a car while walking, taking immediate action is necessary. If you are well enough to do so, call the police. They will make a report that explains the circumstances of the accident which will be useful if you file a lawsuit.
Even if you are unsure whether you are injured or your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to go to the emergency room or a doctor right away. Keep track of any receipts for your treatments so you can be fairly compensated.
Finally, make sure to get the driver’s contact information as well as contact information of any witnesses.
Pedestrian Compensation
How much compensation you can receive after being hit by a car depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the accident, whether you have to miss work, how much the injuries affect your daily life and future earnings, and the type of medical treatments or physical therapy you receive. In addition, if you were partially responsible for the accident, your settlement may be reduced.
Working with an experienced Car Accident Lawyer is the best way to get a clear sense of how much you can be compensated.
Working With Your Insurer
If you are hit by a motor vehicle, you’ll first make a claim with your insurer, but it’s important to work with a lawyer to receive proper compensation for your losses.
If you feel you are not being offered a fair settlement and your attempts to negotiate are not working, working with a lawyer is key. Your lawyer will present evidence and arguments showing why the number should be increased. Choosing an experienced lawyer is important as tallying pain and suffering compensation can be tricky. Consultations are usually free, so meeting with a lawyer early in the process can help you answer questions and better understand your legal rights.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, find out more about your legal rights by downloading our personal injury recovery kit or contact us for a consultation.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is a general guideline made available for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as legal advice for the reader's specific situation nor in general. By reading our blog and website content, the reader acknowledges the above and understands there is no lawyer-client relationship created between you and Himelfarb Proszanski through this content. To get specific legal advice, we encourage you to book a free consultation with one of our lawyers to clarify the legal aspects of your situation.