Pedestrian accidents are traumatic incidents that occur at alarming rates every year and can have severe consequences with lasting effects. They can quickly turn a person’s life upside down physically, financially, psychologically, and emotionally. In the event of a pedestrian accident, a Staunton pedestrian accident lawyer is ready to come alongside you and help you get back what was taken from you to the best extent possible.
A Staunton personal injury lawyer can get you the compensation you need to recover from your losses and be able to heal and look to the future with hope and security. MartinWren P.C. provides all of our clients with personalized attention, exceptional service, and solutions in their time of need. We are your advocates as you face the challenges ahead, and our dedication to thinking outside of the box gets you results.
What Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Aside from seeking immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident, it is also crucial to file a police report. A police report not only provides an official, detailed record documenting the event, but it also can be used as evidence for any insurance or legal claims you make. You should also photograph or take videos of the scene and your injuries to have additional evidence to use.
Once you have received medical assistance and gathered evidence, the next step is to file a claim with the offending party’s insurance company, as well as report the incident to your insurance company. You will need to provide the police report, any evidence you collected after the accident, and any relevant medical records and expenses. The insurance company will investigate and calculate the value of your settlement to compensate you for your losses.
It is also recommended that you hire a lawyer to represent you as you go through the claim process. A Staunton personal injury lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf when they do not offer fair settlements, try to avoid paying on a technicality, or try to close out your claim too quickly. A lawyer will be your ally to ensure your rights are protected.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Types of Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians are highly vulnerable to sustaining injuries when an accident occurs, and accidents involving a vehicle and a pedestrian can result in complex injuries and legal consequences. A pedestrian’s injuries are also likely to be more severe than that of a driver, as they will absorb more force and impact in an accident from a lack of physical protection. Some common types of injuries a pedestrian can sustain include:
- Head, neck, and/or spine injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Internal bruising and bleeding
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Neurological damage
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Lacerations
- Disability or disfigurement
- Amputation
- Psychological trauma
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
Given the severity of injuries that can occur in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as reasonably possible. A medical professional should conduct an examination to treat or rule out external and internal injuries, and you should also monitor your condition after the accident for the development of delayed injuries. This is crucial not only for your safety but also for the importance of medical attention in a pedestrian accident lawsuit, which is critical to receiving the appropriate amount of compensation for your injuries.
The Advantages of Hiring Legal Representation in Staunton, Virginia
When you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer in Staunton, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. A lawyer will use their extensive knowledge and experience to skillfully negotiate on your behalf. As your advocates, they will ensure that other parties take your claim seriously.
When you sit down with a lawyer, they will learn all the details of your case, lay out your options, and work with you to create an effective strategy. They will also investigate the accident in order to build a strong case for you that will get results. A lawyer will also make sure your case falls within Virginia’s two-year statute of limitation period, as defined in Virginia law § 8.01-243, and they will also ensure that your claim satisfies any applicable notice period that may be required, which is typically much shorter than the 2-year period.
A lawyer will also establish that negligence was committed by the person who caused the accident, and they failed in their duty to prevent harm and caused your injuries as a result.
When determining and showing that a person was at fault, Virginia law takes a contributory negligence approach. This means that the person making the claim for compensation must be completely free of fault, or the judge or jury could rule against them.
Staunton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
Compensation You Can Receive for a Pedestrian Accident
In a pedestrian accident, you have a few options for receiving compensation. Each type of compensation available aims to provide relief for a different need. You may be able to receive more than one with the help of a pedestrian accident attorney in Staunton, depending on your situation.
Economic damages are the most common form of compensation, as it addresses the monetary losses you have suffered. This includes medical expenses, loss of earnings, medications, property damage, and the cost of any future treatments that you may need in order to recover. The compensation is based on the financial value of these various factors.
To compensate you for your non-financial losses, non-economic damages provide for what you have experienced as a result of the accident you were involved in. This covers the emotional distress caused by the accident, as well as the pain, suffering, and changes to your quality of life. Finally, in rare circumstances, punitive damages can be claimed if the accident is particularly severe.
MartinWren, P.C. Is Ready to Help You
When you or a loved one has been in a pedestrian accident, it can be a long road toward recovery and a Staunton pedestrian accident attorney can ease some of the burden. At MartinWren P.C. we work tirelessly for you so you do not have to suffer unnecessarily through this process. Schedule a free consultation with us today and learn more about what service we can provide for your situation.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
