When To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney

Selasa, 16 Januari 2018

When To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney

Many people choose to hire an accident lawyer after they've been involved in a car crash that results in personal injury and monetary losses.

Why Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Technically, you can file a personal injury claim against an insurance company by yourself. Some people choose this route when they've suffered only mild injuries and have the time to research the legal claims process themselves. Also, skipping an attorney will save you some money in legal fees.

However, an accident attorney— especially a personal injury attorney—can help you go up against big auto insurance companies and their team of lawyers. Your attorney already knows the personal injury laws and procedural rules and can effectively handle all the legwork for you. He or she will act as your advocate throughout the entire case.

Because an insurance company's lawyers have the knowledge to reduce compensation and even deny the claim altogether, hiring an accident attorney is the best option for people who:

Have suffered severe injuries.
Are faced with expensive medical bills.
Have experienced a significant loss of wages due to their injuries.
Reasons to Consult an Accident Attorney
Consider hiring an accident attorney if any of the following apply to you.

Auto Accident Injuries
Severe Injuries

Generally, the severity of your personal injuries is measured by the:

Type of injury (or injuries) you've sustained.
Length of time it takes (or will take) for you to recover.
Cost of medical bills (and any other therapeutic procedures) you've incurred.
This also can include the estimated cost of future medical procedures.
Long-Term or Permanently Disabling Injuries

Generally speaking, a long-term injury is one that lasts for around a year or longer, while a permanent injury is one that disables you for life. These types of personal injuries seriously affect your ability to become and stay employed—not to mention the quality of your life.

Proving long-term and permanently disabling injuries can be tricky business, and your personal injury attorney probably will consult with each medical professional you've seen. He or she even might request the presence of your medical professionals during any legal proceedings.

Disputed Liability
When an insurance company disputes its policyholder's liability for the car crash, the company is basically saying that the policyholder is not at fault (or is at least claiming you don't have enough proof of fault) and, therefore, the insurance company is not responsible for paying for your damages.

An accident attorney will help you provide this proof and show that the other party was indeed at fault.

Refusal to Pay
Refusal to pay (which can but doesn't necessarily stem from a disputed liability) or refusal to pay a fair amount is when an insurance company outright won't make a fair settlement offer—or any offer at all.

DMV.org Insurance Finder

Join 1,972,984 Americans who searched DMV.org for car insurance rates:

Please Enter Your Zip:
e.g. 92109
  Continue
Tips for Hiring an Accident Lawyer
Because of possible situations such as statutes of limitations (which can vary by state), it's important to hire a personal injury attorney and get the claims process going as quickly as possible; however, you don't want to hire the first attorney for whom you see a billboard on the highway.

Consider these tips as you look for the right accident lawyer.

Personal Injury Focus
Just as there are many different doctors who focus on many different areas of medicine, there is a wide range of lawyers from which to choose.

As you choose your accident lawyer, make sure he or she focuses on personal injury accidents.

NOTE: Some states' State Bar websites have directories of attorneys organized by their areas of practice.

Car Accident Experience
Not all personal injury attorneys have experience with cases that deal with personal injury caused by a car accident. Some focus more on slip-and-fall accidents, others on work-related injuries, and others still on premise liability cases.

Make sure the attorney you choose has represented individuals who've suffered personal injuries specifically related to car crashes.

Attorney's Reputation
Perhaps nothing spreads reputation more powerfully than word of mouth, and in this day and age you can go beyond just talking to people about their own personal injury attorney experiences to actually researching these attorneys yourself. Simply hop online, search the attorneys' names, and see what others have to say about him or her.

Dedication to Your Case
Here, you'll want to consider a couple of factors.

First, take a look at the attorney's current caseload. While it's not impossible for a skilled lawyer to juggle multiple cases at one time (actually, it's pretty normal), you probably don't want to put your trust in the hands of an attorney whose focus is spread uncomfortably thin.

Second, consider how the attorney treats you and your case. Sure, you probably won't communicate every day, but does your lawyer regularly update you on your claim's status? Make him- or herself available to answer your questions? Return your phone calls in a timely fashion?

Comfort Level
Finally, evaluate your comfort level with the attorney.

You can start gauging your comfort level from the beginning (for example, how do you feel about the attorney's success rate with car accident cases?) and continue beyond the time you hire him or her.

