Automobile accidents involving pedestrians occur frequency. In fact, thousands of pedestrians are involved in such collisions each year. These incidents are usually caused by reckless motorists.
A pedestrian may be entitled to restitution for the injuries they sustained during the accident. If you were struck by a vehicle you believe to be by a negligent motorist, consult with a Midwest City pedestrian accident lawyer. A conversation with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney may be the first step towards receiving financial compensation.
Common Causes of Vehicular Accidents Involving Pedestrians
Automobile accidents involving pedestrians can be caused by many different circumstances, which could include:
- Aggressive drivers
- Motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or other mind or reflex-altering substances
- Distracted drivers (such as those texting on cellphones)
- Motorists executing improper lane changes
Other factors may also lead to car accidents involving pedestrians. Plaintiffs could speak with a pedestrian accident attorney in Midwest City who can review the facts surrounding the claim and help create a plan to recover damages.
Compensation in Midwest City Accidents
Automobile impacts with pedestrians may cause significant injuries. Even at low speeds, collisions with cars can cause physical injuries such as bone fractures and internal injuries. Collisions between cars and pedestrians that occur at higher speeds are likely to produce even more severe physical and internal damages.
When this happens, the injured pedestrian may be able to bring a claim for damages. Damages a claimant might seek might include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future lost professional earnings
- Emotional distress
Depending on the specific circumstances, a person may need to ask to recover other damages. After reviewing the case, a Midwest City pedestrian accident lawyer could identify other potential damages that should be sought.
What a Plaintiff Must Prove in Pedestrian Accident Claims
To win this type of personal injury case, a claimant must successfully prove that the motorist was negligent and directly caused the incident. They also must show that the injuries sustained by the claimant are directly correlated to the accident and that compensation is a result of those injuries.
Before a claimant is able to proceed with a civil case, an adjudicating body first must determine which party or parties were responsible for causing the crash. Depending on the accident the responsible parties could include the motorist, the city government if an issue in the road prevented the driver from seeing the pedestrian, or a manufacturer if there was a defect in the car that prevented the driver from stopping in time. An experienced attorney could help a person understand which party they could hold responsible.
If a pedestrian was crossing against a light or outside a sidewalk, they may also be considered partially at fault. If a claimant is 50 percent or less to blame, they would be able to recoup damages. The percentage of blame assigned to a claimant will typically proportionally reduce the amount of damages they would be entitled to recover.
Contact a Midwest City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
While they may be overlooked, vehicle accidents involving pedestrians occur frequently and have the potential to cause severe, if not disabling injuries. Motorists deemed negligent might be required to compensate the injured pedestrian.
Pedestrians hurt in an accident they believe was caused by a driver are urged to contact a Midwest City pedestrian accident lawyer today. An attorney can review the facts of the case to help determine whether they have a viable claim.