What Pedestrians Can Do When a Driver Hits You

 

Hit by a vehicle? Your rights to collect damages as a pedestrian

Most of us think of vehicle accidents as coming between two drivers on the road. Unfortunately, many accidents come when someone is out walking or running. This creates extra dangers for you, because being on foot leaves you much more vulnerable to being injured. If a vehicle hits you while you are a pedestrian, you may be able to recover damages from the driver.

Be Careful

Ideally, you can avoid injuries. Obeying pedestrian traffic laws, including using crosswalks, wearing reflective clothing at night, and following available signals, can protect you most of the time. In addition, violating these laws will be used against you if you do seek to recover damages for your injuries. The more you do to to protect yourself, the less likely you will be injured or be locked out of recovery if you are.

When You Can Sue

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. Drivers have a duty to look out for pedestrians, to follow traffic laws, and avoid harming those on foot. Distracted, drunk, or careless drivers create problems for pedestrians. This kind of negligent or reckless driving behavior causes injuries for which you may recover damages. An experienced personal injury attorney will evaluate your case and help you understand and seek the damages to which you are entitled.

Available Damages

Depending on your injuries, there are different kinds of damages you can recover. The cost of your medical care and any property damages are part of the equation, but you can also recover for lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, funeral expenses, and even punitive damages against a reckless or drunk driver. Before you talk to the driver’s insurer about a settlement, take the time to talk to an attorney about the damages you are entitled to recover.

Reckless and careless drivers create danger for even the most careful pedestrians. If a vehicle hits you while you are on foot, contact Eisenberg Law Offices online or at (608)256-8356. We will help protect your rights and get the recovery you deserve.

This post was originally published at https://www.eisenberglaw.org/what-pedestrians-can-do-when-a-driver-hits-you/