If you or a loved one was hit by a car while walking, the insurance claims process may seem overwhelming. It may be tempting to agree to the first offer from the insurance company to put the whole thing behind you. However, this approach will rarely result in the money you need to cover your expenses and losses.
Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer ensures you have someone on your side to protect your right to fair compensation and fight for it when necessary. Personal injury attorneys know how to build a compelling case and demand the money you deserve based on the evidence.
How Your Pedestrian Accident Attorney Will Make Navigating the Claims Process Easier
Some of the reasons why you may want an attorney on your side while you pursue compensation for your vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident injuries include:
1. A Lawyer Can Explain Applicable Laws and Regulations
When pursuing compensation for a pedestrian accident, you must consider the applicable local traffic laws, personal injury statutes, and insurance regulations. A personal injury lawyer will already be familiar with these laws and how they work. You won’t need to put in the time to research and understand them.
Your lawyer can explain the deadlines that apply in your case and the steps you must take to prepare and file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. They will also know how to investigate these accidents and preserve key evidence, such as witness statements, medical records, and accident reports.
2. An Attorney Can Document Negligence and Liability
At the heart of every traffic accident injury case is a need to prove who acted negligently and who is liable for the injuries this negligence caused. All too often, drivers deny responsibility, blame the victim, or try to find another way to avoid accountability. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will investigate what happened, including:
- Reviewing the official police report
- Gathering eyewitness statements
- Analyzing physical evidence
- Obtaining video footage of the crash, if available
- Consulting with experts, as necessary
- Documenting your damages
3. An Attorney Can Fight to Maximize Compensation for Your Injuries
Generally, insurance companies are not interested in paying victims the money they need to cover their costs and losses. Instead, they work to minimize payouts and protect their bottom lines. This is especially true in personal injury claims with serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, as pedestrian accidents often have.
Your pedestrian accident lawyer will document your damages and pursue a payout that covers all of your medical bills, future care needs, lost income, long-term support, other out-of-pocket costs, pain and suffering, and more. Their goal will be to recover the full payout you deserve.
4. A Lawyer Can Handle Communication With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters are often intimidating. The things they say and do are confusing, and you may inadvertently hurt your case by saying or doing the wrong thing. Insurance providers generally want to settle quickly and pay as little as possible.
Your car accident lawyer will work as your advocate throughout the process by communicating with insurance adjusters on your behalf. This will prevent you from making mistakes or unknowingly accepting a lowball offer.
5. Personal Injury Law Firms Have Access to Expert Witnesses and Extensive Resources
Sometimes, pedestrian accident claims require expert analysis and evaluation. This could include testimony from accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, or economists. Your law firm will have access to these experts who could be critical to building a compelling case.
6. Your Attorney Will Navigate the Litigation Process When Necessary
Dealing with insurance companies is difficult enough. What happens when you need to take your case to trial? Your lawyer will handle preparing and filing the complaint, handling discovery and pre-trial motions, and presenting arguments in court. You do not have to worry about learning how to manage a court case while you heal. Your lawyer will handle all aspects of your legal journey.
7. Hiring a Lawyer Can Reduce Stress During a Challenging Time
Recovering from a pedestrian accident is often difficult, both physically and emotionally. Some victims have lasting disabilities and must learn to navigate their daily lives differently with new challenges.
Managing a legal claim simultaneously only adds to the stress. Hiring a lawyer to handle your case alleviates the burden of handling your claim and negotiating with insurers. This can give you peace of mind during a very frustrating and overwhelming time.
8. Most Personal Injury Lawyers Work on Contingency
Most pedestrian accident lawyers represent victims on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay for their services unless they win your case. This arrangement ensures you can access an attorney regardless of your current financial situation. Without upfront costs, no financial barriers will prevent you from pursuing your claim.
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How Long Do I Have to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney After My Injuries?
Hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer ensures you have access to the resources and knowledge you need to navigate the claims process or file a lawsuit based on your pedestrian accident and injuries. Your lawyer will build your case, negotiate with the insurance carrier, protect your rights, and fight for appropriate compensation. You do not have to do this alone.
However, these cases have time limits. Each state sets a statute of limitations for pursuing a lawsuit. For example, Florida Statutes § 95.11 gives victims in Florida up to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in most cases. Acting quickly to hire an attorney will help protect your right to sue.
Discuss Your Next Steps With Our Pedestrian Accident Team
At GED Lawyers, we have been fighting for justice since opening our doors in 1995 and have recovered $100+ million for our clients. We want to discuss your case and explain how our pedestrian accident lawyers can help you move forward.
We offer free initial consultations. If a careless driver harmed you or a loved one, do not wait to secure legal representation. Contact GED Lawyers today.
