Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian, according to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) is, “Any person on foot, walking, running, jogging, hiking, sitting, or lying down involved in a motor vehicle traffic crash.” All drivers have the responsibility to drive safely under all circumstances! Indeed, pedestrians are the most vulnerable of all accident victims. After all, the massive damage of a moving 3000-pound car or 20,000-pound truck can be fatal.
Negligent drivers are accountable for their conduct when a personal injury action is brought by the injured party. If someone died from the accident, survivors of the deceased may seek compensation in a wrongful death claim.
Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported the following statistics from 2013:
- 4,735 pedestrian fatalities.
- 150,000 pedestrian injuries.
- Pedestrian fatalities account for approximately 14% of total traffic fatalities.
- 49% of all traffic crashes resulting in pedestrian death involved alcohol
Injuries included:
- musculoskeletal (34.4%)
- head and neck (30%)
- external(24.4)
- abdomen and pelvis(3.9%)
- chest(2.4%)
- spine(1.8%)
Pedestrian accidents can be especially devastating. 78% of patients had temporary disabilities and 4% had permanent disabilities. With this in mind, it is easy to see how important it is to enlist the help a personal injury attorney. If you’ve been in an accident, an attorney can help you get financial compensation. For example, medical bills may be ongoing and expensive. These don’t have to come out of your pocket. Our staff and attorneys have 20 years of experience representing victims of negligent drivers. Contact our offices today for a FREE personal injury case evaluation.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS IN NEED OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE, CONTACT US NOW.
Call our office today for a FREE review of your personal injury case. We typically work on a contingent agreement basis, which means our fees are contingent upon the outcome of your case.
Don’t Delay! You may have a valid claim! Let us help you get your compensation before the statute of limitations expires!
All drivers have the responsibility to drive safely under all circumstances!
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, Call The Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess Today!
What do you do if you have been hit by a vehicle?
- First, try not to panic. Without delay, move to a sidewalk or parking lot, out of the street.
- Second, keep the driver at the scene with you. If they drive away, immediately try to get a picture of the vehicle. Try to get its license plate as well its make and model. If there are witnesses there, ask them to stay and get their information.
- Definitely, call the police.
- If they stayed, get the driver’s information and take pictures. Take as many pictures of the scene as possible. In the long run, there may be missing signs or a light that is malfunctioning or hard to see which could be very important in your case.
- When the police get there, make sure they get your statement. Give the officer a complete account of the accident, without admitting fault.
- Quickly seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured.
- Call an attorney. Don’t try to file a claim without the help of a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies will try to get your account of the accident. Consequently, you could hurt your case by talking with them. Your attorney will help you with the process of filing your claim.
- Finally, start documenting your related expenses. Your attorney is going to need any medical bills, work you missed, and receipts for medication.
If you have been the victim an accident Call The Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess. The initial personal injury consultation is no charge. If we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis.
Call The Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess Today!