Sometimes, evaluating your comfort level can prevent you from hiring a personal injury attorney who isn't well suited for your case; other times, it might convince you it's time to change course with a new attorney.

Just remember, you suffered personal injury and monetary loss due to a car crash you believe someone else caused. Use these tips—and trust your gut—as you search for the right accident lawyer.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

If you've been involved in a car accident, you may need to hire a car accident lawyer. A good car accident lawyer can help you recover losses resulting from a motor vehicle accident and/or reduce the hefty amount of paperwork, "red tape," and hassle often associated with car accident insurance claims. Knowing when to contact or hire a car accident lawyer can make the difference between a justly resolved case and owing or losing large monetary damages.

Below is important information you need to know about hiring a car accident lawyer.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, car accidents are everyday occurrences. Most personal injury claims in the U.S. are a result of an accident involving a car, truck, or other motor vehicle. Many of these accidents result in minor vehicle damage in the form of a "fender bender," and can generally be handled alone through direct contact with an insurance company. However, car accidents that involve physical injury, fatality, or other significant damage may warrant the legal representation of an experienced car accident attorney.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you get compensation to cover any losses incurred due to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and car repairs. In some states, a car accident lawyer may help you recover when a loved one is killed, especially if reckless driving, speeding, or drunk-driving was involved.

What to Look For in a Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents lawyers cover a range of issues stemming from personal injury, wrongful death, property destruction, and liability determinations. When looking for a car accident lawyer, you should concentrate on the lawyer's experience, skill level, commitment, location and fee structure.

For example, your car accident attorney should be well versed in state and national transportation laws, know how to deal with insurance and health care companies, and know how to effectively prepare and settle a case. Also, it's important that you check the attorney's background, references, and track record.

Lastly, a good attorney will typically accept your case on a contingency or "no win-no fee" basis if the attorney feels your case has any merit, so it's important to check the attorney's standard fee structure.

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

It is best to hire a car accident lawyer early to avoid any costly mistakes. The deadline for filing personal injury claims varies from state to state. Because you may need to pay for medical bills and/or cover lost wages, the sooner you contact an attorney the better. In general, a person should contact an attorney shortly after the accident occurs -- within a week or two of the accident -- but before reaching a settlement with the insurance company.

Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer

Before speaking with a car accident lawyer, you should have as much detailed information and facts about the car accident and any injuries or financial losses as possible. Documents you might want to show your attorney after a motor vehicle accident may include your insurance policy, information exchanged at the accident scene, and medical records, among other things. Below are some of the questions you should ask before hiring a car accident lawyer.

What percentage of your practice is devoted to car accident cases?
What experience do you have with the specific type of injury in question?
What is a typical settlement range for cases similar to mine?
How much of my car accident case will you actually handle?
How are your fees structured?
What out-of-pocket expenses am I responsible for?
Car Accident Lawyer Fees

Most car accident cases are handled on a contingency or "no win-no pay" basis. This means that if the attorney does not win or settle the case on your behalf, he or she does not collect a fee. On the other hand, if the attorney wins the case, the attorney will get a percentage of the personal injury award. The attorney's percentage varies from case to case, but can equal approximately one-third to 40% of the total award, with different limits imposed from state to state. It's important to note that attorney fees are different from costs, and you may be responsible for certain out-of-pocket expenses associated with your case.

Find Out More About Your Car Accident Claim with a Free Consultation
If you're interested in learning more about your claim, you can do so free of charge. A great first step in finding the right attorney and pursuing your claim is to contact an attorney who's experienced in auto accident law for a free claim evaluation. That way, you'll know more about the strength of your case and be better prepared to make crucial decisions going forward.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often involve unsuspecting pedestrians who become struck by a vehicle in spite of making reasonable attempts to protect themselves from injury. Many reported pedestrian accidents are linked to the negligent actions of drivers who fail to take proper safety precautions in ensuring they do not harm pedestrians in crosswalks and other areas where they are supposed to share the road with or respect the right of way of those traveling on foot.

The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

A failure by drivers to check for pedestrians in crosswalks prior to driving through them
Drivers failing to stop at stop signs or lights
Texting and other dangerous driver distractions
Drivers choosing to make turns without paying attention to their surroundings
Speeding
Driving under the influence
The range of injuries typically sustained from pedestrian accidents are moderate to severe, often leaving victims in need of substantial medical assistance to recover.

