Wrongful Death Lawyer for Grand Rapids, Ohio
Walking, crossing a street, or heading across a parking lot in Bowling Green, Ohio, should not put your health at risk. Yet when a driver is distracted, speeding, fails to yield, or otherwise acts carelessly, a routine walk can turn into a serious accident.
Pedestrians have very little protection when they are struck by a vehicle. Even a collision at a relatively low speed can cause broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, and other conditions that require extensive medical care. You may also be unable to work while recovering, creating financial pressure at the same time you are dealing with physical pain.
If you or someone you love was injured after being struck by a vehicle in Bowling Green, Ohio, then you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your options and deal with the insurance company while you focus on recovering.
What Makes Pedestrian Accidents Different From Other Crashes?
A pedestrian does not have the protection provided by a vehicle’s seat belts, airbags, and surrounding structure. When a car, truck, or SUV strikes someone on foot, the pedestrian absorbs much of the force of the collision.
The result can be serious injuries that affect a person’s ability to work, care for their family, and handle everyday activities. Some injuries may heal with treatment, while others can result in permanent limitations.
The consequences may continue long after the accident itself. Medical appointments, rehabilitation, lost income, and changes to your daily life can all become part of the recovery process.
Common Reasons Drivers Strike Pedestrians
Pedestrian accidents in Bowling Green, Ohio can happen in many different circumstances, but driver negligence is often a contributing factor.
Distracted driving is one common cause. A driver looking at a phone, changing music, using a navigation system, or paying attention to something inside the vehicle may fail to see a pedestrian in time to react.
Speed can also make a major difference. A speeding driver has less time to respond when someone enters the roadway and may cause more severe injuries when a collision occurs.
Other examples of negligent driving may include failing to yield to a pedestrian, ignoring traffic signals, making an unsafe turn, driving while impaired, backing out without checking the area, or driving aggressively.
Drivers also need to account for conditions that can make pedestrians harder to see. Darkness, rain, snow, and other visibility issues do not eliminate a driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle safely.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
Your health should be the first priority after being struck by a vehicle. Even if you initially feel okay, seeking medical attention is important because some injuries may not be obvious immediately.
If you are physically able to do so, then documenting the accident scene may also help preserve evidence. Photographs can show the location of the collision, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and your visible injuries.
You can also obtain the driver’s information and the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. Witnesses may be able to provide important information about how the collision occurred.
Make sure the accident is reported to law enforcement and that you receive appropriate medical care. Keep records related to your treatment and expenses as you recover.
You should also be cautious about discussing the accident with an insurance company. An adjuster may ask you for a statement or information about your injuries before you understand the full extent of your losses. Speaking with an experienced Bowling Green, Ohio pedestrian accident attorney first can help you understand your rights before you respond.
Injuries Can Have Long-Term Consequences
Pedestrian accident injuries can range from relatively minor conditions to life-changing trauma.
Broken bones are common because a pedestrian may be struck directly by a vehicle or thrown onto the pavement. Fractures involving the legs, arms, hips, and pelvis may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended rehabilitation.
Head injuries are another major concern. A collision or fall can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury. Depending on the severity, these injuries may affect memory, concentration, communication, and other aspects of daily life.
A pedestrian may also suffer spinal cord injuries, neck and back injuries, internal injuries, lacerations, soft tissue damage, scarring, or permanent disfigurement.
The emotional effects should not be overlooked. After a serious collision, some victims experience anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or other emotional difficulties that can make recovery even harder.
Compensation May Cover More Than Your Medical Bills
After a pedestrian accident, medical treatment may be only one part of the financial impact.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may be available for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other medical expenses. If you require additional treatment in the future, those needs may also be relevant to your claim.
Lost wages can create another major problem. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to seek compensation for income you have already lost. A serious injury may also affect your ability to earn income in the future.
A claim may also account for pain and suffering and the emotional impact of the accident. When an injury causes lasting limitations, chronic pain, or significant changes to your normal life, those effects may be considered when determining the value of your claim.
Before agreeing to a settlement, it is important to understand the full extent of your losses. Your financial needs may continue long after the initial medical bills have been paid.
You Do Not Have to Handle the Insurance Claim Alone
After an accident, talking with insurance companies can become another source of stress.
You may be asked to provide information about the collision or your medical treatment. You may also receive a settlement offer while you are still receiving care and do not yet know how your injuries will affect you in the future.
You do not have to navigate these conversations by yourself. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Bowling Green, Ohio can communicate with the insurance company, investigate the circumstances of your accident, and work to determine what compensation may be appropriate.
Having legal representation can also allow you to focus more of your energy on medical treatment and recovery instead of trying to figure out whether the insurance company’s position is fair.
Arthur Law Firm Fair & Square Fee Guarantee
At Arthur Law Firm, we know firsthand that sometimes a settlement can’t cover all the out-of-pocket expenses a person incurs after an accident. Our Fair & Square Fee Guarantee is a commitment to you that our fee will never exceed your net recovery when your case is resolved.
Talk With a Bowling Green Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Being struck by a vehicle can leave you dealing with much more than the initial injuries. Medical treatment, lost income, pain, and uncertainty about your future can make an already difficult situation even harder.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident in Bowling Green, Ohio, then Arthur Law Firm can help you understand your legal options. Our Fair & Square Fee Guarantee also means that attorney fees will never exceed the amount of compensation you recover. Contact our office at (419) 782-9881 for a free consultation. We can evaluate your situation and help you determine whether pursuing a personal injury claim may be right for you.