Pedestrians have no protection. When a pedestrian is struck by a negligent vehicle driver, injuries can be catastrophic and disabling, such as broken bones, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injury. Pedestrians are at risk when crossing the street, walking across a driveway, strolling through a parking lot, or even standing on the sidewalk. With the distracted driving epidemic, pedestrians must be more careful traveling on foot than ever before. A Cameron Park, pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your rights if you have been hit by a car while walking.

If you were struck by a vehicle while using a crosswalk or in any other circumstance, you first must seek medication attention. Even if you think you are okay, it is essential to get checked out. You may have injuries that are not immediately obvious, such as internal bleeding or a concussion. It is also essential to have the incident and your physical condition documented by a medical professional if you move forward with a personal injury claim against the driver that struck you.

If you are able, call the police following the incident. Again, even if you think your injuries are “not that bad,” it is crucial that such a collision is documented. Not only for your injury claim but also for tracking pedestrian accidents within our community. For example, knowing that an area is a “hot spot” for such incidents can improve safety measures.

The best-case scenario is that the police respond to the scene and facilitate the exchange of information. However, even if that does not happen, you need to ensure that the following information is gathered at the scene:

• Driver’s name, phone number, and driver’s license information
• The driver’s automobile insurance information
• Vehicle make, model, year, and color
• Photographs of the car and the scene
• Photographs of any visible injuries you sustained
• Names and contact information for any witnesses to the incident

Not every incident will occur in front of independent witnesses, but their account of the event will be beneficial in a personal injury claim if they come forward. Sometimes it is difficult to determine fault in a he-said-she-said scenario. If a witness can lend credence to your account of the incident, determining the driver’s fault will be much easier to acquire.

Keep a journal of events after the collision, including medical appointments, missed time from work, and accounts of how your injuries affect your daily activities. It is also beneficial to photograph any visible injuries regularly during the healing process. Having a timeline of how the incident affected your life is valuable information in a legal case.

Once you have been released from medical care, the next important step is to call an experienced Cameron Park pedestrian accident lawyer. A skilled attorney will explain your legal options and the remedies you may be entitled to. During the no-obligation consultation, you will tell the attorney the facts of the incident. A good lawyer will have many questions about your medical condition and how the injuries negatively affect your life.  

Protecting Your Rights from the Beginning. The crucial evidence should be gathered as quickly as possible following the incident. Having an attorney on board immediately will ensure that all early investigation is completed. You will also feel more secure in the whole process of bringing a personal injury claim because you will have an experienced advocate who can answer your many questions. That peace of mind means you can focus on healing from your injuries.

Additionally, there are time limits within which your claim must be settled or a lawsuit must be filed. In California, it is usually within two years from the accident date, but there are certain instances where that time limit may be shorter (or longer). An attorney will make sure your claim is protected.  

You Won’t Have to Deal with the Insurance Adjuster.   If you have been involved in an accident before, you know that insurance adjusters begin calling immediately with requests for statements, questions about your injuries, and even attempts to get you to settle immediately for a minimal amount of money. An insurance adjuster is not your friend – especially the adjuster working for the driver’s insurance company that hit you. Their entire purpose is to protect their employer’s bottom line, so the goal is to pay as little money on your claim as possible. They even try to get you to say things that may hurt your claim. Once you hire an attorney, you no longer have to field these calls. At our firm, we find that dealing with insurance adjusters is one of the main reasons people call for our help.  

Talented Representation at Trial. A lawsuit must be filed if your claim cannot be settled informally. After the matter ends in court, discovery will begin – this involves written questions, document production, depositions, and possibly a defense medical examination. You need to have skilled legal counsel during litigation and trial. A good attorney can maximize your monetary recovery through mediation, arbitration, or jury trial. 

Watch YouTube Video on Pedestrian Safety from the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

If you or someone you love has been injured due to a negligent driver, please contact our law office today for free and friendly advice. There is no obligation; our consultation is free. Our local and toll-free phone numbers are (503) 392-9400 and (800) 404-5400.

Please take a moment to look over some of our prior verdicts and settlements.

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