Pedestrians can, unfortunately, be vulnerable to the careless and negligent actions of drivers. Pedestrians can be the victims of car accidents, truck accidents and accidents with buses, all of which can cause serious injuries to pedestrian victims.
Pedestrian victims may be injured by careless and negligent drivers who fail to yield the right of way to a pedestrian; fail to stop at a crosswalk for a pedestrian; fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or intersection where a pedestrian is present; fail to fully stop before turning right at a red light at an intersection; fail to provide adequate space for pedestrians to safety travel on a street or a road; or travel at too fast a rate of speed on streets where pedestrians are present.
Victims of pedestrian accidents can suffer a number of serious injuries, including serious head injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, back injuries and broken bones. It is important to understand when determining damages that different types of damages may be available and also to understand how damages are determined and how fault is determined. Accident reconstruction investigations and experts may be utilized to help prove damages and fault and may be used in negotiations to reach a settlement for damages.
Depending on the circumstances, and the nature of the harm suffered by the pedestrian victim, a number of different types of damages may be available, including medical expenses; future medical costs; lost wages; lost future earnings; out-of-pocket expenses; and pain and suffering damages. At times, it may be necessary to know how to manage the victim’s own health insurance carrier to ensure proper medical treatment and may also be necessary in other types of circumstances to secure a second medical opinion concerning the victim’s injuries.
There are some important steps in the process to help ensure victims of pedestrian accidents receive the help they need following a pedestrian accident. Because of the important protections available to pedestrian accident victims, victims should understand the resources available to them.
