Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Waco Representing Clients Throughout Texas
Pedestrian accidents are some of the most dangerous accidents, particularly for pedestrians. Being struck by a vehicle can easily result in severe injuries or death. In the aftermath of a pedestrian and car collision, there’s a solid chance the driver may face criminal charges. Most of the time, pedestrian injury victims face large medical expenses and an inability to earn an income. A pedestrian accident claim is one way to get financial relief. It is imperative to have an experienced Waco pedestrian accident attorney in your corner right away to help navigate the court system and determine your best strategy.
Who Determines Who is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident Case?
A driver who doesn’t yield to a pedestrian when they have the right of way can cause serious injury or even death. Intersections are the most commonplace for pedestrian accidents, as so many pedestrians and drivers are navigating at the same time and it can be a bit confusing. If the driver did something illegal, like running a red light or stop sign, they may be liable. Drivers may also be at fault if they do not yield to a pedestrian already in the intersection. Drivers must be extra cautious when driving near pedestrians, as they are out of the safety of their vehicle.
If the driver has been drinking, they will likely be held liable. Drunk driving is a major offense and comes with heavy fines, potential jail time, and a suspension of driver’s license, assuming the driver gets it back at all. If a driver was negligent, they could very well be held criminally and civilly liable for the accident.
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents?
The vast majority of pedestrian fatalities are caused by drunk drivers. If someone you know is driving under the influence and it’s resulted in your injury, you might want to hold them responsible for your pain and suffering and other damages. Another major cause of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Drivers on their cell phones, talking or texting, which is very distracting, often take their eyes off the road, leading to serious injuries. Lastly, neglectful drivers are the third most common. Drivers who don’t exceed extreme caution create a problem for everyone around them. A neglectful driver might miss a stop sign or run a red light. Drivers not using extreme caution are a hazard to anyone else on the road.
What Should I Do in a Pedestrian Insurance Accident?
The moments after pedestrian accidents are critical. What you do then can both help you get on the path to recovery and preserve evidence of what happened, which your injury lawyer in Texas can access when fighting for you. Pedestrian accident victims may need immediate medical attention. Either call 911 for help or tell someone to contact emergency services for you. It’s also possible you weren’t the only person injured in the collision and they could need medical attention as well.
You’ll then want to file a detailed police report, only stating what you clearly remember. Your statement is your credibility, so make sure it’s accurate. You’ll also want to take photos if you can, making note of what happened and where. You’ll also want to schedule an evaluation with a medical examiner if you can, the earlier the better. Having a clear record will be key when your lawyers are putting together your pedestrian accident case. Keep in mind, some symptoms can take days, weeks, or even months to show. It’s worth getting a medical evaluation even if you feel alright. The insurance company you’re up against will have corporate legal teams representing them, so you’ll want a seasoned pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight to get you the justice you deserve.
Can an Attorney Really Help Pedestrian Accident Victims?
If you were a pedestrian injured by a motor vehicle, you need seasoned legal representation who will analyze your case thoroughly and fight for you with compassion. A pedestrian accident attorney handles pedestrian accident cases all the time, and knows what strategies insurance companies will bring to court. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will investigate the accident and build a case to show that you weren’t at fault. Our Waco pedestrian accident lawyers will track down witnesses’ statements and gather evidence from the scene. We will also look into the possibility of any cameras capturing footage of the pedestrian accident and even cell phone records from the driver to see if they were distracted at the time of the accident.
A pedestrian accident can flip your world upside down. You can rest easy knowing that someone is fighting for you and won’t settle for anything less than you deserve. Schedule a free one-on-one consultation with For the Win Law by calling (254) 870-4800 today.