If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle in Columbia, our pedestrian accident lawyers will advocate on your behalf. At Rikard & Protopapas, our team will focus our efforts on negotiating a significant settlement. Begin your case by requesting a consultation from our team.
Reasons You Need a Columbia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can take a lot of time and resources. Depending on the severity of the injuries, you or your loved one may experience extreme pain, loss of mobility, and emotional trauma. Despite its pressing importance, addressing the formalities of the accident might cause overwhelm and frustration.
One of our attorneys can provide critical support during this challenging time and manage everything on your behalf. Some of the services you can receive help with include:
- Oversee administrative tasks
- Investigating the accident
- Uncover additional evidence
- Facilitate insurance claims
- Negotiate a settlement
With help from your attorney, you can have peace of mind that you have not missed any deadlines and that everyone expecting communication from you has received it. The support can enable you to focus on the recovery.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian crash could happen because of several reasons, some of which are more avoidable than others. A Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer can help you identify the cause of the accident, which could have an impact on your settlement.
Driver error or impairment
Arguably the most common reason for pedestrian accidents is driver error or recklessness. People trying to eat, text, find an address or reach something that dropped while driving may lose control of their vehicles or fail to notice road signs or signals. Impaired drivers can also cause a pedestrian crash, as can those who suffer a medical episode behind the wheel.
Pedestrian oversight
Crosswalks are the easiest and safest way to cross a busy road. However, if one is not available, the driver might need to dodge traffic to get to where they need to go. Sometimes pedestrians might misjudge the speed of a vehicle or whether the driver notices them. Seemingly simple oversights like these could cause a collision.
Poorly designed roadways
Some roadways have outdated designs or have been poorly maintained. This can cause confusion for pedestrians and drivers alike. Even if there is a clear signal telling the driver it is safe to cross, a poorly designed roadway could obstruct a driver’s view or make it appear as though it is safe to proceed.
Environmental factors
Inclement weather can create unpredictable conditions including standing water and oil slicks. Even if the victims are a safe distance away on a sidewalk, a car that loses control may careen into an individual’s path after hydroplaning or slipping.
Mechanical malfunctions
While not as common as other causes, a pedestrian accident can also happen if a motorist loses brake control and crashes into you or your loved one. Other forms of mechanical failure may include a suspension or steering problem or a tire popping, which could cause a driver to lose control.
Shared fault
Sometimes pedestrian accidents could happen because of shared fault. This means both drivers share some responsibility for what happened. In these types of situations, it is best for authorities to reach a conclusion on their own rather than admitting fault.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
The injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident can affect lives for a long time. Factors including speed, point of impact, where victims hit the ground, and any preexisting health conditions can all impact the severity of these injuries.
Victims could face these injuries and more:
- Broken or crushed limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Limb loss
The extent of the injuries could require immediate, emergency medical aid. You or your loved one may also need numerous other treatments, including surgeries and rehabilitation. The types of injuries suffered could cause temporary or permanent disability. This could put you or someone you depend on out of work, and may require help with day-to-day tasks for the foreseeable future.
Methods a Columbia Pedestrian Accident Attorney Uses To Determine Fault
Assigning fault will take time and require investigative work. You will need to rely on first responders, local authorities, medical providers and your pedestrian accident lawyer to collaborate and gather all the facts.
Our personal injury attorneys will comb through police reports about the incident and look for video surveillance. An assessment of a hurt pedestrian’s medical records can also corroborate your version of events, which will provide support for your case. Your attorney might also review witness statements and the cellphone records of anyone involved.
Damages You Might Be Able To Collect
Damages you can collect from a pedestrian accident will vary depending on who is at fault, the severity of you or your loved one’s injuries and facts specific to your case. Damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Physical suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Lost wages and benefits
A thorough look at the experience will help your attorney assess an appropriate figure for both economic and non-economic damages.
FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Claims
How long do you have to file an accident claim?
It is a good idea to file a claim as soon as possible to protect the integrity of an injured pedestrian’s version of events. The statute of limitations allows three years to file a claim from when the accident happened in most cases.
Can you dispute an unfair settlement offer after a pedestrian accident?
An unfair settlement can cause a lot of stress, especially if you or a loved one are still recovering and involved in rehabilitation. The costs of the accident may continue to rise with no end in sight. If you feel dissatisfied with the settlement offer before hiring us, your Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer can assist in taking your case to trial.
Hire a Columbia Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
At Rikard & Protopapas, our team wants to alleviate the uncertainty you feel. We recognize the severity of pedestrian accidents and will exhaust every resource to advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf. Contact us today online or by calling 803-978-6111 to set up a free consultation with a Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer.