While drivers are expected to take active steps to avoid pedestrians, collisions are still a significant risk. Due to the size and weight of a vehicle, along with the lack of protection surrounding a pedestrian, these collisions can be devastating. A pedestrian accident victim could benefit from discussing his or her situation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
You are entitled to seek monetary damages against any person or entity that played a role in causing your injuries. With the help of a DuBois pedestrian accident lawyer, you could hold the responsible party accountable and recover financial compensation for your injuries.
Every driver has a duty to the people around them to not create a risk of harm. In addition to other motorists and cyclists, this duty extends to pedestrians. When a driver violates this duty by driving negligently, he or she could be held accountable for any foreseeable harm caused by that negligence. In DuBois, a lawyer would be required to prove that the negligent conduct of the driver directly caused the accident that harmed the pedestrian.
The duty owed to pedestrians covers a wide range of actions. Drivers must avoid moving violations such as speeding or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, drivers must also respect the right-of-way of all pedestrians, such as at crosswalks.
Drivers must wait for pedestrians to cross at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Any attempt to pass them or cut them off could result in harm to the walker.
However, pedestrians also owe a duty of care to vehicle operators. Walkers must take care that they do not increase the risk of an accident when they enter the roadway. When pedestrians suddenly cross the path of a vehicle outside of a crosswalk, they could be found responsible for their own accidents.
A qualified attorney could help a DuBois pedestrian seek damages for his or her losses. Damages are designed to make a plaintiff whole again following an accident. Common types of damages include lost wages, medical bills, and disfigurement.
If a pedestrian is injured, he or she may be unable to return to work for weeks or even months. Through an injury claim, a victim could recover compensation for any paychecks he or she missed during recovery, as well as future lost earning capacity if he or she is unable to return to a pre-accident job.
Treating major injuries from a pedestrian accident could be costly. A victim could seek compensation for bills for emergency room visits, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and even occupational therapy.
In some cases, the injuries in a pedestrian accident are so severe that they could leave a person with permanent scars. Living with scars or other disfigurements can lead to significant emotional and financial challenges. A court may award a plaintiff damages to cover physical and emotional pain.
If a motorist struck you while walking, an injury attorney could help you pursue compensation for your injuries. A DuBois pedestrian accident lawyer could help you seek recovery and hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries. Call a Marcus & Mack attorney now to get started.