Protecting your right to compensation after a pedestrian accident involves several steps, including: 1) you should write down as much information about the accident, the driver, your injuries, witnesses and any other losses and out-of-pocket expenses as you can; 2) make notes about any statements or conversations you had after the accident; 3) preserve as much physical evidence, including photographs, citations, and clothing items you were wearing at the time of the accident; 4) notify those you feel are responsible for the accident that you intend to file a claim; 5) finally, hire an experienced personal injury attorney.
Arizona provides citizens with many State and National Parks to better their mental and physical health in by engaging in activities such as mountain biking and walking. Unfortunately, work and family commitments limit the amount of time spent recreating in these parks, forcing individuals to seek pleasure by walking in city environments. However, while it rarely crosses our minds, city streets drastically increase the danger and potential of pedestrian accidents occurring.
Types of Injuries that Typically Occur when a Pedestrian is Hit by an Automobile
Injuries from a pedestrian accident with an automobile can be catastrophic for the pedestrian and emotionally wrenching for the driver. Due to the size and weight disparity between a person and a car, physical harm can include traumatic brain injuries, fractures, amputation of limbs, cuts, scrapes and bruises, spinal cord injuries and even death.
Automobile and truck operators frequently skirt roadway regulations, such as stoplights, stop signs, crosswalk signals, and speed limitations. When a negligent driver hits innocent pedestrians, injuries sustained can be devastating and responsible parties may be responsible to pay for damages inflicted, which can include:
- Personal injuries
- Loss of wages
- Medical bills
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of companionship, in the event of wrongful death or serious injury occurring
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Uninsured Drivers
Contact an attorney experienced in personal injury and automobile accidents right away, so that your rights can be protected. Insurance carriers, even your own, may try to limit your compensation. The complexity of claims involving uninsured and underinsured drivers isn’t something you want to tackle on your own. Often claims may have to be made against your own insurance.
Children and Pedestrian Accidents
Due to the size of children and the possibility of behaving in unexpected ways, children are at an increased risk of being pedestrian auto accident victims.
A driver observing small children playing near a street where a reasonable person should expect the possibility of thoughtless, erratic movements which would endanger the children’s safety must anticipate that movement and must take precautions.
Elderly and Pedestrian Accidents
Sadly, many drivers fail to exercise additional caution around elderly pedestrians. Due to diminished senses, the elderly may not always hear or see an oncoming vehicle, or be able to recognize traffic signals.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The laws governing the safety of pedestrians while on public roadways are complicated. If it was a truck or train accident, representatives of these companies may attempt pressuring you into a statement, or coercing you to settle for less than what you deserve for your damages.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important that you contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney upon being asked to provide a signed or vocal statement. Without proper knowledge of your rights, you may be compromising your future, financial compensation.
Arizona personal injury attorney, Jerrold A. Mayro, has successfully litigated personal injury cases for more than 30 years. By carefully surveying the facts surrounding your case and consulting with expert witnesses, Mr. Mayro fights diligently to obtain your family the compensation it deserves.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a pedestrian accident in the Phoenix, Mesa, or Tucson, Arizona area, please contact The Mayro Law Firm’s pedestrian accident office today or call (602) 604-8400 to schedule a consultation with Mr. Mayro.