Why Should I Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

ire a pedestrian accident lawyer because they understand your legal challenges. Your attorney values your time. They prioritize the legal needs of pedestrian accident victims and their families. If you are injured in a pedestrian crash caused by someone else, they can pursue financial compensation for your losses.

Partner with a Lafayette pedestrian accident lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the legal system. Your lawyer learns about your accident and identifies any liable parties. They explain your legal options to you and, if warranted, submit a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. From here, your attorney provides legal advice and support throughout your case proceedings. 

Why Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Louisiana?

Think twice before you proceed with a pedestrian accident claim or lawsuit without hiring a lawyer. If you go through the legal process by yourself, you risk making mistakes that could cost you. These mistakes could force you to have to cover the costs of treating your injuries and other losses.

A Lafayette pedestrian crash lawyer is your legal advocate and representative. They help you get compensation from a liable party or their insurance company for the harm you suffered in a pedestrian collision. At each stage of your case, your attorney is on your side. They explain settlements and other legal topics to you. Your lawyer helps you make informed legal decisions.

Ultimately, a liable party or their insurance carrier will commit substantial time and resources to dispute your compensation request. Your lawyer prepares an argument that makes it difficult for an at-fault party or their insurer to contest your case. If their argument is successful, you could receive the compensation you need to recover financially from your pedestrian crash.  

What to Expect If I Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

It is stressful to deal with a pedestrian crash insurance claim and legal proceedings alone. As such, hiring a Lafayette pedestrian accident attorney is a great decision. Here are some of the things that an experienced lawyer will do for you. 

Protect Your Legal Rights

Unfortunately, insurance adjusters or at-fault parties in pedestrian crash cases will do everything they can to avoid compensating you for your losses. Your lawyer wants you to focus on your recovery from your accident and injuries. Meanwhile, they safeguard your legal rights by:

• Evaluating your personal injury claim: Your attorney assesses the crash scene, reviews medical records, and determines whether you have a valid claim. 
• Calculating your damages: They teach pedestrian crash victims and their families about damages available in personal injury cases, including medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages. 
• Assisting you during the entire process: They negotiate a settlement for you or, if necessary, proceed with a personal injury lawsuit. 

Of course, who you choose as your legal representation is key. Select a Lafayette personal injury lawyer who has relevant pedestrian collision case experience. With this attorney in your corner, you can rest assured that your lawyer is doing everything they can to defend your legal rights.

Determine Liability

It can be difficult to figure out who is at fault for a collision involving a pedestrian. Your lawyer learns about the circumstances of your case. They could find that any of the following parties are responsible for your crash:

• A motorist who chose not to yield the right of way or obey traffic laws
• A government entity that is liable for dangerous road conditions
• A bicyclist, scooter operator, or another third party

Your lawyer analyzes accident scene photos, a police report, and other evidence. They also interview witnesses about the incident and can consult with accident reconstruction experts. With your lawyer’s help, you are well-equipped to prove that someone is liable for your accident and that they should provide you with fair compensation for your losses. 

Handle the Legal Process

You are unsure of how long pedestrian accident settlements take and if you are eligible to receive compensation from any responsible parties. Thankfully, your lawyer takes care of the legal process for you. As part of their efforts, they will:

• Submit your insurance claim: Your attorney will file your claim with the liable party’s insurance company, gather proof, and help you get a settlement that lines up with your expectations. 
• Meet deadlines: They submit your claim in accordance with the two-year personal injury statute of limitations in Louisiana.
• Take legal action: They are unafraid to file a personal injury lawsuit if no settlement is reached. 

Your attorney wants you to give your health the attention it deserves. During your accident recovery, you should go to the doctor and receive the medical care you need for as long as necessary. Your lawyer will keep you updated about your legal matters and remain accessible to address your legal concerns and questions. 

Maximize Your Compensation

You suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), broken bones, or other injuries after a motorist slams their car into you. Pedestrian accident attorneys want you to get economic and non-economic damages. They can pursue compensation for your quantifiable and subjective losses, including:

• Medical bills: You could receive a fair settlement for the costs of your emergency care, surgeries, ongoing medical treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Lost income: If your injuries keep you from working, you could get compensation for wages lost during your recovery and a loss of earning capacity due to any long-term physical limitations. 
• Pain and suffering: It is possible to be compensated for emotional distress and the diminished quality of life that you face due to your injuries. 
• Property damage: Your lawyer can include the costs related to personal belongings damaged or destroyed in your accident, such as a phone or bicycle, in your request for compensation. 

Your lawyer gathers witness statements and other evidence to support your damages request. If you have compelling proof, an at-fault party or their insurer may be inclined to offer a fair settlement. Your lawyer can also present your evidence to a judge or jury, which will consider it as they decide whether to award you full damages.

When Should I Hire a Pedestrian Crash Lawyer? 

Meet with an attorney within days of your pedestrian crash. The time frame for when to hire a pedestrian collision lawyer is limited. If the statute of limitations elapses, you are solely responsible for your crash-related losses. 

Pedestrian collision case consultations are great learning experiences for all involved. Tell an attorney about your crash, and your lawyer gets insights into what happened and who is responsible. Next, your attorney shares information about insurance claims and injury lawsuits. They can submit your claim or lawsuit if you are ready to start the legal process. 

Experienced attorneys want their clients to secure fair compensation. In your case, they will work diligently to prove that a party is at fault for your pedestrian crash and should be held accountable for your losses. 

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

What you do after a pedestrian crash has long-lasting ramifications. Do nothing, and you will have to pay to treat your severe injuries and other losses. On the other hand, you can hire an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. They know how to prove negligence and will position you to get money from those responsible for the incident. 

Laborde Earles is a Louisiana personal injury law firm with a track record of success. Our legal team has more than 350 years of combined experience. Let our seasoned personal injury attorneys assist you with your pedestrian collision case. Contact us to get started.