Why Pedestrians Involved in Car Accidents Should Hire a Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents can be traumatic and life-changing. When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the injuries sustained are often critical and require extensive medical attention. The damages can be costly, and the recovery process can be long, even permanent. As a pedestrian involved in a car accident, you may have legal rights and may deserve to be compensated by the driver who hit you. To ensure that your rights are protected, it is crucial to hire a lawyer. Here are some of the reasons why hiring a lawyer is essential in seeking compensation for a pedestrian accident.

Legal Expertise
Hiring a lawyer after a pedestrian accident provides you with a legal expert who understands the intricacies of the legal system. Seeking guidance from a lawyer can provide valuable insights into your legal rights and assist you in navigating the intricate process of initiating a lawsuit. They can also negotiate and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. This legal expertise ensures that you have a higher chance of receiving a fair compensation amount that covers the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Gathering Evidence
A lawyer can help you gather evidence that supports your case. This could involve interviewing witnesses, examining medical records, and conducting an investigation at the accident scene. The lawyer's expertise ensures that they know what evidence to collect and how to present it effectively. They can also file a subpoena to obtain relevant information like CCTV footage, toxicology reports, and accident report details.

Calculating Damages
A collision involving a pedestrian can result in severe injuries, some of which may be long-lasting. In such cases, calculating the damages is essential, and a lawyer would accurately calculate them. The damages could include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other non-economic damages like emotional trauma and pain and suffering. A lawyer can ensure that all the damages are accounted for and fought for to be rightfully compensated.

Handling the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies employ a group of attorneys dedicated to safeguarding the company's interests. These companies have extensive resources at their disposal and are likely to use them to minimize any potential payouts. A lawyer would protect you from the tactics that these companies use. The lawyer would handle all communication with insurance adjusters, protect you from accepting inadequate compensation, and represent your rights in court if the need arises.

Statutes of Limitations
There are statutes of limitations for pursuing a pedestrian accident lawsuit. This is the time limit in which you can file your case. As such, time is critical in a pedestrian accident case, and acting promptly is essential. A lawyer would prevent any obstacles that might arise due to missed deadlines and would take the proper steps to ensure your case is filed as soon as possible.

Contact a local auto accident attorney to learn more.