What to Expect When Working with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Every passenger and driver takes a risk by being on the road. There were 5,930,496 reported road accidents in 2022. But those inside the vehicle aren’t the only ones at risk–for pedestrians, the hazard is often much greater. They have no protection if they are struck by a vehicle. And, unfortunately, pedestrian accidents and fatalities have been increasing as our roads get busier and busier.

If you’re a pedestrian involved in a car accident, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries and losses. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue that compensation, helping you recover and move forward. In this blog post, we’ll explore pedestrian accidents and how working with a pedestrian accident attorney works.

An Overview of Pedestrian Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can involve collisions between vehicles and other cars, motorcycles, or pedestrians. When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, injuries are often more extensive, since they have no shield from the car and the unforgiving concrete. The majority of pedestrian accidents occur when it is dark out. Approximately 42% of accidents involve alcohol impairment.

The driver is often the one liable for the accident. By law, drivers are required to be alert to their surroundings and avoid hitting pedestrians even if there isn’t a crosswalk. Still, it’s not uncommon that the pedestrian and driver share the blame. If the pedestrian was jaywalking, they would probably be at least partially liable for the accident. Additionally, in cases of impairment, it is more often the pedestrian who is impaired than the driver. 

Determining Fault with Comparative Negligence

In accidents where blame is shared, contributory or comparative negligence is used to determine liability and compensation, depending on the state. Washington State uses comparative negligence. This means your compensation will typically be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 30% at fault for the accident, you can only receive 70% compensation.

Working with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

You don’t need to hire a lawyer for a pedestrian or car accident. However, it is often the best choice to do so. A pedestrian accident lawyer defends your rights and makes sure you get fairly compensated for your injuries. They have the experience and knowledge to help you succeed in complicated, frustrating claims or lawsuits.

What Does a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do?

A pedestrian accident lawyer can help with every aspect of your case. You can work with a lawyer from the beginning, or you can hire them somewhere in the middle when challenges arise. Your attorney will provide the following benefits and services:

• Case evaluation: When you consult a pedestrian accident lawyer, they’ll review the details of your case to determine its strengths and weaknesses. They can offer guidance on how much compensation you may be owed, or if the case is unlikely to succeed.
  
• Evidence and case building: Once you hire a lawyer, they get to work building your case. They will gather evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness testimonies. This takes the burden off you to handle extensive paperwork and phone calls. Your pedestrian lawyer knows exactly the type of evidence needed to build a strong case.
  
• Determining liability: Identifying who is at fault is crucial, and the more you can prove the driver’s fault, the better your outcome. A lawyer understands the laws and intricacies of establishing liability.
  
• Negotiating with insurance companies: The driver’s insurance company will likely try to settle with you outside of court, but it’s in their best interest to pay as little as possible. Lawyers are experienced negotiators who know how to deal with stingy insurance adjusters and advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
  
• Representing you in court: If a settlement can’t be reached and it turns into a lawsuit, having a lawyer represent you in court significantly enhances your chances of a favorable outcome, and saves you significant stress.

How Much Does a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Cost?

Many people worry that they can’t afford a lawyer after a car accident, but the good news is, that you can! A pedestrian lawyer generally works on a contingency basis. That means they only get paid if you win the case. In other words, you won’t pay anything out of pocket, and you know your lawyer has an incentive to help you succeed. That contingency fee often pays for itself since you are more likely to succeed and win higher settlements with a lawyer’s help. 

Is Hiring a Lawyer Worth It? 

Hiring a lawyer greatly increases your likelihood of success and usually results in higher settlements. In fact, those with lawyers typically receive three and a half times as much compensation as those who don’t. 

Even aside from the improved odds of success, a pedestrian accident lawyer offers other valuable benefits. When you file a claim alone, all the paperwork, back-and-forth communication, evidence collection, and negotiation are on you. That’s a lot to handle. Having a lawyer take care of all the details allows you to focus on your recovery.

Consult a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Capital Injury Law Today

A pedestrian accident can be devastating. Don’t face the overwhelming expenses and piling paperwork alone–let us take the burden off your shoulders and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Capital Injury Law’s team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Tacoma will work with you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation!