Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer life-changing injuries. Having an attorney to help you navigate what to do after an incident like this is critical. If you don’t get help protecting your legal rights, you could be left with an unfair financial burden as a result of the accident.
Common Causes for Pedestrian Accidents
Accidents involving pedestrians hit by cars can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Losing control over the vehicle
- Pedestrians jaywalking
- Drug and alcohol use by drivers
- Weather conditions
- Backing up accidents
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
The sheer force of being struck by a vehicle can cause extensive injuries to a person’s body. In severe cases, it can cause a loss of life.
Some of the most common injuries sustained by pedestrians include:
- Broken bones including arms, legs, and the skull
- Back and neck injuries including spinal cord-related injuries
- Amputations especially of the legs and arms if pinned
- Nerve damage, especially when there is spinal cord damage
- Organ damage including lacerations
- Face, eye, and dental injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
If you are struck by a vehicle, visit the emergency room to have all injuries documented and treated. Do this even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries, especially internal damage, are hard to notice on the outside.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian and Car Accident
It’s important to be aggressive in getting the care you need after this type of accident. If you are able to do so, or if someone with you can, take the following steps after an accident to protect your right to compensation.
- Get screened for medical needs. Head to the ER for comprehensive evaluation. Report any type of injuries to your doctor in the days following, especially if they are new. Follow up with your doctor as directed. Be sure to keep records of what types of care you receive.
- Gather evidence. If you can do so, gather evidence to document what occurred. Write down the names and phone numbers of witnesses, as well as your own account of the accident. If possible, take photos of the entire scene from several different angles.
- File a police report. Be sure to provide facts to the police about what happened. Don’t admit any guilt in the situation, but provide information about what occurred.
- Contact your attorney. Call a Nebraska personal injury attorney to discuss your case as soon as possible. Avoid talking to an insurance adjuster without your attorney.
Types of Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident
After you’ve been in an accident, you may be able to file a claim for all losses you’ve suffered as a result of another person’s negligence. This can be complex, especially when you have extensive injuries. Some types of pedestrian accident compensation include:
- Medical bill claims including from emergency rooms, specialists, and ongoing appointments
- Rehabilitation care
- Surgical procedure costs
- Hospitalization costs
- Disability expenses if you cannot return to work
- Future health costs if you suffer a lasting injury
- Loss of quality of life
- Lost time at work
- Emotional and mental distress
- Pain and suffering
Your pedestrian accident attorney will work with you to help you document your losses based on Nebraska's car accident liability laws. Because of their experience and ability to understand not just current losses but potential future losses, they can guide you in filing a claim that’s accurate. They will also negotiate with an injury adjuster or pursue the case in a court of law.
Connect With Our Nebraska Personal Injury Attorney Today
What’s happened to you is devastating, but you can pursue legal action to recoup your losses. At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, we can protect your right to a fair recovery. Chat with us online now or call for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
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