Pedestrian deaths in the United States declined slightly in the first half of 2024, with 3,304 fatalities reported. The death rate is 2.6% lower when compared to the same time in the previous year, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

If a careless driver hurts you or your loved one, the process of seeking justice for the damage done can be difficult and overwhelming. A Gardena personal injury lawyer says engaging the services of a personal injury attorney is important when you want to protect your rights. An experienced lawyer can assist you in knowing your rights, collecting proof, dealing with insurance companies, and maximizing the compensation amount you are entitled to. 

In this article, you will learn the advantages of hiring a personal injury lawyer following a pedestrian accident case.

Understanding Your Rights as a Pedestrian

Pedestrians have the right to walk safely on pavements and other crosswalks that are designed for them.

As a pedestrian, you can cross the road at crosswalks and expect drivers to stop and yield when the walk signal turns on. Pedestrians can report an incident if a driver ignores the walk signal and drives through the crosswalk.

A pedestrian who is struck by a car while walking at the crosswalk may be entitled to damages for his injury, lost wages, and suffering. 

The Complexity of Insurance Claims

Dealing with insurance claims can be difficult, particularly with regard to pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accidents often involve several different insurance companies, making the process of claiming insurance complicated.

Keep in mind that insurance companies often try to maximize your reimbursement and minimize payments. 

Filing deadlines vary from state to state, so familiarizing yourself with local state laws is important. Lacking appropriate knowledge of how the process works could cause you to miss important deadlines or accept a low settlement offer.

Pedestrian accident lawyer Luis P. Guerra, Esq. guarantees that many of the problems that arise during the claim process can be avoided if you hire a personal injury lawyer. Investing in the services of a legal professional will give you a better chance of getting a fair outcome.

Gathering and Presenting Evidence

If you would like to seek legal action following a pedestrian accident, you need to compile and organize evidence that proves your claims. Proof could include pictures of the accident, photos of the cars involved, the road condition, and any relevant road signs present in the area.

Obtain the contact information of people who might have witnessed the incident. Their statements can help strengthen your cases. Medical records that demonstrate the extent of your injuries can be used as direct evidence to support your claims.

If possible, check the surrounding area for surveillance cameras and get its video footage. Video evidence can clearly show who was liable in the event and provide additional context for your case.

Navigating Liability Disputes

Knowing the potential challenges to determining liability after a pedestrian accident can greatly impact the claim. The presence of a lawyer can help prevent you from being pressured by insurance companies or the opposing party to shift the blame on something or someone else. 

Your state's traffic laws, witness statements, and accident report can help prove negligence and discover the party who is responsible for the incident. Personal injury lawyers can assist in sorting the evidence to help in the resolution of disputes.

Lawyers will carefully analyze the evidence to build a strong case and uphold your rights. They are familiar with the predatory tactics that insurance companies often employ to reduce their payouts. Attorneys clarify liability and strengthen your position during negotiations, so hiring one allows you to focus on recovery.

Maximizing Your Compensation Potential

A lawyer can maximize the potential amount you can receive from compensation claims. 

Using their expertise and knowledge of personal injury laws, lawyers can greatly improve your chances of receiving compensation. They will utilize the evidence you have collected to negotiate settlement terms effectively with insurers. They will see to it that the settlement amount accurately reflects your needs and future expenses related to your injury.

Personal injury lawyers are able to estimate current and future medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Their skills and abilities provide you with the appropriate legal support you need to win your case.