Pedestrian accidents are increasing at an alarming rate in the United States. In 2021, 7,388 pedestrians died in traffic accidents, a significant 12.5% increase compared to 2020. On average, one pedestrian dies every 71 minutes or is injured every nine minutes.
The main causes of pedestrian accidents include speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. With this rise in pedestrian accidents, many people are wondering, “Where can I find the best pedestrian accident attorney?” These tips will allow you to find the right attorney for your circumstances.
Seek Out a Personal Injury Law Firm
Law is a vast field of study, and it’s essential to find a pedestrian accident attorneys specializing in personal injuries, auto accidents, and, even more specifically, a pedestrian injury accident law firm. A personal injury lawyer will help those who have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence. Pedestrian accidents occur when a car, truck, motorcycle, or even bicycle strikes a pedestrian. Even if the pedestrian has partial fault due to jaywalking or falling, they can still be entitled to compensation.
Find a Local Lawyer
Laws surrounding automotive accidents vary significantly by state. For instance, in New Jersey, vehicles must stop for pedestrians at marked crosswalks but only need to yield to pedestrians at unmarked crosswalks and intersections. Meanwhile, in Sacramento, California, vehicles only need to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks. These small differences can make the difference in answering questions like, is a driver always at fault when hitting a pedestrian?
Finding a pedestrian accident attorney who knows the intricate laws and regulations of the state where the accident occurred is vital. They will know the ins and outs of the specific situations to ensure that the pedestrian hit by the car gets the maximum compensation and provide realistic advice based on who is at fault.
Find a Lawyer With the Right Experience
When trying to find the right lawyer for a specific case, looking at their previous experience is important. While a personal injury law firm may practice in the right area of law, have they worked as a pedestrian accident attorney and won for their clients?
A lawyer should ideally have experience dealing with similar cases. More experience is more valuable, but only if the experience matches the same situation. It’s possible to get as specific as the type of pedestrian accident, such as one involving a motorcycle or a truck and pedestrian accident.
Research the Lawyer’s Fee
Every lawyer will charge different fees, and it’s important to discuss this in an initial consultation. Depending on the lawyer, they may charge hourly fees, a retainer that includes a minimum amount of pre-paid hours, a one-time flat fee, or a contingency fee. When looking for personal pedestrian injury accident attorneys, only look for those with contingency fees. Contingency fees are when the client only pays if they win the case. If won, the lawyer keeps an agreed-upon percentage of the court-awarded winnings. Since most personal injury cases last for an extended period, the injured party shouldn’t have to pay anything upfront, and it lowers their personal risk.
Establish Good Communication
Lastly, when looking for a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to find one that establishes good communication right from the first meeting. This person may be part of the client’s life for months or even years, and the client should feel comfortable and positive about their professional relationship. Before entering into a contract or securing a lawyer, the potential client can see how quickly they respond to requests, how honest and upfront they are, and the other people they might work with, including support staff and paralegals.
Work With the Experienced Team at Avrek Law
If you’re still wondering, “Where can I find the best pedestrian accidents attorneys?”, contact the team at Avrek Law. We specialize in pedestrian accidents in several states and have worked on more than 45,000 cases to secure more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Contact us to set up a free consultation or to learn more about our no win, no fee policy.
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