PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
If you have been injured in an accident as a pedestrian, you are undoubtedly dealing with pain, medical bills, and time missed away from work and family. If you were injured due to the actions of a negligent driver, you are entitled to compensation, and our ParaLegal Team can help you get the money you deserve. With over thirty years of practice experience, we have the know-how to negotiate with the insurance company, and we will argue fervently on your behalf.
As important as it is to find a good personal injury Paralegal Team, there are certain steps that you can take to make everything go smoothly and to make things a bit easier for your legal team.
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT
If you are hit by a car when you are walking, there is a really good chance that you will be taken to the hospital right away. If you are able, wait for the officer at the scene. Get the name, contact information and insurance information of the driver who hit you, and asks the law enforcement officer to send a copy of the accident report to you.
Moreover, make sure you contact your insurance company right away. They will ask you a series of questions about the accident. Do not withhold any information from them. The insurance company will have fifteen days to acknowledge your claim.
WHAT EVIDENCE TO COLLECT
Be sure to save every medical bill that you have that is related to the accident. Ask the HR manager or your supervisor at work to provide you with documentation of the hours you have missed due to your accident. If you had to hire a housekeeper or any other kind of assistant due to your accident, be sure to document any money that you have spent. If you have missed a family event, document this as well.
After you have given your initial statement, an actuary might call you back and ask you a few more questions. If they ask to record the call, you are under no obligation to say yes. It is advisable not to let them record you. If you are unable to recall certain details regarding the accident or if you misspeak, they may try to use this fact against you. In addition, they may also ask you to provide them with any evidence that you have gathered in connection with the accident. After this process is complete, the insurance company will then have thirty days to accept or deny your claim. They may offer you a settlement during this time period, and they are almost certain to try to offer you less money than you deserve. Fortunately, we will be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and get you a better offer.
Once the insurance company offers you an acceptable amount of money, they will have
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT STATISTICS
2018 saw a 28 year high in pedestrian accident deaths. Approximately 6,227 died in accidents in the country last year. The proliferation of cell phone use has caused higher instances of distracted driving. American’s penchants for larger vehicles means that the impact of a personal vehicle on a pedestrian is much greater than it used to be. A reduced rate in gas costs may have also contributed to the increase in accidents as there are more cars on the road.
COMMON PEDESTRIAN INJURIES
BRAIN INJURIES
Traumatic brain injuries happen when a blow to the head or body causes the brain to dysfunction. Brain injuries may not be immediately apparent right after an accident. The results of trauma to the brain can take months to fully manifest itself. Remember that you have two years from the time of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit if this is the case.
BONE FRACTURES
If a bone is hit with a force that is stronger than the bone, a bone fracture is likely to occur. Bone fractures are very serious because they can cause pain for many years to come. In some cases, they may even cause pain for the rest of your life. You should keep in mind that you have two years to file a lawsuit for a personal injury claim in the state of Ontario if it becomes necessary.
SPINAL CORD INJURIES
An injury to the spinal cord may be one of the most traumatic types of personal injuries a person can suffer. Spinal cord trauma can impact your ability to move as well as your brain function. Your ability to control your limbs after such an injury will depend upon the severity of the injury and the exact place where the injury is located on your spine.
SOFT TISSUE INJURIES
A soft tissue injury often occurs when you have an accident. It can leave unsightly scarring and can cause pain for months to come. There are several different things that may count as a soft tissue injury such as bruises, lacerations, and tears.
WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT PARALEGAL TEAM?
Car insurance companies do not like to pay out big awards to injury victims. As often as possible, they will make sure that those who pursue claims against them will receive as little as possible. Their tactics can leave victims confused, and, in many cases, lead them to settle their cases for far less than their claims are worth.
Insurance companies know that proven, experienced firms can receive far more in compensation for serious injury victims by going to trial, so they often want to settle. If they do not believe that you can win at trial, they will be unlikely to give you what you are entitled to. With a team of legal professionals behind you, you would have far more leverage to obtain maximum compensation.
If you were injured by a vehicle while walking, speaking to our pedestrian accident Paralegal Teams in Ontario would be very beneficial. We’ll provide you with a free consultation and answer any questions you may have. There is no obligation to retain our firm and we do not charge you a penny unless your case is won.