When pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles, the injuries victims sustain can be life-altering. It is important to obtain the compensation you are going to need to cover these costs if you hope to get through these difficult times without financial ruin. However, holding the liable party accountable could be more difficult than you were expecting.
For this reason, having an experienced Beaufort personal injury lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm advocating for your rights could be the answer you have been looking for. When you are ready to take action and regain control of your life, contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Beaufort
After you have been hit by a car, your pedestrian accident attorney in Beaufort, SC, will be responsible for handling every legal detail associated with your case. However, there are certain steps you can take from the start to begin building a powerful and compelling case against the at-fault party. Here are some of the most important things to do after a pedestrian accident:
Always Call 911
Pedestrians often suffer critical injuries when struck by a vehicle. However, you may initially be hesitant to call 911. Perhaps you feel like your injuries are only minor, you need to get to work that afternoon, or you simply want to try to put the experience behind you as soon as possible.
However, calling 911 after your accident is imperative. When law enforcement officials arrive at the scene of the accident, they can begin gathering powerful evidence to support your case. They will be able to identify the at-fault party, compile the police and crash report, and obtain other valuable evidence that could be used to support your case, such as video surveillance and dash cam footage.
Gather Evidence, if Possible
In many instances, pedestrian accident injuries are critical, making it impossible for victims to do much of anything while they wait for law enforcement and emergency responders to arrive at the scene. However, if you are capable of gathering evidence to support your case before police and EMTs arrive, do so.
You can get the contact information of the driver who hit you, including their insurance information, and write down or use your phone to compile a note that describes how the incident occurred in detail. If possible, speak with witnesses and obtain their contact information as well.
You can also begin gathering evidence as you obtain a medical evaluation by healthcare providers. Even if your initial injuries seem minor, having medical records that begin immediately after the accident can only help your case. Furthermore, while you might initially feel OK, your injuries could prove far more devastating than you realize. If left untreated, invisible injuries could be life-changing or even fatal.
Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Beaufort, SC
Once you have obtained a medical evaluation and your healthcare providers have stabilized your condition, contacting a pedestrian accident attorney for help may be in your best interests. Your lawyer will be able to take over everything from here.
We could help identify the asphalt party, begin conducting a thorough investigation, negotiate with insurance companies, and calculate the true value of your claim to ensure you are not taken advantage of. When you need legal guidance and support you can rely on, having a pedestrian accident lawyer in Beaufort, SC advocating for you could make all the difference.
How Much Your Beaufort Pedestrian Accident Claim Is Worth
Your pedestrian accident attorney is responsible for calculating the value of your claim. It is not unusual for injury victims to be surprised to learn of the various damages that could be recovered as part of their claim. In many cases, you can recover compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, with your own insurer, or by filing a civil lawsuit against them.
Certain types of damages could be recovered through insurance, while all damages are recoverable in civil court. Here is more about the various types of losses that will need to be considered as your pedestrian accident lawyer in Beaufort calculate the value of your claim:
Pedestrian Accident Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to your financial losses. Any out-of-pocket expenses, debts, or other financial implications associated with your pedestrian accident can be recovered in this category. Certain types of damages are paid out more often than others in pedestrian accident claims.
Examples of these damages include:
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Loss of employee benefits, such as health insurance or retirement savings contributions by her employer
- Costs of prescription medications
- Your ambulance bill
- The cost of your hospital stay
- The cost of ongoing medical treatment
- Loss of personal property
- Damage to your credit score or report
- Increases to your auto, health, or life insurance policy premiums
Non-Economic Damages After a Pedestrian Accident
Non-economic damages are just as valuable as economic damages, despite the fact that they do not have a set financial value. Non-economic damages can be more difficult to quantify, which is why you need your pedestrian accident attorney to carefully analyze them on your behalf.
Some examples of non-economic damages that could be paid out following a pedestrian accident include:
- Loss of companionship and love
- Loss of advice and society
- Diminished quality of life
- Chronic physical pain
- Emotional trauma and psychological damage
- Inconvenience
- Professional reputational damage
- Loss of guidance and support
Call a Beaufort Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Help Today
Your pedestrian accident injuries are likely to impact virtually every element of your life. However, by taking legal action, you could access the compensation you need to cover your expenses and start to rebuild your life after such a traumatic event.
Learn more about how the claims process works and how much your pedestrian accident damages could be worth when you reach out to a respected Beaufort pedestrian accident attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm. Schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation when you fill out our convenient contact form or call our office today.
