After A Pedestrian Is Hit, Who Covers Their Medical Expenses?

After A Pedestrian Is Hit, Who Covers Their Medical Expenses?

When another party acts intentionally, recklessly or negligently, hurting another in the process, they are responsible for paying expenses for injuries or losses incurred by the person they injured or family members of the person killed. In pedestrian accidents, victims of these incident can sustain severe injuries including broken bones, organ damage or traumatic brain injuries. Addressing these injuries can be costly which is why it’s so important to seek the advice of a lawyer at Golden State Lawyers who has the right experience. The lawyers at Golden State Lawyers will understand that at-fault parties are reluctant to pay up right away and often cite unnecessary delays to make a low settlement offer seem more appealing. In these cases, the injured person may need to file a lawsuit. The at-fault person’s assets, the extent of the injuries, and both parties’ insurance are important in determining what money the injured person might receive.

What Are Some Causes of Pedestrian Injuries?

When pedestrians are hit, fair or accurate or not, investigating police officers commonly blame the pedestrian. Fortunately, their opinions are often misinformed and are certainly not the end of the story for a negligence claim. Drivers assume a duty of care when they get behind the wheel and are responsible for upholding this duty by operating their vehicles safely and responsibly. Here are some common causes of pedestrian injuries:

• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Road rage
• Driving while distracted

There are several options pedestrians have for recovering money from someone who hit them. Medical bills or other “hard” expenses for additional damages should be the responsibility of the party that caused the injuries. Most of the time, these people have automobile liability insurance. It is important to find out what different kinds of insurance are available early on in the claim. The lawyers at Golden State Lawyers can help you do that.

Who Can You File a Pedestrian Injury Claim Against?

Getting in touch with an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer, such as those at Golden State Lawyers, is the best way to determine if you should pursue a pedestrian injury claim against the at-fault party. Your lawyer will evaluate your case and determine who might be responsible for jutting you. Our lawyers begin building your case by gathering pertinent evidence early. For instance, if the at-fault driver was intoxicated or texting at the time of the crash, this information will be necessary in your case and help determine the negligent acts that caused the crash.

What Are Different Kinds of Insurance Available in Pedestrian Accident Claims?

Auto insurance is typically a pedestrian’s most likely source for recovering compensation immediately after being hit. Even if the pedestrian wasn’t driving at the time of the accident, they can still collect a recovery from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you were working for your employer at the time you were hit, workers’ compensation might pay for medical expenses until your injury case settles or goes to trial. Drivers must carry some form of insurance in every state; however, in cases where a driver does not, a pedestrian might turn to their uninsured or underinsured motorists coverage (UIM) coverage. This form of coverage assures that the injured person’s insurance company will pay out, up to policy limits, any losses which are not covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Pedestrian Accident FAQ

What is a pedestrian injury event?

Pedestrian injuries happen when a motor vehicle or bicycle collides with someone on foot - whether they are in a parking lot, on a sidewalk, or crossing the street at a crosswalk with the right-of-way.

Should I see a doctor after a pedestrian accident, even if my injuries do not seem serious?

The injuries you may have sustained in a crash are not always apparent right away which is why it is so important to seek the advice of a medical professional who can properly diagnose any potential injuries.

What recovery is available for pedestrian injuries?

Money available to an injured pedestrian will depend on the factors of their case. Some examples of kinds of damages recoverable by injured pedestrians include past and future medical expenses, past and future wages, and emotional pain and suffering. Families of those killed may recover for lost financial support and loss of the relationship with the pedestrian who was killed. It can be challenging to know all of your past, future, and non-economic losses, so an experienced lawyer from Golden State Lawyers should be consulted for these calculations.

What’s the first step I should take when filing a pedestrian injury claim?

You should seek medical attention immediately after being hit, record your injuries, write down witness contact information and statements, collect pertinent evidence, including videos and photos, and tell law enforcement officers what happened from your point of view. Your next step should be to contact a pedestrian injury lawyer to set up a free consultation where you can receive essential advice regarding your rights and options.