Pedestrian accidents don’t only happen in big cities. Holland, Ohio, may be a small town, but the risk of being involved in an accident as a pedestrian is still more common than you may think. Suppose you are recovering from a pedestrian accident. In that case, you are likely facing substantial injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, and all the financial stress that comes with struggling to keep up with everything. You may be entitled to compensation to help you move forward, and an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Holland, Ohio, can help you get the settlement you need to recover fully.

After the Accident: First Steps to Take

As with most accidents, the first step is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Victims in pedestrian accidents can be seriously injured, even if the shock is initially keeping you from feeling the full extent of those injuries. Although medical treatment is your top priority, it is also important to begin documenting the process to help build your case that the driver was liable for the accident. Exchange contact information with the driver, call the police so you have an accident report, and take pictures of your injuries, the scene, damage to the car, and anything else that is relevant to the situation.

If there are any witnesses to the accident, make sure that you get their contact information as well. It’s extremely important that you do not say anything that could be interpreted as accepting fault, or even partial fault, for the accident. The driver, and more importantly, the insurance company, may interpret this as a shared liability. Focus on getting the medical attention you need and contact an experienced attorney to help you through the process of getting a settlement once you have taken care of your own injuries.

What Damages Will You Face After a Pedestrian Accident?An old woman with bag walking in a bus station.

When you are involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you do not have the protection of the car, and as such, your injuries can be more severe than in other accidents. Victims in pedestrian accidents face soft tissue damage, broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and psychological trauma. Being hit by a vehicle can be traumatic, and often, victims struggle with the aftermath of the accident. As the victim, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills due to injuries sustained in the accident, compensation for lost wages, and an additional amount for pain and suffering and a reduced quality of life. Make sure that you are tracking and documenting everything that happens in the period after the accident so you can file a complete claim.

Expect a Fair Settlement From the Insurance Company

Once the police have determined that the other driver was at fault for the accident, the insurance company of the driver who hit you may offer a settlement. Insurance companies are businesses looking to turn a profit and often offer the lowest possible settlement they think you will accept. They may try to pressure you into accepting their initial offer, implying that if you don’t, you may wind up with no compensation at all, or that the accident may still be proven to be your fault, or a number of other things.

Don’t fall for any of these scare tactics. Once you agree to and sign a settlement, you cannot seek any additional damages, even if the initial offer is insufficient to cover your expenses. Stay calm, document everything, and get someone on your side.

Do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

In many cases, hiring a pedestrian accident attorney can make the legal process far more civil. Your attorney is not emotionally involved in the accident and is there to advocate for your rights as the victim. While you can negotiate with the insurance company on your own, most accident victims find that having an attorney who understands the tactics an insurance company uses to try and force a lower settlement can get far more favorable compensation by having the attorney negotiate on their behalf. Your attorney will not only gather all the evidence and documentation from the accident and recovery process but will be better able to assign a value to damages like emotional distress, pain and suffering, and future projections of needs for permanent physical damage or loss of earning potential.

Choosing the Right Attorney Who Will Fight for You

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers ready to fight for them and look out for their interests, and it is only fair that, as the victim, you have someone prepared to fight for you. Find an attorney who you trust to offer you legal advice, investigate the accident, negotiate on your behalf, and, if needed, file a claim if negotiations fail. When you are looking for a pedestrian accident lawyer in Holland, Ohio, look for an attorney with experience in dealing with cases like yours.

Your attorney will have an excellent local reputation who you will feel comfortable speaking with openly about your case. Since you will need to trust your attorney to negotiate on your behalf, someone who understands your situation is key. In addition, during your free consultation, make sure your attorney is completely up front and transparent about the costs and fees.

Personal injury attorneys usually work on contingency, only getting paid when your case is settled, and you receive your compensation. As our promise to you, Arthur Law Firm offers a Fair and Square Fee guarantee that assures you will never pay more in legal fees than you receive in your settlement.

If you’ve been the victim in a pedestrian accident, you need someone you trust fighting for your best interests so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Your rights matter, and you should not be expected to shoulder the financial burden for something that was not your fault. If you’ve been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in Holland, Ohio, that wasn’t your fault, contact us right away at (419) 782-9881 for a free consultation. Arthur Law Firm is ready to stand up for you and your future.