Pedestrian accidents can be overwhelming for victims and lead to serious injuries and other harm. Pedestrian victims can be injured or killed in car accidents, truck accidents and bus accidents. These incidents can occur in a variety of ways, such as when a driver fails to yield the right of way to a pedestrian; when a driver fails to stop at a cross walk for a pedestrian; when a driver fails to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and hits a pedestrian; when a driver fails to come to a complete stop at an intersection before turning right and strikes a pedestrian; when drivers fail to provide adequate space for pedestrians on the roadways; or when drivers travel too fast on roadways, creating risk to pedestrians.
Additionally, a variety of serious injuries, and death, can be suffered by pedestrian victims in a pedestrian accident. Injuries can include head, brain, spinal cord and back injuries; broken bones; muscle and ligament injuries; and a multitude of other types of injuries as well. Victims may suffer damages as a result of their injuries including medical expenses, future medical care costs, lost wages, lost-earning capacity and pain and suffering. Family members of a loved one unexpectedly killed in a pedestrian accident can also suffer damages including medical and funeral expenses, loss of support and services, and pain and suffering.
Recompense for the loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident may be available to surviving family members through a wrongful death claim for damages. Damages available in a wrongful death claim can depend on the characteristics of the victim, as well as other considerations. Victims of pedestrian accidents can pursue compensation for the damages they have suffered through a personal injury claim. Claims for harm suffered in a pedestrian accident can quickly grow complicated, as insurance companies, experts, accident reconstruction and settlement negotiations may all be involved.
The legal process is available to serve as a resource to victims who have been harmed in a pedestrian accident. It is important for pedestrian accident victims to be familiar with the options available to them and to consider having professional guidance so they can better focus on recovering from the harm caused by a pedestrian accident.