You are minding your business enjoying the fresh air and sunshine when suddenly you are on the floor in agony. This scenario is not uncommon in pedestrian accidents. Many pedestrian accidents lead to permanent disability or impairment.
You will suffer for the rest of your life due to another person’s negligence. The Olive Branch personal injury lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC does not think this is right and will fight to protect your rights. We must move quickly to persevere critical evidence, so do not wait to contact us.
The Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Olive Branch
A pedestrian accident happens in the blink of an eye and results in life-changing injuries for the pedestrian involved. While pedestrians have sidewalks, they are not always safe from negligent parties around them. There is a wide range of ways that a pedestrian accident can happen.
The top four ways pedestrian accidents happen are:
Distracted Driving
Drivers are responsible for staying alert to their surroundings on the road. The longer a driver is on the street, the more experience they think they have, which leads them to try a multi-task. Some common driving distractions are:
- Eating and drinking
- Cell phones
- Changing the radio station
- Checking the GPS or map
- Reckless driving
- Talking to passengers
- Tending to a child’s needs
Driving at Excessive Speeds
When a driver speeds, they put everyone around them in danger. Crosswalks are where pedestrians feel the safest crossing the street. When a car is speeding, it does not have enough time or space to stop at the crosswalk, hitting a pedestrian.
While a crosswalk is an example, it is not the only place where a pedestrian can suffer an injury from a speeding driver.
Parking Lot Hazards
The parking lot is one of the most dangerous places for a pedestrian accident. There are so many vehicles and areas that visibility is often very low. Often, drivers forget that pedestrians are in parking lots and will go at speeds that are too fast for the site.
There are also a variety of vehicle types in parking lots, from big trucks to small electric cars.
Intoxicated Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is the leading cause of all accidents across the board. Drugs and alcohol will heavily impair a driver, and they can look directly at pedestrians and not see them.
Common Injuries to Pedestrians in Olive Branch
While every accident will have unique challenges, there are many injuries we see over and over in pedestrian accidents. The extent of your injuries will depend on how the accident happened and if other factors are at play, such as speeding or intoxication. Some examples of pedestrian injuries include:
- Catastrophic injuries
- Orthopedic injury
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord damage
- Facial injury
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Types of Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident
The injuries you sustain from a pedestrian accident are often catastrophic, and your medical bills will quickly begin to pile up. The constant medical bills will cause financial strain on you and your family. There are two types of compensation you are eligible for after a pedestrian accident.
Economic damages cover quantifiable items like medical expenses. Non-economic damages address changes in your quality of life. Examples of both compensation types include:
- Job loss
- Time off work for doctors appointments
- Airlift transportation to the hospital
- Emergency medical treatment
- Changes in lifestyle from the accident
- Loss of consortium
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Parties Who Can be Held Liable for an Olive Branch Pedestrian Accident
Liability is evident in some cases and not so apparent in others. While you think the only liable party is the driver that hit you, there can be a third party responsible for your injuries. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Olive Branch will uncover the truth and hold these parties accountable for their actions:
- Reckless drivers
- The city or local municipality
- Negligent property owners
Even if you believe you were partially at fault for the accident, you still have legal options. Do not admit fault to any party, such as the insurance company. Since we are in a pure comparative negligence state, pedestrians in an accident who were partially at fault can recover compensation for their damages.
Partial responsibility can make your case more challenging, but it will not be impossible for a pedestrian accident attorney in Olive Branch.
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Take These Steps After a Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident, get proper medical attention. You will be immediately transported to the scene for emergency medical care in catastrophic accidents. Other steps you should take are:
- Take pictures of your injuries every month
- Keep a journal detailing your pain and healing
- Send your attorney receipts and bills
- Follow all treatment recommendations
- Communicate with your attorney
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The Statute of Limitations to File a Claim
Time is limited when it comes to filing a claim after an accident. You will have exactly three years to file a claim. It is not to say that your claim will resolve in three years, but that is how much time you have to begin the compensation process.
Although you have three years, that does not mean you have time to waste. You will need to start a claim as soon as possible with the help of an attorney. Evidence is crucial to your claim and can quickly disappear if you wait too long.
The Numbers on Pedestrian Accidents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that in 2020, one in six people died in collisions. There is an estimated pedestrian death every 75 minutes. These numbers show how devastating the consequences of a pedestrian accident are.
Contact an Olive Branch Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
The insurance company will be moving quickly to resolve a claim for less than it is worth. You must work fast since they are moving fast to work against you. Unfortunately, you are injured and focusing on healing.
You do not have the resources to fight the insurance company; our pedestrian accident attorneys in Olive Branch do. We will investigate your accident, create loss valuations and file all legal documents on your behalf. Fill out our online contact form to start your pedestrian claim today.