While any type of motor vehicle crash can cause harm, accidents involving pedestrians are among the most likely to involve life-altering injuries and fatalities. The human body cannot stand up to the impact of a car.
When you suffer injuries or lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you might be able to obtain financial compensation in a personal injury claim. A hardworking Woodbridge pedestrian accident lawyer can help you work toward the results you need and deserve. Reach out to a dedicated personal injury attorney from Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC today to begin reviewing the details of your event.
Causes of Collisions Between Pedestrians and Motor Vehicles
Some road improvements in recent years have made it safer for those traveling by foot. These include elevated sidewalks, intersections with crosswalks that have better lighting, and pedestrian-specific walkways similar to dedicated bike lanes. Unfortunately, accidents continue to happen despite these safety precautions on some city streets.
When a Driver Causes an Accident
Many pedestrian accidents occur because the driver is somehow at fault. Motorists have a duty to respect the rights of walkers and look out for people crossing the road, just as they would watch for another car. Drivers must obey all traffic laws, including stopping at intersections and yielding the right of way to pedestrians.
If they speed, drivers might not be able to stop in time to prevent hitting a person. Distracted motorists might not see a person entering a crosswalk. Drunk drivers might lose control of their vehicle, sending them out of their lane, off the road, or even onto a sidewalk filled with pedestrians. A Woodbridge attorney can look for evidence proving a motorist was legally at fault for a pedestrian collision.
Causes Unrelated to the Driver
Sadly, accidents can occur even when motorists are driving cautiously and carefully if a vehicle suffers from some sort of equipment failure, such as broken brakes or blown tires. If a malfunctioning car part caused a vehicle to veer out of control or be unable to stop, an injured pedestrian or their family could file a claim against the vehicle’s manufacturer if the part was inherently defective. Similarly, if a broken part caused the accident, the injured party might be able to sue the mechanic who failed to make proper repairs.
Potential Damages After a Pedestrian Accident
Every legal case is different. With this in mind, there is no standard amount of compensation available to injured pedestrians. Generally, the compensation amount varies based on the severity of a person’s losses.
Many accident survivors pursue claims for the following:
- Past, current, and future medical costs, including emergency and follow-up care expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity if a person’s injuries affect their ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
Our Woodbridge pedestrian accident attorneys can listen to understand how an event has impacted the injured party’s life and craft a settlement demand that adequately reflects their needs.
Contact a Woodbridge Pedestrian Accident Attorney for Legal Guidance
After being struck by a car, you might assume you will easily get the compensation you deserve from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Unfortunately, most claims do not go that smoothly. Many insurance companies are more concerned with denying liability or settling for the least amount possible.
Contact a Woodbridge pedestrian accident lawyer from Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC who knows how to stand up and fight back. Our strong team is always accessible to you to answer your questions and provide guidance.