Pedestrian accident lawyers can help those injured as a result of the negligent or wrongful actions of drivers. Los Angeles pedestrian accident victims in these cases can receive help from experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorneys who will advocate on their behalf to get them just compensation for damages incurred as a result of their accident.

The Life Care Solutions Group is available to provide information for those seeking to learn more about their legal rights following an accident injury. Pedestrian accidents can be extremely difficult to endure and leave victims with serious injuries that can take a long time to recover from. We can provide information related to not only finding the appropriate legal avenues for pursuing compensation, but also life care planning for the difficult road ahead.

Contact the Life Care Solutions Group today for more information about how we may be able to assist you.

What to Do When You're Hit By a Car

One Sunday morning in March, as I was walking through a crosswalk on the way to buy groceries, a car turned left into me. I screamed as it knocked my hip, hard, and thrust me to the pavement. The driver stopped short and leaped out of the vehicle, shouting what seemed like nonsensical apologies as I cried and swore on the ground: I’m so sorry, I just didn’t see you.

Luckily, my injuries weren’t life-threatening: just a nasty bruise that smeared my hip for about a month and some very real PTSD.

The aftermath disturbed me the most. I wasn’t prepared for the game I had to play in order to ensure justice for myself.

Here’s what I mean: In the event of a collision, there are crucial steps pedestrians and cyclists must take to protect themselves, medically, financially, and legally. I took some of these steps, and failed to take others because I didn’t know that I should. There were real consequences to not knowing the right strategy.

So, reader, if you are ever hit by a car as a pedestrian or cyclist—or if you witness an accident of this kind—here’s what you need to do.

1. Stay Calm and Move Out of the Street
So you’ve been hit. You’re on the pavement or crumpled on your bike. Assuming you’re conscious, a mix of fury, incredulousness, and crazy levels of animal adrenaline are overwhelming you. These are the perfect ingredients for unleashing rage onto the driver. That won’t help you. Breathe and try to control your (very understandable) emotions. When police arrive on the scene, you will look more sympathetic. You’ll also be better able to communicate with the driver.

This is all easier said than done: I was swearing and and crying and yelling. A couple of kind witnesses helped diffuse my panic.

Then, if you can, move out of the street to a sidewalk or driveway.

2. Keep the Driver There
Even if you think you’re unharmed, do not let the driver leave. Peter Wilborn, a Charleston-based personal injury lawyer and founder of BikeLaw, a national network of bicycle and pedestrian attorneys, says it’s incredibly common to think you’re basically OK and shake off a driver, only to later find out you’ve got a broken wrist, rib, or worse.

“A lot of times, you perceive [injuries] to be very minor in the moment,” Wilborn says. “But not only are you in shock, you also might be embarrassed to admit you’re vulnerable. Lots of people almost apologize for the accident themselves.”

Your adrenaline may mask serious physical harm: After all, you, a soft sack of bones and flesh, just collided with two tons of moving steel. Calmly ask the driver to please stay while you wait for the police to arrive. If witnesses are gathering around you, ask them to stay, too.

If it’s a hit and run, try to snap a photo of the car’s license plate, or at least aim to make a mental note of its make and color. Also know that if you have auto insurance, you may be covered by an Uninsured Motorist clause on your policy, even though you weren’t driving.


Zoran Karapancev / Shutterstock.com
3. Call the Police—and Wait for Them
When I was hit, I didn’t call the police, thinking a) I was OK, which was mostly true, and b) I could always file an accident report after I’d calmed down, which was 100 percent false. When I rang a few hours later, at my mother’s behest, the officer let me know that I was too late, adding, “Next time, make sure you call us at the scene of the accident.”

Next time. Right.

No one is watching out for your best interests, except you.
So call then and there. A police accident report is an important form of documentation of the accident. And don’t feel guilty about the driver, OK? I definitely felt bad about incriminating someone. But the sad fact is, in this situation, no one else is watching out for your best interests, except you. A police report can help you strike up with the driver’s insurance company. You may have to wait a little, since 9-1-1 has a lot of incoming calls to triage, but it’s worth it—don’t leave the scene.

