How To File a Claim with an Evansville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Filing a pedestrian accident claim in Evansville is a complex process that requires in-depth research of your case, including gathering evidence to support your claim. To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, make sure to follow these steps:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

The first step after a pedestrian accident is to seek medical attention: your health and well-being should be your top priority.

Additionally, seeking immediate medical attention is not only essential for your recovery but it’s also a key step to document your injuries. In fact, medical records serve as evidence for your case. They establish a connection between the accident and your injuries and help strengthen your claim.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

As we just covered, to build a strong pedestrian accident claim, you’ll need to gather evidence that supports your case. 

This can include collecting photos of the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and any other relevant documentation. Always remember that the more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.

Step 3: Contact an Attorney

When you’re dealing with physical injuries and emotional distress, contacting an attorney to help with a pedestrian accident claim can make a world of difference. In fact, an Evansville car accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your claim. This includes negotiating with insurance companies, representing you in court if necessary, and everything in between.

Ensuring you’re well-represented by an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer is indeed crucial to protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation. Just make sure you act quickly when seeking legal assistance. This is because when filing a personal injury claim, it’s necessary to keep the statute of limitations in mind, as outlined in Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

These accidents often stem from a few common causes. Distracted driving, for instance, has been a significant contributor to pedestrian accidents. Whether it’s texting, simple daydreaming, or driver fatigue, a momentary lapse in attention can lead drivers to fail to notice pedestrians.

Speeding is another culprit, as well as reckless driving. This is because excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents. Also, poorly lit streets and crosswalks, combined with drivers failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections, are other common causes of getting hit by a car on the sidewalk.

On the other hand, impaired driving, which involves drunk driving and drivers under the influence of drugs, poses a significant danger to pedestrians. Lastly, reduced visibility (caused by inclement weather or obstructed views) can also make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.

Christie Farrell Lee & Bell knows that every case is unique and has its own circumstances that need to be studied in order to build a strong case and fairly calculate the damages you deserve. By relying on us as your pedestrian accident attorney, you can better protect yourself, take appropriate legal action, and prove liability to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Damages You Can Recover in Evansville After a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident, victims often face several losses and challenges, ranging from minor injuries to even wrongful death. However, Indiana law provides different avenues for victims to recover the cost of their injuries.

Damages aim to compensate you for the losses you’ve suffered due to the accident, and can include:

Medical Expenses

From emergency room visits and immediate treatment to prolonged hospital stays, medical bills can quickly pile up after a pedestrian accident. 

Victims are able to seek compensation for these expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and even future medical care for lingering injuries. In fact, some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or other types of catastrophic injuries may require long-term treatment, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive compensation.

Lost Wages

The physical and emotional trauma after a pedestrian accident can render victims unable to work, leading to lost wages. Lost wages can have a significant impact on your financial stability: that’s why seeking compensation for them is crucial to ensure you have the resources to fully recover and get your life back.

This compensation can cover not just the income you’ve lost due to your inability to work immediately after the accident, but also potential future earnings (especially if your ability to work is permanently affected).

Pain and Suffering

Beyond the tangible, financial losses, victims of pedestrian accidents also endure different levels of pain and suffering. This non-economic damage encompasses all emotional and psychological trauma post-accident. 

From sleepless nights to PTSD and anxiety, pedestrian accidents can cause immense physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. Other examples of pain and suffering damages include chronic pain and mental anguish.

We’ll Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Pedestrian Accident

Having an Evansville personal injury attorney by your side can be the difference between a successful claim and a missed opportunity. A local attorney not only brings legal expertise but also offers a guiding hand, making a significant difference in the outcome of your case. 

Our track record and case results position Christie Farrell Lee & Bell as a leading personal injury law firm in Indiana. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Evansville, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.