Lawyer in Elizabethtown for Pedestrian Accidents

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

We often think of road accidents occurring between motor vehicles, but it’s unfortunately also common to be affected as a pedestrian. You could be hit by a car, motorcycle, or even a bike — and all can lead to serious injuries since you’re completely exposed and unprotected. It’s important to receive guidance from an attorney who has experience representing pedestrians to ensure you gain compensation from the person at fault for your accident.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere, but they are particularly likely in rural areas where there are winding roads, no sidewalks, or poor visibility.

Typically, the cause of a pedestrian accident is a negligent driver. The person who hit you may have been distracted (such as if texting while driving), turned at an intersection without checking first, been speeding and unable to stop in time, neglected to use turn signals, or been driving under the influence. However, poor road design or choice of crosswalk location could mean the fault lies with a government agency. It’s crucial to determine fault for a successful case.

Common Injuries

You can suffer a number of injuries as a pedestrian in a motor vehicle accident, including:

• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Brain injuries
• Broken bones and teeth
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Injury to limbs requiring amputation
• Eye injuries resulting in vision loss
• Wrongful death

What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive?

There are a few main types of damages that apply to pedestrian accidents. Whether all these apply to you will depend on the particulars of your case.

The most obvious is compensation to cover medical bills related to your injuries. As well as emergency care and an ambulance bill, you may have needed surgery or rehabilitation.

If you missed work due to the accident, you can also claim lost wages. In addition, if your accident has reduced your earning capacity, you may be able to receive compensation for the income you would have earned had you not suffered the accident.

You may also be able to receive compensation for non-economic losses. Pain and suffering cover your physical pain, whereas mental anguish is for psychological pain.

What Can a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Do for You?

Dealing with the aftermath of your accident can be as traumatic as the accident itself. You may need ongoing medical care and you could have emotional scars from the accident. A pedestrian accident attorney in Elizabethtown can help you navigate the process of receiving compensation to make it as stress-free as possible.

Proving the Driver’s Negligence

Although you are legally required to act responsibly when using roadways, there is a higher duty of care expected from drivers than from pedestrians. This means there are multiple ways a driver could be found negligent and therefore at fault for your accident.

Negligence per se applies in Kentucky. This means, for example, someone driving under the influence can be found at fault for an accident, even if the driver adhered to all other rules. A pedestrian accident lawyer could argue that the driver may have been able to react faster and prevent the accident if the driver had not been intoxicated.

Nonetheless, it is often a challenge to prove negligence to receive the full amount of compensation you deserve. This is something an attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents will be able to do.

Calculating Your Damages

It’s important to consider not only what expenses you’ve already incurred due to the accident but also what you’ll likely need to pay in the future. The insurance company of the negligent party may offer you an immediate payout that will take care of the medical debt you’ve already accumulated, but you may need to continue paying for treatment into the long term. An attorney familiar with cases like yours will know how much you can expect to pay — as well as how much you are entitled to in other damages.

Communicating with the Insurance Company

An attorney will handle all the communication with the insurance company of the at-fault party. This will include presenting evidence and negotiating a settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, your attorney can represent you in a lawsuit.

The first thing to do after you have been injured in a pedestrian accident is receive medical care; the second is to talk to a lawyer about your case and if you could receive compensation. Contact the Fleck Firm to receive a free consultation with an injury attorney in Elizabethtown.

Contact a Lawyer Today

If you need an Elizabethtown Kentucky pedestrian accident lawyer or an attorney for a pedestrian accident anywhere in Kentucky, contact The Fleck Firm today. We are available over the phone 24/7 and you can also click the Contact Us button below to fill out a contact form.