4. Collect the Driver’s Information and Take Tons of Photos
While you wait for the police to arrive, get all the motorist’s basics, as you would in the event of an auto collision: Driver’s license, insurance information, license plate number. Then whip out your phone and snap pictures of everything else. “Take photos of you, your bike, the car, the plates, the traffic light, the intersection, the street signs—anything you see,” says Gregory Billing, Advocacy Coordinator at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). “You can’t take too many photos.”

Most of these snapshots probably won’t end up being useful, but some could. If you file an insurance claim or lawsuit, there might be a misplaced sign or a hard-to-see traffic light that could help your case. And don’t assume you can come back later to capture this stuff: “In cities, the physical environment is always changing,” Billing adds.

If you’re not able to collect photos and information yourself—for example, my hands were shaking, and my cell phone memory was full—ask a bystander to help you. Jot down his or her information, as well: full name, phone number, and email address.

One thing not to do: Tweet about it. “Social media can be great later on, if you share your accident with local advocacy groups or let transportation officials know there’s a dangerous condition that contributed to the crash,” says Ken McLeod, Legal Specialist at the League of American Bicyclists. “But in a lawsuit, it can make it seem like you were negligent, checking your phone when you got hit. That can be used against you.”

5. When the Police Come, Make Your Voice Heard
Give the officer a complete account of what happened, from your perspective. Billing says that close to 40 percent of the police reports WABA has reviewed did not include a statement from the cyclist involved. This is particularly common in cases where the victim is transported immediately to urgent care.

Close to 40 percent of collision reports WABA has reviewed did not include a statement from the cyclist involved.
Don’t be shy about politely asking to check the officer’s facts. After a few days have passed, contact the police to see if you can review a copy of the report to make sure it’s accurate. If it’s not, fight to fix it. “Just because it’s written, doesn’t mean it’s not amendable,” says Wilborn. You might want to call a lawyer to help with this. More on that shortly.


Piotr Marcinski/Shutterstock.com
6. Seek Medical Attention ASAP
Even though my loved ones advised me to see a doctor that same morning, I didn’t. In the hours after the crash, my heart sped like a fan, tears came in waves, and my body felt frigid and burning at turns. Going to the E.R. sounded even more traumatic, so I waited until the next day.

It would have been better to go immediately, for a lot of reasons: 1) I could easily have broken or fractured something and not realized it, 2) I’d have received treatment more quickly, and 3) It would have helped my case when I later filed my insurance claim for my injuries.

And PTSD? It’s very real. If you’re experiencing emotional distress following the accident, go see a therapist. Help yourself.

7. Start an Insurance Claim
Call up the driver’s insurance company and open a claim. Do not give them more than cursory information about what happened: That you were hit as a pedestrian or cyclist by this driver on this day and time in this city. They will likely pressure you to give a full narrative of what happened, whether you’ve seen a doctor, filed a report, and so on. You don’t have to disclose any of this, and you shouldn’t until you’ve consulted with a lawyer. They will badger you with emails and phone calls asking for your account. Don’t give it to them—you might accidentally say something that hurts you.

Then start documenting your related expenses: Medical bills, receipts for taxis you had to take, charges for fixing your bike, lost wages—all of it. You’re going to give it all to the insurance company eventually.

8. Call a Lawyer
After I’d filed my claim and seen a couple of doctors, I called three D.C. area personal injury lawyers who listed pedestrian collisions as a specialty. I wanted advice on how to craft my letter to the insurance company, in which I’d give my account of what happened and ask for damages.

And all three refused, saying they were barred from offering advice without representing me. Frustrated but determined, I wrote a letter on my own, asking for my medical expenses covered, plus some money for the psychological distress I’d experienced. The insurance company ended up cutting me a small check, a couple hundred bucks over my doctor’s bill.

Wilborn says I needn’t have gone it alone, and if I hadn’t, I’d have likely received more than I did. He says that he, or any of the lawyers in the BikeLaw network, would have helped me out—for free, or a nominal fee.

It’s not easy to play the game all by yourself.
“When a cyclist or pedestrian gets hit, we don’t have someone in our corner,” says Billing. “And you’re up against the driver who has a team and legal infrastructure in the form of their insurance, trying to find ways to give you less.”

