With gas prices being as high as they are, it’s no wonder a lot of people have changed their driving routines and are now walking to most destinations. However, there are many potential risks pedestrians face, even when walking in designated crosswalks. If you’ve been hurt while walking, a Louisville pedestrian accident lawyer will help you fight for the compensation you need to make the fullest possible recovery.
Understanding How You Were Harmed
If you were a victim in a pedestrian accident caused by negligence, you are likely operating with incomplete information. Indeed, even though you may believe that your version of events represents “the truth,” you will still need tremendous, compelling objective evidence to prove your case to independent arbitrators, such as a judge or jury.
Meanwhile, the possible defendants in your case, such as insurance companies, trucking agencies, neglectful drivers, etc., are likely diligently strategizing how to shield themselves from liability. Don’t underestimate the passion and power these defendants will leverage to escape having to pay for your medical bills and other damages.
In other words, the longer you wait to take action, the more “lead time” the defendants will have on you, and the harder it might be to obtain compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, rehabilitation and medication costs, and more.
The Nationwide Toll of Pedestrian Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 59,000 people were injured in pedestrian accidents in 2009. NHTSA data also emphasizes that an average of one pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every nine minutes in traffic accidents during this same time frame.
The NHTSA states that 4,092 people were killed in pedestrian accidents in 2009. A family who loses a loved one in a pedestrian accident may be able to seek compensation from individuals or parties who caused the accident for funeral expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Although no amount of money can ever substitute a loved one, such compensation for a pedestrian wrongful death can help a family cope with unexpected challenges after the accident. Winning compensation can also help you feel like “justice has been done” and, hopefully, deter or actively prevent the wrongdoer from harming other pedestrians or others on the road.
The Louisville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer You Need
It can be difficult to determine how exactly you should move forward after you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident. Learn more about the resources, experience, and philosophy of Louisville, KY pedestrian accident lawyer Tad Thomas (former Assistant Deputy Attorney General for Kentucky) by filling out our convenient online form or calling (502) 473-6540 to schedule a free consultation.