When looking at European nations with similar national travel surveys and levels of affluence, pedestrians in the United States are injured and killed at a much higher rate. More than 700 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2022 compared to 369 pedestrians in the United Kingdom. In the event that you are injured as a pedestrian in the U.S., you will want to find the best personal pedestrian injury accident attorneys to help you obtain an above-average pedestrian injury settlement.
What Causes Pedestrian Car Accidents?
No one walks out the door expecting to be a pedestrian hit by a car, truck, or bus. In 2021 alone, over 117,081 pedestrians required hospital treatment for injuries sustained in such accidents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened awareness among pedestrians in the United States.
The majority of pedestrian accidents can be attributed to driver negligence. This takes many forms, including:
- Impaired driving: A person driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is less likely to see a pedestrian or react quickly and appropriately if they do see someone in the roadway. In 2019, alcohol was a factor in nearly half of crashes that resulted in a pedestrian death.
- Failing to follow traffic laws: When drivers fail to follow the roadway laws, they put everyone around them at risk – especially those unprotected on the road. Whether it’s running a red light or making an illegal U-turn, it puts pedestrians at risk of being struck and injured.
- Speeding: The faster a car is traveling the less time they have to react to someone on the road and come to a complete stop. Higher vehicle speeds increase the likelihood of a pedestrian being struck by a car as well as the injury severity.
- Distracted driving: Anything that takes the driver’s focus and attention away from the road is dangerous for pedestrians, including texting, eating, or engaging with other passengers in the car.
- Faulty car equipment: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the majority of pedestrian accidents in 2021 happened between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dark road conditions are a major factor in whether or not a driver can see people in the roadway. If the lights on their car are not properly functioning, it can impede their vision even more.
No matter the cause, it’s important for pedestrians to understand their rights and what type of compensation they are entitled to if they are injured in an accident. Working with one of the best pedestrian accident law firms will help determine the next steps.
How Do I Know If It Is a Pedestrian At Fault Car Accident?
Due to the dense urban environment and heavy traffic in Los Angeles, pedestrians face unique challenges. If you are involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you must first make sure you receive the proper medical attention for your injuries. Then, you will want to contact an experienced personal pedestrian accidents attorney.
Determining, and then proving, who is at fault is critical to helping you receive compensation for your injuries. This process involves a thorough investigation of the accident scene, gathering of witness statements, and analysis of any available surveillance footage. It can be difficult or tricky to navigate accident fault determination rules and a lawyer by your side can help navigate the process.
How Do I Receive an Above-Average Pedestrian Injury Settlement?
Many people wonder, “How much is my car accident settlement worth?” Settlement amounts vary depending on a variety of factors. It can range from $5,000 to upwards of $1M. While each accident is unique That’s why we have pedestrian accidents attorneys to help. The following are the most important considerations when it comes to determining the settlement amount:
- Extent of injuries: Medical bills, loss of past or future lost wages, and mental pain and suffering factor into settlement amounts. Unsurprisingly, the more severe the injury, the higher the settlement. A pedestrian who suffers a traumatic brain injury faces a longer, more complicated road to recovery than someone who sprained an ankle, and they should be compensated for it.
- Who is determined to be at fault: It’s important to compile evidence that the accident and injury were caused by driver negligence, including police reports, eyewitness accounts, and surveillance videos.
- Insurance coverage: More often than not, insurance companies pay some if not all of pedestrian accident settlements. However, it’s important to note that a car insurance policy will only pay up to policy limits. This could be less than $50,000 depending on the state minimum for liability insurance. A pedestrian accident attorney can help navigate the complexities of insurance policies and ensure that clients receive fair compensation for their injuries.
At Avrek Law, we don’t just handle cases, we champion for your rights. Our pedestrian accident attorneys, armed with extensive knowledge and a proven track record, will strategize to secure the settlement you rightfully deserve. With over 50 years of combined experience, we’ve resolved cases in favor of clients who were wrongfully injured, recovering more than $1 billion in compensation for injury victims in over 45,000 cases. Reach out to us at (866) 598-5548 for a free consultation and let us guide you through this challenging time.
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