So talk to a lawyer, even if it seems unnecessary. “You can’t do this by yourself,” Wilborn says. “I don’t care how smart or intelligent you are: My letter means more to an insurance company than yours.” ​Plus, lawyers might provide information you’d never otherwise be privy to.

When You Witness Someone Else Get Hit
The victim needs assistance, even if he or she appears OK. So consider it a moral imperative that you help the victim follow steps one through six, assuming you are not physically endangering yourself by doing so. Diffuse the situation by being a calm presence. Make sure the driver sticks around. Call the police. Collect the driver’s information. Help the pedestrian or cyclist seek medical attention. And give your testimony to the police—your corroboration of the events can help the victim later on.

“Every witness should get involved,” Wilborn says. “Our system relies upon people having not just courage, but the dignity to respond.”

Help victims protect themselves. It’s not easy to play the game all by yourself.

Top image courtesy of Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com

The Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents usually fly under the radar because the majority of pedestrians never report their accident to the police. These catastrophic accidents are usually caused by the negligence or inattentiveness of a driver, but other factors such as driver confusion or aggressive driving significantly increase the chance of pedestrian accidents as well.

A pedestrian is defined as a person walking along a road or in a developed area such as a neighborhood. When pedestrians choose to walk down a street with a high level of motor vehicle traffic, they are automatically putting themselves at greater risk for an accident. Many people do not consider the potential danger before they decide to walk alongside a street. Even if a pedestrian stays
FIND MORE LEGAL ARTICLES

Type any word(s)
SEARCH
on the sidewalk and waits for a protected signal before crossing intersections, they cannot predict or control the actions of motor vehicle drivers.

Almost every pedestrian accident is caused by the negligence or inattentiveness of an automobile or motorcycle driver. One of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents is driver inattentiveness that results from talking on cell phones, eating while driving, programming a GPS, applying make-up or a variety of other activities. Driver confusion can also lead to accidents, especially when a driver is unfamiliar with the territory or when a one-way street is involved.

In busy cities, aggressive driving is a main cause of many pedestrian accidents. This is because drivers are more likely to violate traffic signals and display fits of road rage that result in unsafe speeds and unlawful turning. For example, a study by the Municipal Transportation Agency investigated the most common maneuvers drivers performed immediately prior to a pedestrian accident. The study found that drivers were making a left turn, making a right turn, backing up or making a U-turn immediately before hitting or injuring a pedestrian.

Pedestrians must be aware of these potentials for danger whenever they take to the roads, and must do their part to follow safety laws. A pedestrian can be responsible for their injuries when they ignore the “walk” signal at an intersection or choose to not use the designated crosswalk areas to cross the road or intersection. A pedestrian is also likely to be involved in an accident when he or she darts in front of a vehicle, doesn’t wear reflective gear at night, or disrupts the normal flow of traffic. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your accident, it is important for you to contact a pedestrian accident attorney if you have suffered injury as a pedestrian.

The NHTSA reported 59,000 pedestrian injuries across the United States in 2009. Only a fraction of pedestrian crashes that cause injury are ever recorded by the police, and this means that countless of injured pedestrians choose to suffer without the financial help that may be available to them. Approximately 107.4 million Americans choose walking as a regular mode of travel for both social and work purposes. Walking may seem like a great way to exercise and enjoy beautiful scenery or weather, but it is important for pedestrians to understand their rights as a pedestrian under both federal and state laws in case of a serious injury.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Givens Personal Injury Law Group
The Givens Personal Injury Law Group is highly experienced in the realm of personal injury law as it pertains to pedestrian accidents. With over 85 years of combined legal experience, their legal team has handled all types of personal cases and can assist you with filing a claim for your accident. Personal injuries should never be taken lightly, and our firm understands how our work can significantly affect the future of every one of our clients.

We are passionate about helping our clients recover the compensation that they deserve and need to fully recover from their injuries, and we will stop at nothing short of success. A knowledgeable Tampa personal injury lawyer from our firm is waiting to provide you with high-quality care and legal support for your accident.

Copyright Givens Givens Sparks, PLLC
More information about Givens Givens Sparks, PLLC

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.

