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Introduction

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be wondering if you should hire a lawyer. The truth is, a lawyer can be invaluable in helping you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

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Pedestrian accidents are often caused by driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield the right-of-way. When a driver is negligent and causes an accident, they are legally liable for the damages caused by the accident.

However, insurance companies will often try to minimize the amount of compensation they pay to pedestrian accident victims. They may argue that the pedestrian was partially at fault for the accident, or that their injuries are not as severe as they claim.

A pedestrian accident claim lawyer can help you fight back against the insurance company and get the compensation you deserve. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence to prove liability, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

If necessary, your lawyer can also file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This may be necessary if the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement.

How a Pedestrian Accident Claim Lawyer Can Help You

Here are some specific ways a pedestrian accident claim lawyer can help you:

• Investigate the accident: A lawyer will investigate the accident to determine what happened, who was at fault, and whether any other parties contributed to the accident. This may involve reviewing the police report, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and other evidence.
• Identify all potential defendants: In some cases, there may be multiple parties responsible for a pedestrian accident. For example, the driver of the vehicle that struck you, the city or county responsible for maintaining the road, or the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part may all be liable for your injuries. A lawyer will identify all potential defendants and help you pursue claims against them.
• Gather evidence to prove liability: Once the lawyer has identified all potential defendants, they will begin gathering evidence to prove that they were liable for the accident and your injuries. This may involve obtaining medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence.
• Negotiate with the insurance companies: The insurance companies for the at-fault parties will likely try to minimize the amount of compensation they pay you. A lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to try to reach a fair settlement.
• File a lawsuit: If the insurance companies are unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties. This will allow a judge or jury to decide how much compensation you are owed.

Other benefits of hiring a pedestrian accident claim lawyer include:

• Peace of mind: Knowing that you have an experienced lawyer on your side can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your recovery.
• Level the playing field: Insurance companies have a team of lawyers on their side. Hiring a lawyer can help level the playing field and ensure that you are treated fairly.
• Maximize your compensation: A lawyer can help you maximize your compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

When to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Claim Lawyer

You should consider hiring a pedestrian accident claim lawyer if:

• You have been seriously injured in the accident.
• The insurance company is refusing to offer you a fair settlement.
• You are unsure of your legal rights.
• You are overwhelmed by the legal process.

Here are some specific situations where hiring a pedestrian accident claim lawyer may be especially beneficial:

• If you have suffered serious injuries, such as a broken bone, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury.
• If you have incurred significant medical expenses or lost wages due to your injuries.
• If the insurance company is denying your claim or offering you a settlement that is far below what your claim is worth.
• If the insurance company is blaming you for the accident or otherwise trying to minimize your liability.
• If you are not sure how to file a claim with the insurance company or what evidence you need to support your claim.
• If you are uncomfortable negotiating with the insurance company on your own.
• If you are facing a lawsuit from the driver of the vehicle that struck you.

If you are in any of these situations, you should consult with a pedestrian accident claim lawyer to discuss your legal options. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

It is also important to note that there is a statute of limitations on pedestrian accident claims. This means that you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after the accident occurs. In most states, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the at-fault driver is a government entity, the statute of limitations may be shorter.

How to Choose a Pedestrian Accident Claim Lawyer

When choosing a pedestrian accident claim lawyer, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Experience: Choose a lawyer who has experience handling pedestrian accident cases. This will ensure that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully represent you.
• Track record: Ask about the lawyer’s track record in handling pedestrian accident cases. How many cases have they won? What are the average settlements or awards they have obtained for their clients?
• Reputation: Talk to other people who have used the lawyer’s services. What did they think of the lawyer’s work? Were they satisfied with the outcome of their case?
• Fees: Find out how the lawyer charges for their services. Do they work on a contingency fee basis? This means that you will not have to pay any upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer will take a percentage of your settlement or award if you win your case.
• Communication: Choose a lawyer who you feel comfortable communicating with. You should be able to ask questions and get clear answers. You should also feel confident that the lawyer will keep you updated on the status of your case.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a pedestrian accident claim lawyer:

• Interview multiple lawyers. This will give you a chance to compare their experience, track record, reputation, and fees.
• Choose a lawyer who is local to you. This will make it easier to meet with the lawyer and communicate with them throughout the legal process.
• Ask about the lawyer’s team. Who will be working on your case? What is their experience and qualifications?
• Get everything in writing. This includes the lawyer’s fees, the scope of their services, and any other important details.

FAQ

Q: How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident claim lawyer?

A: Most pedestrian accident claim lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay them any upfront fees. Instead, they take a percentage of your settlement or award if you win your case. The typical contingency fee is 33%, but it can vary depending on the lawyer and the complexity of your case.

Q: How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident claim?

A: The amount of time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident claim varies depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate. Some cases can be settled within a few months, while others may take years to resolve.

Q: What are my chances of winning a pedestrian accident lawsuit?

A: Your chances of winning a pedestrian accident lawsuit depend on a number of factors, including the strength of your evidence and the negligence of the at-fault driver. However, if you have a strong case, you have a good chance of winning your lawsuit.

Q: What should I do if I have been injured in a pedestrian accident?

A: If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are seriously injured.
2. Report the accident to the police.
3. Gather evidence from the scene of the accident, such as witness statements, photos, and contact information for any witnesses.
4. Contact a pedestrian accident claim lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Q: What are the common causes of pedestrian accidents?

A: The common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield the right-of-way
• Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven sidewalks, or inadequate lighting
• Defective vehicle parts
• Weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog
• Pedestrian negligence, such as crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or not paying attention to traffic

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Claim Lawyer

Pros:

• A lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
• A lawyer can protect your rights throughout the legal process.
• A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
• A lawyer can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if necessary.

Cons:

• Lawyers can be expensive.
• The legal process can be long and complicated.
• There is no guarantee that you will win your case, even if you have a lawyer.