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Car accidents can have terrible consequences for everyone involved, especially if they're also pedestrian accidents. They tend to cause severe injuries to the victims that can result in wrongful death. This is why all pedestrian accident victims should take legal action and seek compensation for their injuries.
Furthermore, car drivers must be aware of their surroundings and make sure everyone is safe. Luckily, when this doesn't happen, Powell Law Firm's fantastic pedestrian accident lawyers in Chesterfield are ready to help their clients get the justice they deserve.
What Are The Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Several factors can cause pedestrian collisions. Moreover, all drivers must be aware of them so that they can avoid them. Some of the most common causes are the following.
Distracted or careless drivers not paying attention to the road or not following transit rules
Pedestrians not being aware of their surroundings
Reckless driving or driving while being intoxicated
Maintenance issues in streets or crosswalks
It is also essential to consider that there are much more pedestrian accidents in urban areas, but rural areas with winding roads can also be hazardous.
Are Pedestrian Accidents Common?
Several studies and statistics in past years have concluded that pedestrian accidents represent around 2.7% of crashes in America. However, they also represent 12.9% of traffic-related deaths, making them one of the deadliest types of car accidents, and they tend to happen the most when people cross the street.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reported that in the past five years, a pedestrian dies every 85 minutes, which sums up to about 6,250 pedestrians.
What Injuries Do Pedestrians Suffer in Car Accidents?
A vehicle-related accident can cause severe injuries due to the speed and weight of the car. However, it is crucial to be aware of the common types of injury pedestrians tend to suffer.
Some of the most common injuries are lacerations and contusions, which can severely damage the victim's organs
Concussions are also extremely common, which can cause permanent brain damage
They can also suffer dental or facial injuries, which include scarring and the loss of vision
Permanent disability is also common, especially if they injure their spine
Finally, many victims suffer broken bones or other orthopedic injuries
Is It Worth Hiring Car Accident Lawyers?
Victims of auto accidents usually have to spend a lot of time in the hospital recovering, making it hard for them to take care of all the legal aspects of the personal injury claim. This is why hiring a car accident lawyer can take a massive weight off their shoulders.
Pedestrian lawyers can collect all the needed evidence, take care of the paperwork, deal with the insurance company, and make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible so that their clients can sit back and relax while lawyers do their job. Therefore, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is one of the best things someone can do.
How Can I Prevent Getting into a Car Accident with a Pedestrian?
Both pedestrians and drivers must be aware of their surroundings and follow certain rules to prevent car crashes. Some of these rules are the following:
All traffic rules, signs, and signals must be obeyed
Pedestrians must make sure to use the sidewalk or maintain as much distance as possible from the vehicles
Avoid using any electronic devices that could distract them
Crosswalks are meant to alert drivers that pedestrians are going to cross, which is why they're the only place people should use for crossing the street. If that's not possible, the pedestrian must cross the road through a gap in traffic in an illuminated area
If drivers and pedestrians can make eye contact, they must do it to properly communicate with each other
Pedestrians must make themselves as visible as possible, especially at night
They should also stay away from cars pulling out of driveways or parking
Don't use alcohol or drugs
5 Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Once someone gets in an auto accident, they must follow these simple steps to make sure their case can run as smoothly as possible:
The first step is ensuring everyone is safe by calling 911 and stopping the traffic if needed. This is going to make sure the police and medical professionals get there as soon as possible
Then, everyone must get medical attention immediately, even if there aren't any visible wounds. This is crucial to get proper documentation of the injuries for the case and to make sure everyone is okay after the accident
The plaintiff must collect as much evidence as possible, such as videos, photos, or witness testimonies. This is going to help their personal injury lawyer create a strong case
It is also crucial to not speak with the other party, admit fault, or apologize for what happened. The best thing to do in these scenarios is to exchange contact information and remain silent until the lawyers arrive.
Finally, the last and most important step is to call car accident attorneys who can handle the situation.
What Compensation Is Available for Pedestrian Accident Claims & Victims?
Auto accident victims and their families are entitled to receive financial compensation. However, most insurance companies are going to try to take advantage of the victims by offering them a low amount. Accepting this is a terrible mistake, as that amount can't usually cover all of the losses experienced by the victim.
Experienced auto accident lawyers from a trusted pedestrian accident law firm in St Louis are going to be able to calculate all of the victim's losses, including economic and non-economic damages. Moreover, in some cases, they may even award the victim punitive damages.
Some of the damages that can be compensated by the insurance company include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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Find a Great Chesterfield Car Accident Lawyer
When someone gets in an auto accident, they are going to have to face severe consequences, which is why they should consider hiring auto accident lawyers who can handle their personal injury claim.
Luckily, the Powell Law Firm has the best lawyers in Chesterfield, MO, who can offer legal representation and a free consultation to anyone who needs it.