Many things can happen to you while walking down the street. You may be hit by a car, fall on an uneven sidewalk, or slip and fall on someone else’s property. If any of these things happen to you, you must understand your rights as a pedestrian and what steps you can take to sue for personal injury.
Unfortunately, many people will advise you to “brush it off.” But the truth is that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, and you should not allow anyone to talk you out of it. Read on to learn eight tips to keep in mind when suing for personal injury as a pedestrian.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
We do not advise taking up the case yourself. You may not know all the ins and outs of personal injury law, but an experienced lawyer will.
To put things in perspective, here’s how pedestrian accident lawyers can provide the right legal help:
- Consultation: You will receive a free consultation with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. During this consultation, you can ask any questions about your case, and the lawyer will let you know what to expect.
- Investigation: The lawyer will investigate the accident and its cause. This will include interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and establishing whether another party involved any negligence.
- Evidence: Once the lawyer has gathered all the evidence, they will use it to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Insurance claim: The lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to get you the best possible settlement. The lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement.
Prove That the Driver Was at Fault
If you were in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to prove that the driver was at fault. You need to show that they violated pedestrian safety laws or did not exercise reasonable care. If you can do this, the driver will be held accountable for their actions and may have their insurance claim denied. This way, you can get the compensation you deserve.
File Your Claim Within the Statute of Limitations
In some states, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. In others, it is three years. If you do not file your claim within this time period, the insurance company will not be required to pay for your damages.
Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer
The insurance company will likely try to lowball you with their first settlement offer. Do not accept it! Instead, have your lawyer negotiate for a higher amount. If the insurance company is unwilling to budge, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Be Prepared for a Long Process
Suing for personal injury can be a long and complex process. It is important to be patient and to trust that your lawyer is doing everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve.
Do Not Miss Any Deadlines
There are many deadlines involved in a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss one, it could be fatal to your case. Make sure you know all the deadlines and make sure your lawyer is aware of them as well.
Keep Detailed Records
Keep all medical records, bills, receipts, and other documentation related to your accident. This will be helpful evidence if you decide to sue for personal injury.
Be Careful about What You Post on Social Media
Do not post anything about your accident or injuries on social media. Insurance companies will likely take anything you post out of context and use it against you.
Final Word
We hope the above tips will equip you with the information necessary to sue for damages as a pedestrian. Moreover, hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer is the best way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Feel free to ask us in the comments section if you have any questions or concerns.
