Pedestrian accidents happen when a person is on foot on the road or the sidewalk and is hit by a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or another vehicle. If the pedestrian was not at fault for the traffic collision, they can seek damages with the help of a pedestrian accident attorney in Tucson, AZ. Pedestrian accidents are incredibly dangerous and happen at a rate of 1.61 pedestrians for every 100,000 people in Arizona. If you have been seriously injured because of a pedestrian accident and need help finding out how much compensation you are owed, you should talk to a resourceful law firm today. Contact Wattel and York for a free consultation.
Can I claim compensation for a pedestrian accident?
If you are not at fault for the accident, then yes. Reasons you may be at fault include jaywalking, crossing when a traffic signal says stop, walking where you are prohibited from traveling on foot, and walking into traffic while intoxicated. In any other case, if an auto vehicle strikes you while you are walking on the road, you are not at fault and can seek damages.
Is it worth getting a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Even if you suffered light scratches or bruises, you should still seek damages for your injuries. Minor car accidents can be the cause of severe injuries because you may discover soft tissue injuries at a later date. You may also be unable to work when the injuries worsen, causing income loss. It is better to get a personal injury lawyer just in case so you are not stuck with expensive damages that set you back financially.
How can a lawyer help me after a car accident?
Lawyers can help you make your case stronger in a number of ways:
They Accurate Estimate Settlements
Your pedestrian accident attorney can guide you through the settlement claim process. You can use your medical bills as evidence for your claim as well. They will also accurately calculate how much compensation you are owed by calculating your economic and non-economic damages. You can let your attorney know the cost of your medical bills, the wage loss you experienced, and also the pain and suffering you endured. Pain and suffering must be compensated for. In the case of wrongful death, an attorney can help surviving family members receive compensation for their losses, including expenses like burial costs, funeral fees, and additional damages that are unique to wrongful death cases.
They Work Hard to Prove Your Case
Attorneys also work hard to prove that you are owed compensation by using different strategies to help them negotiate a settlement. They may use the traffic records of the other driver, request the police report, get drug tests if applicable, and demand traffic camera footage. Attorneys have access to records and other information that can help prove that you are due compensation.
They Negotiate on Your Behalf
Pedestrian accident lawyers in Tucson, AZ are talented negotiators and will do their best to secure fair compensation for you. They will reach out to the other parties, their insurance companies, and witnesses. Using all the information at hand, they will draft documents and show the other party what you should be compensated for and why they are liable for your injuries.
What if there is a shared fault?
If you and the driver are both at fault for your injuries, you can still seek a settlement. There is the comparative negligence law in Arizona, which allows you to receive compensation even if you are 99% at fault for your personal injury. This means that the damages awarded to you will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. The court and insurers will determine what this percentage is using their experience in judging who is and isn’t at fault for particular events and their knowledge of traffic law.
More Information on Pedestrian Accidents
After a pedestrian accident, you are owed compensation to help protect you from being swamped with medical bills and other unfair costs. These expenses can set you back for an extended period of time and can be an additional burden while you are trying to recover from your personal injury. You can lean on a pedestrian accident lawyer to help you receive a fair settlement for the damages you experienced. They will help identify where the other party went wrong, review your unique circumstances, and use proof to show that you are not at fault. Lawyers also provide many resources and valuable guidance. Call Wattel and York today for a free consultation.
