Pedestrian accidents are often by far the most damaging. If you are a pedestrian, you are usually totally unprotected, minus the shirt on your back. Getting struck by an oncoming vehicle will most likely have a significant impact on your life, so if you believe you are entitled to compensation, you should not wait. Aside from contacting an experienced attorney who will help you along the way, educate yourself about what constitutes financial compensation. If you have recently been involved in a pedestrian accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
While the most common cause of pedestrian accidents is driver negligence, there are several other causes that may be held responsible. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents are:
- Inclement weather conditions, such as black ice, heavy rain, or heavy snow
- Low visibility is also a common cause of pedestrian accidents. If there is either dim lighting or absence of street lights altogether, a motorist may not even see you coming
- Faulty automobile parts are sometimes responsible for pedestrian accidents
- Poor road design or conditions, such as potholes or ditches
How do I recover compensation?
If you believe you were injured and another party is at fault, you must first prove the other party’s negligence. There are several different negligent actions a motorist may take. Here are some examples of driver negligence:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Eating while driving
- Smoking while driving
- Navigating maps or directions while driving
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Failing to comply with traffic lights or signs
- Ignoring other rules of the road
While keeping this in mind, you should understand that there are several actions you can take that will help prove your claim. For example, if either you or a security camera captures the incident or its aftermath on film, you stand a far greater chance of proving your claim. Also, it is helpful if you are able to obtain any witnesses’ contact information. They may attest to your claim as well. Perhaps more importantly, for your own sake, you should seek medical assistance immediately. Your health is the most important thing, so you must get treated as soon as you can. Additionally, a medical professional will provide you with the medical documents you may need to help prove your claim.
Contact our Washington D.C. firm
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
