There are a startling number of reasons why pedestrian accidents are so harmful to those on foot. Recent statistics show that the average American male weighs 191 pounds, while the average American female weighs 159 pounds. In comparison to the average weight of a car, which is over 4000 pounds, you can easily see why these accidents are so serious.
You must consider many things when you have been involved in an accident of any kind. For example, how long will you be sidelined from work? How much of your potential earnings will you lose? And, what about your medical expenses? How will you be able to afford the mounting healthcare costs if you can't work? If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, these considerations can easily consume your waking hours. To wade your way through all the fine details, you're going to need a team of highly skilled bilingual attorneys to guide the way.
Miami Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Although your case may seem clear-cut enough to handle on your own, avoid becoming too confident. The legal world is often quite complicated. Everything hinges on a variety of subtle factors that you might otherwise miss without enlisting a skilled legal team. Insurance company adjusters will do everything in their power to make sure that you walk away from your accident with little compensation to show for your suffering. Don't let them take advantage of you! Always hire a team of experienced lawyers like The Ward Law Group to get on the right footing.
Common Types of Pedestrian Accident Claims that We Settle
Every year, roughly 5,500 people are killed in pedestrian accidents-that equates to nearly 15 people every day!
Believe it or not, the vast majority of these accidents occur because of the negligence of other parties. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents that result in personal injury include:
Aggressive Driving: This is the main cause of pedestrian accidents in busy cities. Statistically, city drivers are more likely to experience road rage or violate basic traffic signals than their rural counterparts. Studies indicate that the maneuvers most likely to result in a pedestrian accident involve a careless right or left turn, backing up without checking the blind spot or making a U-turn.
Distracted Driving: Many states have banned handheld devices, such as cellphones and other electronics, because of the number of car accidents they contribute to. While aggressive driving may be the main cause of pedestrian accidents in busy cities, distracted driving is the main cause of pedestrian accidents across the country.
Drunk Driving: Over a fourth of all automotive-related fatalities are the result of drunk driving from one or more parties. If you have lost someone close to you as a result of drunk driving, then you may be able to receive compensation under a wrongful death claim.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries & Compensation
Pedestrians, whether walking, jogging, running, or even sitting at a neighborhood cafe, are vulnerable to accidents involving negligent third parties. Because of the sheer force involved in these accidents and the lack of physical protection to the pedestrian's person, injuries are exceedingly likely in this type of collision. For example, car-with-pedestrian accidents may result in the following personal injuries:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Fractures
- Dismemberment
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken bones
- Emotional distress
- Death
...and more.
When you suffer from an injury due to the negligence of another party, you need an experienced personal attorney to help maximize your compensation. With the proper legal assistance, you may be entitled to the following forms of damage recovery:
Medical Expenses: This includes bills for hospital stays, doctor visits, occupational or physical therapy, surgery, and much more.
Property Damages: More likely than not, you carry a lot of personal belongings on you that are susceptible to damage from a pedestrian accident. This includes your clothing, jewelry, and handheld electronics such as smartphones, laptops, or portable gaming consoles.
Lost Wages & Earning Capacity: Lost wages are wages forfeited while you recuperate from your injury, while lost earning capacity refers to the wages that you will lose as a result of your injury being classed as permanent.
Emotional Turmoil: This considers less tangible damages, such as emotional distress or psychological trauma.
In addition to serving English-speaking personal injury victims, The Ward Law Group is passionate about providing bilingual legal services to the Spanish-speaking community. Don't let language become a barrier to getting the compensation you deserve for your claim. Contact our team of legal advisors at the Ward Law Group today!
Gregory Ward and Jany Martínez-Ward have recovered millions of dollars in personal injury compensation for car accident victims. They were recognized for a top 5 verdict in Florida in 2021. They obtained more than $2,000,000 in compensation for the victim of a truck accident. Don't leave the fate of your settlement to chance. Contact The Ward Law Group today to secure your legal rights and hire reputable insurance companies.
Maximizing Your Claim: Immediate Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
As with any lawsuit, timing is one of the most important factors affecting how much compensation you will receive. If possible, contact an experienced team of legal advisors immediately after an accident.
You will also want to contact your insurance company to open a claim as soon as possible. If you desire to sue the negligent party, check your state's statute of limitations. Depending on the nature of your case, you may have a limited amount of time to file a claim and receive compensation. Once this time has passed, no matter how clear-cut the case is, you will no longer be entitled to compensation.
Your lawyer will handle communication between you and your insurance company until an acceptable conclusion is reached. While this transpires, you should always keep a paper trail of your expenses, including all legal bills, medical expenditures, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and much more. Consult with your attorney to sort out all of the crucial details. You must also provide your attorney with information demonstrating the seriousness of all injuries incurred during the accident.
If you can contact your attorney immediately after the accident, he or she will likely send investigators to the scene to collect important information. This may include photographic evidence, police reports, and witness testaments. These articles will significantly increase your chances of receiving the maximum compensation possible for your claim.
Contact a Miami Pedestrian Accident Attorney For Help!
Don't ever leave your settlement up to the whims of big insurance companies. Remember, adjusters will do everything possible to ensure you walk away from your accident empty-handed. To avoid this outcome, recruit the most experienced legal team that you can find. Contact our team of legal advisors today!
The Ward Law Group is extremely passionate about making sure that you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve for your case. This includes the financial recovery of medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, emotional distress, and more.
Don't forget, our team members speak both English and Spanish. For bilingual legal advice that you can trust, contact the Ward Law Group today!