Copyright © 2023 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.
Although far less common than collisions between motor vehicles, pedestrian accidents have the potential for catastrophic injuries. In many cases, the injuries from these accidents can be fatal. For pedestrians that survive a collision with a motor vehicle, their life could change forever.
If you were severely injured in a motor vehicle accident, you could have a claim for monetary compensation. Pursing an injury claim is never simple, but a Washington DC pedestrian accident lawyer could assist you with all the complexities of a lawsuit. Let an experienced personal injury attorney at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. review your case and advise you on your legal options.
Most accidents involving pedestrians occur as a result of driver negligence. Negligence is a legal standard that involves harm resulting from a careless, reckless, or intentional act. Negligence can result in pedestrian accidents in many ways.
Some pedestrian accidents occur due to a driver’s failure to keep a proper lookout. This could involve a motorist striking a pedestrian walking along a roadway or even crossing at an intersection.
Other examples of negligence involve drivers who are not paying full attention to the roadway. This can include motorists that are distracted by their mobile device or under the influence of alcohol.
While most pedestrian accidents occur as the result of driver negligence, these cases can occur due to mistakes made by the vehicle manufacturer. When a vehicle or one of its parts is defective, it can result in an unexpected accident. This is especially true when the brakes or steering column of a vehicle are defective. No matter the specific cause of the crash, a dedicated Washington DC pedestrian accident attorney can work toward building a strong negligence case.
Due to the severity of the injuries in many pedestrian accidents, the potential compensation in these claims is substantial. No two car accident claims are identical. This means the value of each case will depend on the facts. The following types of compensation are common with many pedestrian accident claims.
The cost of medical treatment is often one of the major expenses after a pedestrian accident. These costs extend far beyond emergency room care. Medical costs can also include additional surgeries, follow-up visits, prescription medication, and prosthetic devices, among other things. A successful injury claim could recoup these costs.
Many pedestrian accidents result in scarring and disfigurement that will never heal. This can include anything from burn scars to amputation. When a pedestrian suffers permanent disfigurement, they can seek compensation for the impact it has on their quality of life.
Missing time away from work is one of the most difficult challenges following an injury. In some cases, a pedestrian may be too injured to ever return to the workforce. An injury suit can seek compensation for lost wages during a pedestrian’s recovery. Additionally, it can also seek damages for any future lost wages as well.
Every pedestrian injured in an accident with a motor vehicle should have two priorities. The first is to seek immediate medical care. The second is to protect their legal rights by speaking with experienced legal counsel.
A Washington DC pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue an injury claim following your accident, even if you are uninsured. Call Gelb & Gelb, P.C. today to get started on your case.
Copyright © 2023 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.