Most of us do not even think twice when we cross a busy road. We assume that the drivers of the cars and trucks around us will follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles with attention and caution. Unfortunately, such is not always the case. Distracted drivers and those under the influence of drugs and alcohol are the most likely to ignore traffic laws and put pedestrians in danger. Sometimes, a driver hits a pedestrian simply because the driver was not paying attention or did not see the pedestrian.
In 2021, an estimated 7,500 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents in the United States—a 12 percent jump over the previous year and the highest pedestrian death rate in four decades. In the same year, nearly 100,000 other pedestrians required emergency medical treatment for crash-related injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to recover compensation. If your loved one was hit by a car and killed, a wrongful death action may be appropriate.
Call the Police and Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
There are certain steps you should take after any traffic accident in any car accident. Always call the police and take pictures of the accident scene as well as the damage to the involved vehicles. Get witnesses’ names and contact information. Call your insurance company. If you are hurt in the accident, do not wait to get checked out by a medical professional. Insurance adjusters may claim that if an injured individual did not seek medical attention immediately after an accident, he or she was not really hurt. Having your injuries documented by a medical professional helps preserve your legal rights.
Getting Compensation for Medical Bills Through a Personal Injury Claim
If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian, it is likely that your primary legal claim will be against the driver of the vehicle that hit you. Drivers are legally obligated to be aware of their surroundings and drive with caution. Even if you were not in a crosswalk when you were hit by a vehicle, it is possible that the accident will be considered the driver’s fault. In some circumstances, an injured pedestrian may be able to bring a claim against the city in which they were hit. For example, if hazardous roads or faulty traffic control devices contributed to the accident, the negligent party may be the municipality.
It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as you can after the accident. Your lawyer can help you understand which party or parties are to blame, and he or she will work hard to identify and preserve potentially critical evidence that supports your claims
Hit By a Car? Call an Appleton Injury Attorney Today
If you or someone you love was hit by a car, the experienced Green Bay pedestrian accident lawyers at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. are ready and willing to help you. Call 920-739-7366 to schedule a free initial consultation with our team of dedicated and skilled professionals today.
Sources:
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2022/05/19/pedestrian-deaths/3911652970101/
https://www.ghsa.org/resources/news-releases/GHSA/Ped-Spotlight22