Tips For Pedestrians On How To Claim Their Rights After Being Injured On The Road

When pedestrians are injured on the road, they should know a few things to ensure that their rights are protected. This article will provide some tips for pedestrians to claim their rights after being injured on the road. Stay safe, and don't hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer if you have any questions or concerns!

Seek Legal Help

If you have been injured as a pedestrian due to the negligence of another, you must seek legal help as soon as possible. There are strict deadlines for making a personal injury claim, so it is advisable to speak to a lawyer who can assess your case and advise you on the best course of action. If you contact a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer, you can expect free initial consultations and no obligation to move forward with a claim. Specifically, an attorney will help you with the following:

• Determining Whether You Have A Case: To have a successful pedestrian accident claim, you must prove that the driver who hit you was negligent. This means that they were either not paying attention or were breaking the law at the time of the accident. If you are unsure whether or not you have a case, a lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and advise you on whether or not it is worth pursuing.
• Gathering Evidence: Once it has been determined that you have a case, your lawyer will gather evidence to support your claim. This may include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records. It is important to have as much evidence as possible to strengthen your claim.
• Calculating Your Damages: To receive compensation for your injuries, you will need to prove the extent of the damages that you have incurred. This may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Once again, an experienced lawyer will be able to help you calculate your damages so that you can get the total amount of compensation that you deserve.
• Filing Your Claim: After your lawyer has gathered all the evidence and calculated your damages, they will file your claim with the responsible party's insurance company. The insurance company will then have a set period to respond to the claim. If they do not respond within this time frame, or if they deny the claim, your lawyer will then file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Research Your Rights

After being hit by a car, you need to understand your rights as a pedestrian. Depending on your state, there may be different laws that protect pedestrians. For example, some states have what's known as a "walk-up" law, which means that if you're hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk, the driver is automatically at fault. Other states have a "contributory negligence" law. If you're even partially at fault for the accident (for example, if you were jaywalking), you can't recover any damages from the driver. Make sure to do your research and understand the pedestrian laws in your state before taking any further action.

Collect All Medical Evidence

If you were seriously injured in the accident, you'd likely have to go to the hospital for treatment. Be sure to get a copy of all your medical records and receipts related to the accident. This will be vital evidence to support your claim that the driver was at fault. For example, if you have a broken bone, the medical records will show that the accident caused the injury. Additionally, if you had to miss work because of your injuries, the medical records can be used to show that you lost wages as a result of the accident.

Gather Evidence from the Scene of the Accident

If possible, try to take pictures or videos of the accident scene. This can be helpful evidence to show what happened and who was at fault. For example, if there was a stop sign that the driver ran through, the pictures can be used to show that the driver was not following the law. Additionally, if there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their contact information to provide a statement about what they saw. Also, try to get the contact information for the driver so you can file a police report.

File a Police Report

If you were hit by a car, it's essential to file a police report as soon as possible. The police report will document what happened and who was at fault. This can be helpful evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Additionally, the police report can show that the driver was ticketed or arrested for hitting you, which can help prove your case. So, if you can, be sure to file a police report as soon as possible after the accident. Also, be sure to get a copy of the police report for your records.

Focus on Your Recovery

After being hit by a car, it's important to focus on your recovery. This means getting the medical treatment you need and taking the time to rest and heal. It's also important to avoid talking to the insurance adjuster or signing any documents until you've spoken with a lawyer. This is because the insurance company may try to lowball you or get you to sign away your rights. So, focus on your recovery and let your lawyer handle the rest.

If you were hit by a car and suffered injuries, you can do a few things to protect your rights and ensure that you receive compensation for your damages. From researching your rights so that you understand the laws in your state, gathering evidence from the scene of the accident, and your medical records. This will be important in proving that the driver was at fault, filing a police report as soon as possible after the accident, focusing on your recovery, and letting your lawyer handle the rest. You can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve by taking these steps.