Sharing the road with vehicles can be a dangerous thing to do as a pedestrian. Thousands of people are injured or killed every year after being hit by vehicles. The consequences of these accidents can be severe.

Victims are often left with physical, emotional, and even financial scars to deal with. Seeking compensation for your losses is one of the best ways to move forward after a pedestrian accident.

Two main outlets for recovering compensation are insurance and lawsuits. Whichever option you choose, you will need an experienced pedestrian accident attorney by your side to increase your chances of getting maximum compensation.

Insurance claims

Usually, the driver who hits you has insurance. Most states require drivers to have this kind of insurance to help pay for other people’s injuries in accidents. This insurance can cover your medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and damage to your belongings.

You’ll need to contact the driver’s insurance company and tell them about the accident to get this money. You’ll also need to give them police reports, doctor bills, and statements from anyone who saw what happened. The insurance company will examine your case and decide how much you deserve.

In most cases, the first step involves filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You must submit evidence and negotiate a settlement amount with the insurance adjuster.

This option is usually quicker and less expensive than going to court. However, insurance companies do not have a reputation for offering the best payouts. Their initial settlement offers might not reflect the full extent of your damages. Also, they may use tactics to railroad you into accepting an offer far less than what you deserve.

Sometimes, the driver who hit you might not have insurance, or their insurance might not be enough to cover everything. In that case, you might have other options:

• Your Car Insurance

Some car insurance plans have extra coverage in case the driver who hits you doesn’t have insurance, or their insurance isn’t enough. This is called “uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage” (UM/UIM).

Suppose you have this coverage on your car insurance. In that case, you might be able to get money from your own insurance company, even if the other driver wasn’t following the rules.

• Suing a third party

Someone other than the driver might be responsible for the accident in some situations. For instance, if a broken traffic light caused the crash, you could sue the city responsible for maintaining the light. Or, if construction materials fell off a truck and caused you to get hit, you could sue the construction company.

Lawsuits

If you are dissatisfied with the insurance company’s offer or believe the driver was grossly negligent, you can file a lawsuit against them. You’ll have to present your case before a judge or jury who will determine if the driver was liable and award damages accordingly.

Lawsuits can take longer than filing an insurance claim and can be more expensive due to legal fees. However, you’re more likely to get a higher payout through this means if your case is strong.

Why You Need Solid Legal Representation

Getting hit by a car can be terrifying and leave you physically and emotionally drained. The last thing you want to worry about is complicated legal battles and insurance paperwork.

A strong legal team can become your advocate while you heal. They will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the accident. They fight for your rights and well-being, allowing you to heal and move forward with your life.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.

Published By: Aize Perez