Pedestrian accidents can occur in many different circumstances. Sometimes a driver strikes a pedestrian, and sometimes a pedestrian steps out in the middle of traffic and causes an accident. A personal injury lawyer can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries.
If you suffered injuries during a pedestrian accident, then you need to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Burlington. Retaining legal counsel from the attorneys at Rand Spear will enable you to protect your legal rights.
Pedestrian Accidents Typically Occur in Urban Environments
Pedestrian accidents may take place in rural environments, but they occur more frequently in urban areas. Intersections are common places where pedestrian accidents happen. A pedestrian may be struck by a passing vehicle that does not stop at a busy intersection.
Pedestrians may walk out before traffic and cause a pedestrian accident. However, many drivers have less visibility at night, and many pedestrians suffer injuries after sunset. Drivers must be cautious when driving at night to avoid striking pedestrians and cyclists.
The Most Common Injuries Victims Suffer in Pedestrian Accidents
Accident victims may suffer serious bodily injury or death during pedestrian accidents. Individuals without any barrier between them and an automobile may die due to their injuries. Also, pedestrian accidents often cause permanent or temporary disability.
The following are some of the most common injuries victims suffer during pedestrian accidents:
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- Lacerations
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
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- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
- Road rash
- Neck injuries
Pedestrians should seek immediate medical treatment for their injuries. It is imperative that pedestrians see a doctor even if they believe they suffered only minor injuries. Medical records and medical bills are essential for a pedestrian accident case.
Burlington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
The Benefits of Retaining a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Burlington
Retaining a pedestrian accident lawyer in Burlington will help you enforce your legal rights. By having a legal advocate on your side you can take advantage of attorney-client privilege and attorney-client confidentiality. Protecting important information regarding your case will enable you to have a more effective case strategy.
Legal representation will give you the resources you need to force opposing counsel to take your claims seriously. If you attempt to represent yourself it may be difficult for you to deal with the resistance you experience when interacting with opposing counsel. Therefore, it is a good idea for you to retain a Burlington pedestrian accident lawyer who can provide you with exceptional legal representation.
Establishing the Liability of the Defendant in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Understanding the process of a personal injury lawsuit will help you establish the liability of the defendant. Typically, injured victims must prove the four elements of negligence, which are duty, breach, causation, and damages. It is important to satisfy each individual element if you want to pursue financial compensation for your injuries.
It is possible that multiple defendants will be involved in a pedestrian accident case. Therefore, it will be necessary to establish the liability of each individual defendant. A skilled Burlington pedestrian accident attorney will be able to help you gather the evidence you need to substantiate your legal claims.
The Types of Damages You May Claim in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Pedestrian accident victims can seek general damages and special damages in pedestrian accident cases. Sometimes punitive damages are claimed in pedestrian accident cases, but punitive damages are claimed only for cases that involve willful, wanton, and malicious conduct. General damages refer to those losses that are less quantifiable than special damages, and special damages refer to those losses that are based on documentary evidence such as medical bills and lost earnings.
Common examples of general damages include emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. Some examples of special damages include lost earnings and medical bills. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for egregious conduct, and also to deter the defendant from committing the same conduct in the future.
Expert Witnesses and Pedestrian Accident Cases
Both plaintiffs and defendants retain expert witnesses in pedestrian accident cases. These individuals are necessary to establish facts about the case which can only be based on expert opinion. Many expert witnesses produce reports that are used by both sides in a pedestrian accident case.
Hiring expert witnesses can be expensive. Sometimes an expert witness will testify during the trial, and the other side will cross-examine the expert witness. For example, the defense in a pedestrian accident case may have an accident reconstruction expert testify regarding the cause of the pedestrian accident. Understanding how to interact with expert witnesses is important for every pedestrian accident case.
You Can Obtain Legal Representation on a Contingency Fee Basis
When you obtain legal representation on a contingency fee basis you will not have to pay any advanced costs to an attorney. You will only have to pay for legal representation if the attorney obtains a settlement or judgment on your behalf, and we offer a no-fee guarantee. At the conclusion of your case, the attorney will deduct a fee from the final settlement or judgment amount.
A Burlington pedestrian accident attorney will work tirelessly to help you substantiate your legal claims. You will not have to borrow funds to obtain exceptional legal representation. Therefore, you do not need to worry about financial problems that may arise due to you retaining legal counsel.
The Time It Takes to Resolve a Pedestrian Accident Case
The majority of civil lawsuits settle before trial. However, depending on the facts of the case, it can take from six months to two years for a pedestrian accident case to settle. Although most civil cases are resolved through settlement negotiation, some cases are also resolved through mediation and arbitration.
Contact Rand Spear Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
Pedestrian accidents can be difficult to work on because they are not similar to automobile accidents or truck accidents. We have years of experience representing clients in pedestrian accident cases. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case.
Our attorneys will help you pursue financial compensation for your injuries. You do not have to stand up to the insurance companies alone. Demand Rand to us to learn more about the legal options available to you!
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form