If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, one of the most important things you can do is contact a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer.
As a pedestrian, you rely on drivers and the roadways to be safe. However, sometimes accidents occur due to no fault of your own.
In these situations, working with a pedestrian accident lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
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Look for Specialize Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
When searching for representation, focus your search on lawyers who specialize in pedestrian accident cases.
General personal injury attorneys may handle a variety of injury claims, but a pedestrian accident lawyer will have deep experience and expertise related specifically to these types of incidents.
They know the laws, regulations, and nuances involved in pedestrian vs. vehicle accidents. Specialization allows them to better understand factors that could affect liability and damages assessments.
Consider Experience Level
Pedestrian accident cases can involve complex legal issues and negotiations. You want a pedestrian accident lawyer who has handled numerous similar cases to successful resolutions.
Ask potential attorneys about their history of representing pedestrians. How long have they concentrated their practice in this area?
Have they obtained large settlements or verdicts for former clients? Established pedestrian accident lawyers are more likely to have the skills and contacts needed to build a strong case.
Research Online Reviews
Do research online to read reviews from former clients of potential lawyers. Many law firms have profiles on sites like Avvo and Google that include testimonials.
Look for common positive themes like competent representation, responsiveness to questions and concerns, and satisfaction with case outcomes.
Stay away from attorneys receiving frequent complaints about poor communication or ineffective advocacy. Positive reviews indicate a lawyer clients would recommend.
Check for Board Certifications
Some states have voluntary certification programs verifying specialized knowledge and experience.
Look for credential designations like “Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer” from the National Board of Trial Advocacy or state bar association programs.
Board certification means attorneys have submitted to additional testing and oversight regarding pedestrian accident representation best practices.
This provides confidence in their credentials and commitment to continuing education.
Ask About Fees and Payment Plans
Most personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning pedestrian accident lawyers only get paid if your claim is successful.
However, payment plans and advanced expenses vary by firm. Discuss expected legal costs upfront.
Reputable pedestrian accident lawyers don’t require large retainers to start working but may advance filing fees, expert witness charges, or deposition expenses which often must be paid regardless of the outcome.
Avoid attorneys wanting nonrefundable fees before reviewing the facts or initiating your claim.
Consider Meeting In Person
Schedule an initial free consultation with potential attorneys so you can assess fit and communication styles in addition to gathering information.
Pay attention to how clearly they explain the process, whether you feel comfortable asking questions, if their priorities align with yours, and how confident they seem in your case merits.
Trust your instincts – you want a pedestrian accident lawyer you feel you can work well with throughout your claim.
Check for Local Experience and Resources
Ideally, your pedestrian accident attorney should have deep familiarity with the courts, judges, insurance adjusters, and key players in your local area who will be involved.
Local pedestrian accident lawyers have established relationships and an understanding of community tendencies that can come in handy.
They are also easily accessible for in-person meetings which are sometimes required. Very large, out-of-town firms may lack these advantages.
Don’t hesitate to Get Second Opinions
It’s perfectly acceptable to get initial consultations with multiple highly rated pedestrian accident lawyers in your location before selecting one.
This allows you to compare approaches, case evaluation philosophies, communication styles, and other factors side by side.
Getting multiple credible options prevents you from becoming too dependent on any single attorney’s advice early in the process before you fully understand your options.
Consider Working With a Referral Service
Some state or local bar associations operate lawyer referral services connecting clients with attorneys specializing in their needs. While not all referrals may be right for your situation, it’s a vetted starting point.
Peer referrals from past clients or personal injury attorneys you respect can also connect you with a trusted local lawyer experienced specifically with pedestrian accident defense.
Word-of-mouth remains one of the best ways to find professional help.
So in summary, when searching for the ideal pedestrian accident attorney, prioritize credentials and experience managing comparable cases.
Evaluate their online reputation, approachability, and ability to make you feel heard. Discuss payment and representation terms upfront.
Take advantage of free consultations to compare multiple candidates before committing to any one firm or pedestrian accident lawyer.
With diligent research, you can find capable legal counsel well-positioned to effectively pursue your claim.
Trust the Process and Provide Full Documentation
Once you’ve selected a pedestrian accident lawyer you feel confident in, be sure to fully cooperate with their process and requests over the coming weeks and months.
Provide all documentation they ask for like medical records, photos from the scene of the accident, and contact information for any witnesses as quickly as possible.
The more complete your file is from the start, the stronger the position your attorney can take from the very beginning of negotiations.
Promptly respond to any releases or forms they need you to sign as well. Your pedestrian accident lawyer is fighting for your rights and compensation, so make your job as easy as you can by being an organized, timely client.
They will appreciate the help tailoring your claim presentation in the best possible light. It’s also important to keep them informed of any changes or new symptoms as your recovery progresses. Regular communication reinforces your claim is being actively managed.
Of course, remain patient as well. These cases often take many months to be fully resolved through settlement talks or even litigation. Your attorney is working hard on your behalf behind the scenes.
Trust that they have your best interests at heart and will persist until an outcome aligned with the merits of your situation is achieved.
With diligent participation from both sides, the process can culminate favorably for injured pedestrians seeking the compensation they deserve.
Be Prepared to Give a Clear Account of the Accident
One key part of cooperating with your pedestrian accident lawyer will be providing a detailed, chronological account of exactly what happened from your perspective during the incident.
They will want you to describe elements like:
- Where you were crossing the street or sidewalk
- Traffic signals, signs, or conditions present
- Your actions leading up to and during the point of impact
- How the vehicle struck you (speed, angle, and swerving, etc.)
- Your injuries and where help was obtained
- Identity and statements of any witnesses on scene
- Photo evidence you or emergency responders captured
Recounting the accident coherently multiple times allows your pedestrian accident lawyer to ask clarifying questions and identify inconsistent or missing details that may need addressing.
It’s natural for memories to be fuzzy at first, so take your time and be as thorough yet concise as possible. An accurate victim statement can make or break an insurance claim.
They may also practice hypothetical questioning to prepare you for a possible deposition or trial where your recollection will be rigorously tested.
Remaining calm yet confidently consistent in retelling what happened is important, even if some facts come back bit by bit over time.
An organized account supports the validity of your negligence claim against insurers seeking to minimize payouts.
Consider Seeking Medical Treatment Immediately
While seeking medical attention should always be a priority after any serious accident or injury, it holds added significance if you plan to pursue legal action related to a pedestrian collision.
Documented treatment history can corroborate the true nature and extent of your injuries over time to insurance providers and courts evaluating liability.
In the stressful aftermath, some victims neglect initial medical exams out of concern over costs or not wanting to pursue a claim.
However, delaying care makes establishing a chronological injury timeline much more difficult later on.
Even minor impacts can sometimes cause underlying issues to manifest, so address health problems early to avoid questions about causation down the road.
Look for low-cost urgent care clinics or community health centers able to provide a basic examination, imaging scans if needed, and initial diagnostic information. Then follow up with your regular doctor as symptoms progress.
Physical therapy or specialist referrals should be obtained through proper medical channels as well to leave a clear paper trail of your recovery journey overseen by licensed professionals.
Proactive healthcare demonstrates responsibility that supports a strong liability argument.
So in summary, when dealing with any pedestrian accident – no matter how minor it seems – seek appropriate medical attention promptly.
Documented treatment history gives your personal injury attorney indispensable factual support that can make or break your case.
Do not underestimate the importance of creating a clear record from the very beginning. Your health and claim depend on establishing the need for further care and lost wages due to injuries sustained.
