Winnebago County Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The importance of crossing at a crosswalk has been drilled into our heads since we were kids. Many of us can still hear about parents saying, look both ways and then cross. It’s a rule that we all follow, but what happens when drivers don’t respect the crosswalk? When these rules are broken by drivers, pedestrians could suffer serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a crosswalk accident and the driver was at fault, there is help for you. Every driver on the road holds a duty of care to pedestrians at crosswalks, and if they fail to uphold that duty of care, then it is their responsibility to compensate you for your injury.
We all know there can be severe repercussions for crossing outside a designated area, such as jaywalking or running across busy intersections without looking both ways first. However, even if you’ve crossed against the light, if you’ve been hurt by a negligent driver, you still deserve fair compensation. Whether you have suffered an injury at a crosswalk while following the rules or suffered an injury from a driver as a pedestrian in another situation, it’s important to learn your options after a collision.
Pedestrian accidents can cause many injuries from broken bones, head trauma, paralysis, and even wrongful death. The costs associated with these injuries are not just physical but financial, making it even more critical for those who have been harmed to seek legal help. In addition, a driver can be negligent in many ways, including speeding, driving distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and not yielding at crosswalks, and cause a car accident.
If you’ve been injured in a Winnebago County crosswalk accident, you may receive compensation for your injuries. The first step is determining who was at fault and contacting an attorney from Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley, personal injury attorneys. Pedestrian accidents can often lead to severe personal injury cases that need legal representation to protect the victim’s rights and financial future after a life-altering event such as this.
What Is a Pedestrian Accident and How Do They Happen?
A pedestrian accident occurs when an automobile crashes into a pedestrian or physically strikes them in some way. This does not have to be a traditional car, as it also includes motorcycle accidents. Most of these accidents are due to some form of negligence, including:
- Driving under the influence: If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it can be challenging to drive safely, pay attention to your surroundings, and be as quickly responsive as you are when driving sober. The effects drugs and alcohol can have on your brain can cause you to forget the dangers of driving and thus not watch out for others around you. If you strike a pedestrian while you are under the influence, it can be easy for them to claim that your negligence was a direct cause of their injuries.
- Driving recklessly: When people drive recklessly, they usually show signs such as speeding, tailgating, or passing other vehicles when there is no clear path ahead to do so safely. If you drive like this and hit a pedestrian, a court could consider you to be negligent.
- Driving too fast for conditions: Driving too fast is very dangerous, especially if weather conditions are poor or visibility is compromised in any way. In addition, driving too fast does not leave you enough time to stop before colliding with a pedestrian. If you are going too fast and hit a pedestrian, they will likely file a personal injury claim against you for your negligence.
- Driving carelessly: When one drives carelessly, they usually do not watch out for others on the road but instead focus more on their own driving habits or what is happening inside or outside their car. This type of behavior does not leave enough room for pedestrians and can lead to them getting hit. If you were driving carelessly when a pedestrian was injured, they might sue you in court for your negligence.
- Distracted driving: Whether you are texting, eating, or otherwise distracted by something not related to operating a vehicle, it is hazardous for pedestrians on the road. When you are distracted while driving, your brain cannot process things quickly enough and give you a response time quick enough to avoid pedestrians. If you strike someone while acting in this way, it can be easy for them to sue you for your negligence on the road.
How Does Hiring Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Help?
If you’ve been injured in a crosswalk accident or any pedestrian situation, it’s important to seek help from an experienced personal injury lawyer. It’s common for individuals to think that they could represent themselves in a court of law, but that is never the best course of action for financial compensation. There are many different components at play in these types of cases that only an experienced pedestrian auto accident attorney can handle.
An experienced attorney will be able to answer any questions you have, explain what has happened in a way that makes sense, and help protect you from losing out on money due to injury. In addition, they’ll make sure all necessary medical treatment is covered while working hard to get you the financial support you need to move forward. Negotiating with the insurance company of the person that caused your injury can be tricky. If you don’t have experience in these types of cases, then you run the risk of being taken advantage of or missing key details in the case that could impact its outcome. An attorney can work with witnesses to ensure they understand their role in the case. Without a doubt, hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer is the best way to ensure the best outcome.
What Is the Legal Process of a Pedestrian Accident in Winnebago County?
The first and most important part of a case is determining who was at fault for the accident in question. Often, when there is an accident, it’s not as simple as determining that one driver ran a red light or drove through a crosswalk without yielding. Most pedestrian accidents are caused by negligence and require a thorough investigation to determine their exact cause. Once the fault has been determined, it’s important to discuss what type of compensation you are entitled to with your attorney. This is where we advance to calculating what the victim is entitled to financially. In pedestrian accidents, victims need to receive the medical attention they need to recover. This can often mean expensive surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation, which all come at a cost. Pedestrian accident lawyers are trained in this type of negotiation and can help you get the compensation you need.
What Damage Can Be Claimed in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
In a pedestrian accident case, many types of damages can be claimed. You should work with a personal injury law firm immediately to ensure that all evidence is preserved and that you don’t miss out on any opportunities.
Damages you can claim and receive compensation for include:
- Medical costs: Medical treatment can quickly add up to thousands of dollars depending on how severe your injuries are and the type of treatment required for a full recovery. Any victim who has medical bills incurred due to an accident is entitled to compensation for these costs.
- Loss of income: If you are forced to miss work because of your injuries, that time should be compensated. Your attorney will help calculate how much money is owed in lost wages or future earnings based on earning potential at the time of the accident.
- Pain and suffering: When you are injured in an incident like this, it’s important to remember that there is more than just physical damage at play. There can also be emotional scars, especially if someone was killed due to negligence on another person’s part. Compensation for pain and suffering will help victims deal with the stress of the situation.
- Loss of companionship: If a loved one was killed in an accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your loss. Victims who suffer any loss related to their close relationship with someone who has died can receive financial support from those responsible for that death.
Without legal representation, it’s difficult for victims to ensure they get the full compensation they deserve. Therefore, it is important to work with a law firm with experience in these cases, one that will not stop fighting for your rights.
Connect With Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley for Pedestrian Accident Support in Winnebago County
If you or someone you love has been injured due to negligence in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential to act quickly to ensure you get the financial support needed. The legal process can be overwhelming and time-consuming, which is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will do all they can for your rights as a victim. No one asks to be involved in a pedestrian accident, but they do happen. When they do, it’s important to take action immediately. Contact us today and learn more about how we can expedite the legal process and your recovery.
