Pedestrian accidents can cause severe losses to the victim. They may suffer catastrophic injuries because they don’t have any metal structures protecting them. The common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
Distracted driving
Failure to yield
Speeding
Violating traffic laws
Driving under the influence
Luckily, victims can recover their losses by filing a personal injury claim. A claim process might be complex for common people. So it is best to seek help from a pedestrian accident lawyer.
Dealing with personal injury claims is a part of their daily routine. They are the ones you need to trust to recover your losses.
You need to know how a pedestrian accident can change your life to understand the severity of the issue. Knowing this will also come in handy when calculating losses for your claim.
How a Pedestrian Accident Can Affect Your Life
The following are some of the significant consequences of pedestrian accidents:
Physical injuries
Emotional losses
Financial losses
Physical Injuries
The most basic form of loss you will sustain is physical injury. When a car hits a person, obviously, the pedestrian will sustain severe injuries.
The physical injuries may vary from minor bruises to disability. Since there are no metal structures to protect the pedestrian, the chances of catastrophic injuries are very high.
Below are some of the common injuries a pedestrian may sustain:
Bruises
Broken bones
Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord injuries
Amputations
Some effects of these injuries are permanent. Another thing you should know is that some major injuries don’t show immediate symptoms. It is best to visit a hospital after an accident, even if you feel fine.
Emotional Losses
Do not think that an accident can cause only financial and physical damage. They can take a toll on your mental health as well. Usually, lawyers refer to these losses as non-economic damages.
The following is a list of emotional losses a pedestrian accident victim may experience:
Claiming compensation for these losses is quite hard since it is not easy to compute them. Your lawyer can be successful in calculating non-economic losses as they will be using either the multiplier method or the per-diem method.
Financial Losses
Financial losses are another basic type of loss that most accident victims sustain. You will experience financial losses in many ways.
For instance, you may miss work due to your injuries. So you will not be earning. This is one type of financial loss you will experience.
The following are some of the financial losses you will experience:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Home readjustments
You need to document all the expenses you incur as a result of the accident. You can use these documents to calculate your losses.
How to Recover These Losses
The best way to recover your losses is by filing a personal injury claim. However, you should hire a lawyer to guide you through the claim process. Insurance adjusters are known for taking advantage of victims who don’t have legal representation.
It is best to file a claim with the help of a lawyer and let them handle your case. The lawyer will calculate your losses and negotiate with the insurance company to acquire fair compensation. They will also take your case to court if the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement.
Final Thoughts
Pedestrian accidents can be devastating. It can cause financial, physical, and emotional losses for the victim. The only upside is that victims have a legitimate way to recover these losses. If you are a victim of a pedestrian accident, hire a lawyer and let them get the compensation you deserve.