What to Do When a Car Hits You While Walking
It is important to always follow the law when you are out and about, whether that is in a vehicle or on foot. For example, pedestrians generally have the right of way at a crosswalk. However, they can also be held liable for an incident if they try to cross when it is clearly unsafe to do so. They must obey walk signals and let vehicles that are already in the crosswalk pass.
If you are struck by a vehicle, it is important to get to safety immediately. You should check your body and document any injuries. Then, call 911 to file a police report and get medical care, even if you think you are fine. You should document the accident with photos and videos, as that will serve as critical evidence later. Then contact your car insurance, as they often have coverage for these types of accidents. Finally, it is essential to hire a legal representative to help you.
There is a two-year deadline in California for plaintiffs to file a lawsuit for their car accident-related injuries, which includes pedestrians. The two-year clock begins at the time of the accident. If a plaintiff misses the deadline imposed by law, they most likely will lose their chance to get compensated. To ensure your pedestrian collision lawsuit is timely and as strong as possible, it is wise to speak with a Bakersfield attorney.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Pedestrian Accident?
After a pedestrian accident, many victims are left dealing with expensive medical bills, time away from work, and a long recovery process. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for both financial and personal losses. Our Bakersfield lawyer can help calculate the full value of your pedestrian accident claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Medical expenses are usually one of the largest parts of a pedestrian accident case. Compensation may cover emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and future medical care related to the injury. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may also be able to recover lost wages or compensation for reduced earning ability in the future.
In addition to financial losses, victims may also seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the overall impact the accident has had on daily life. Serious injuries can affect a person physically and emotionally for years, and those long-term effects deserve to be considered in a claim.
In tragic cases where a pedestrian accident leads to a fatality, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Our lawyer can help families pursue compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the emotional loss of a loved one.
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