Pedestrian accidents happen every day across the U.S. Whether you get hit by a car or suffer an injury by other means, you’re entitled to look into a personal injury claim to have your extra costs covered. For many people, a claim against the negligent driver is the best way to get your life back on track after an injury. If you’ve been hurt, here are answers to some of the questions you might have about what to do next.
What Counts as a Pedestrian Accident?
This kind of accident is any situation where you are injured as a pedestrian. Most likely, the at-fault party is the driver of the car that hit you, and you can make a claim with their insurance. You must be able to prove that they were negligent and that is why they hit you.
What Can You Do to Prove Negligence?
Proving negligence is essential to get fully compensated for your claim, but it can be a tricky process without proper evidence. If you’re able, you should take pictures at the scene of the accident. Gather the statements of any witnesses who saw the accident happen as well, since you can use these as evidence in your claim when you file.
What Does a Claim Cover?
A personal injury claim covers everything you’ve suffered as a result of the accident, physically, mentally, and financially. This can be medical costs, such as ambulance and emergency room fees, physical therapy appointments and medical testing, and wages you no longer earn. You can also receive compensation for things that have no fiscal value like pain and suffering.
How Long Do You Have to File?
Every state has its own statute of limitations on how long you have to file a claim. This time limit begins as soon as the accident happens. Once you’ve taken care of immediate concerns, you should look into filing a claim to make sure you don’t miss your window of opportunity. The average amount of time is two years, but some states have smaller or larger time frames.
Should You Contact a Lawyer?
It can be difficult to make the call to hire a lawyer. However, you can always schedule a consultation appointment with one to see if they can benefit your case. Not every case is complex and therefore does not require a lawyer. For others, it may be necessary to ensure you’re getting the most out of your claim. Contact an attorney, like a personal injury attorney from Yearin Law Office, if you want to schedule a consultation today.