Pedestrian Accidents Overview

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that each year nearly 5,000 pedestrians die in motor vehicle related accidents, and approximately 76,000 pedestrians in 2012 suffered injuries when hit by a car or truck. These accidents can occur when pedestrians attempt to cross highways. In addition to pedestrian-vehicle incidents, thousands of non-vehicular pedestrian accidents also occur annually. Poor maintenance, sidewalk or parking lot defects, and construction or other debris on walkways can also cause these accidents.

Whether injured by a vehicle or property defect, a pedestrian may recover damages for the injuries suffered if someone else's negligence caused or contributed to the incident. Negligence is the failure to do (or not do) something that a reasonable person in a similar situation would, to protect others from foreseeable risks. To establish negligence in a pedestrian accident, the injured person (the "plaintiff") must prove that the person at fault (the "defendant"):

Owed a legal duty to the plaintiff under the circumstances
Failed to fulfill ("breached") that legal duty through action or inaction
Caused an accident or injury involving the plaintiff
Harmed or injured the plaintiff as a result
When a pedestrian is injured, there may be more than one party with legal responsibility for the accident. Depending on the circumstances, potential liable parties include:

The driver of a vehicle that strikes a pedestrian
The party responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, road, or parking lot where
The pedestrian himself or herself
Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents

Usually, pedestrian-vehicle accident cases hinge on the duty of care owed by those involved. Both drivers and pedestrians must follow the rules of the road and exercise reasonable care. In many cases, it may seem obvious who was negligent, but the courts look at numerous factors in applying the facts to the negligence elements. A person who negligently operates a vehicle may be required to pay damages for personal and property damage caused by that negligence.

Driver's Duty of Care

Generally, drivers must exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. Failure to do so is considered negligence. A few of the most common factors contributing to driver negligence are:

Distracted driving
Speeding
Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks
Disobeying traffic signs or signals
Failing to signal while turning
Disregarding weather or traffic conditions
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Driver's Special Duty of Care to Children

Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are at the greatest risk of being hit by a vehicle. Children are smaller and less visible and they can be unpredictable. The law imposes a higher duty of care on drivers when it comes to children. The presence of children is a warning of danger to the driver to exercise greater care. Thus, a driver must exercise a greater degree of care when they know or should know that small children are at play in the area; for example, while driving by schools, parks, and residential areas.

Pedestrian's Duty of Care

A pedestrian must exercise reasonable care for his or her own safety. The care required must be proportionate to the danger to be avoided and reasonably anticipated consequences. Contributory negligence may be assessed against a pedestrian if they failed to exercise such care and contributed to the cause of their own injuries.

A few of the most common factors contributing to pedestrian negligence are:

Ignoring the "walk" signal at an intersection
Entering traffic and disrupt the flow
Failing to use marked crosswalks
Darting in front of a vehicle
Other Pedestrian Accidents

The legal area of premises liability controls claims for losses based on the actions of property owners or possessors, including most non-vehicular related pedestrian accidents. In most states, those in control of land have a duty to maintain their property and a duty to warn people of hazards on it.

To recover damages in a premises liability case, the injured party must prove a dangerous condition exists; that is something on the property that presents an unreasonable risk to people on it, and the risk isn’t obvious. Knowledge of the dangerous condition is established by showing that:

The owner created the condition; or
The owner knew the condition existed and negligently failed to correct it; or
The condition existed for such a length of time that it should’ve been discovered and corrected prior to the incident.
While a property owner will be responsible when a dangerous condition exists on his or her private walkways, such an owner isn’t usually responsible for injuries resulting from a fall on a public sidewalk located outside his or her property, especially when this property is owned and maintained by a city or town. However, some courts will impose liability on a business owner when business customers exclusively use the public sidewalk.

If You’re Involved in a Pedestrian Accident

People who may be legally responsible for your injuries might try to blame you for the accident, by claiming that your own negligence caused the accident. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you should do the following:

Call the police immediately
Don’t leave the scene of the accident before help arrives
Gather names and phone numbers of any witnesses
Don’t make any statements to anyone, including drivers and insurers
Need Legal Help? Have an Attorney Look at Your Case for Free

If you or someone you love has been in a pedestrian accident and was hurt, you may be wondering what to do next. Because of statutes of limitation, you only have a set amount of time to bring a claim for your injuries. Thankfully, you can have an attorney provide a free evaluation of your clam, with no further obligation. Then, you'll have a clearer idea of what your next steps should be, while focusing on getting your health back on track.