Our Bloomington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You Claim Fair Compensation

Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. In fact, being injured in a pedestrian accident can be life-altering and require extensive medical treatment, with medical costs piling up quickly.

These accidents also involve additional costs: lost wages and property damage, to emotional distress and physical pain. In this scenario, it’s essential for victims to seek compensation for all the financial costs related to their injuries, as this will significantly help in the recovery process.

To achieve this, our lawyers can help you file a personal injury claim and secure fair compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage, among others.

On the other hand, filing a personal injury claim involves investigating the accident, proving liability, handling insurance companies, and using Indiana state laws to build strong legal arguments. The complexity of the whole process means that having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side exponentially improves the outcome of your case.

Who Is at Fault After a Pedestrian Accident? Holding Responsible Parties Accountable

According to Indiana’s law, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within a crosswalk, and failure to do so can result in legal repercussions for the driver. On the contrary, if the accident was caused by a pedestrian’s negligence, like someone walking or running into the path of a vehicle, they will be at fault for the accident (and not the driver).

Establishing fault after a pedestrian accident is not a straightforward process. The Indiana Code § 9-21-17 outlines the rules and regulations pedestrians must follow while on the roadways in Indiana, so it’s a great starting point to establish fault after a pedestrian accident.

Generally, determining fault in a personal injury case is complicated because it depends on a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Sometimes, there may even be multiple parties involved, which adds to the complexity of the whole process.

This is because Indiana is a comparative fault state, which means that fault can be shared between multiple parties. Also, it’s important to note that to claim compensation you must be less than 51% at fault for the incident.

In this scenario, consulting with an experienced lawyer in Bloomington is the best bet, since they can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case that proves the other party’s fault.

Damages You Can Recover After a Pedestrian Accident in Bloomington, Indiana

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be immensely traumatic and confusing. You are likely dealing with physical injuries, trauma from the events that occurred, medical bills piling up, lost wages and the strain of managing life without being able to work. 

 

It’s difficult enough coping with such severe effects on both your physical health and financial stability, but you may also be entitled to compensation for all of these issues depending on who was at fault.

Medical Expenses

As we outlined before, pedestrian accidents can result in significant medical expenses. You can claim compensation for these costs, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and physical therapy.

Lost Wages

On the other hand, if you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include both past and future lost wages if your injuries have a long-term impact on your ability to work.

Pain and Suffering

Pedestrian accidents result in physical pain and emotional suffering, damages which are encompassed into “pain and suffering”. Although these damages are intangible and difficult to calculate, getting compensation for them is equally important to aid in your recovery process.

Emotional Distress

Additionally, the psychological impact and the traumatic nature of a pedestrian accident can be as debilitating as the physical injuries, warranting compensation for emotional distress.

Property Damage

On the other hand, if your personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you can also claim compensation for this, whether it be to repair or replace the items that were damaged.

Wrongful Death Damages

Lastly, family members are able to recover wrongful death damages if the pedestrian accident resulted in a fatality.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your legal rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Immediate medical evaluation is crucial, not just for your well-being but also for keeping a record of your medical costs and the extent of your injuries. Later, we will use these records as evidence to support your claim.

2. Contact the Authorities

Then, contact the police and report the accident. The police will create an accident report, which provides an authoritative account of the incident and can be used as evidence in your claim.

3. Document the Scene

Make sure to take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your property and any injuries you sustained. Additionally, witness statements can also become invaluable pieces of evidence later in the legal process.

4. Preserve Evidence

Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as your medical records, police reports, photos, bills, and any correspondence with insurance companies.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible, but don’t discuss the details of the accident or your injuries with them. A lawyer can handle the insurance company on your behalf.

6. Consult with a Bloomington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Legal advice at this stage is key in shaping the outcome of your case, so consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our lawyers can help you navigate the legal system and ensure your claim is filed on time.

7. Do Not Discuss the Accident

During the whole process, remember to avoid making statements that could be used against you later. Don’t discuss the details of the accident or your injuries with anyone other than your lawyer.

8. Keep Records

Maintain a file of all documents and correspondence related to the accident. Additionally, keep detailed records of your medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses. These records will be of great help when determining the full extent of your damages to claim for the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Don’t Settle for Less – Our Bloomington Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help You File a Claim

When it comes to claiming fair compensation, settling for less is not an option. So, if you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Bloomington, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to guide you every step of the way.

Our team of lawyers will help you claim fair compensation for your injuries: contact us today and get a free consultation to discuss your case.