Signs It’s Time to Speak With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney

When pedestrians are hit by vehicles, the aftermath is often devastating. Whether you're facing life-altering injuries or dealing with uncooperative insurance companies, it can help to know when to consult a pedestrian accident attorney.

You’ve Suffered Serious Injuries That Affect Your Daily Life

If you’ve sustained severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord issues, your recovery could take months or even years. Such injuries often lead to ongoing medical treatment, rehab, and an inability to work.

A pedestrian accident lawyer can calculate the full financial impact of your injuries to make sure you’re seeking compensation for everything you’ve lost as a result of your accident. If your case isn’t properly valued, you could find yourself struggling to cover future costs.

The Driver or Their Insurance Company Denies Responsibility

In some cases, the at-fault driver or their insurer may refuse to accept liability for the accident. They might try to say you were jaywalking, not paying attention, or otherwise caused the incident yourself. Without legal help, these disputes could delay — or completely impede — your ability to collect compensation.

Your pedestrian accident attorney can collect key evidence, talk to witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong personal injury case that proves liability. In doing so, they’ll advocate for you to make sure you’re not unfairly blamed.

You’re Facing Mounting Bills

The financial strain of a pedestrian accident can be significant. Between hospital stays, surgeries, therapy sessions, and time away from work, the costs can add up quickly. If you can’t work due to your injuries, the stress of that lost income will exacerbate an already tough situation.

An attorney can help you pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. They’ll ensure that your claim includes not just your current expenses but also any projected future costs related to your recovery.

Liability Is Unclear or Being Disputed

Sometimes, it’s not obvious exactly who or what caused an accident — there might have been several vehicles involved, or witness statements might not agree with each other. In such cases, insurance companies like to use the uncertainty to minimize or deny claims.

Your lawyer will know how to deal with these complicated scenarios. By conducting a thorough investigation and reviewing the available evidence, they’ll pinpoint who was at fault and collect evidence to support your claim.

You’re Unsure About the Value of Your Claim

Many injury victims accept lowball settlement offers because they don’t know how much their cases are actually worth. Without legal help, it’s easy to underestimate the compensation you’re entitled to. Categories like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are often overlooked.

A pedestrian accident attorney will have the knowledge and experience to accurately calculate the value of your claim. They’ll negotiate with the insurance companies to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full scope of your losses.

The Insurance Company Offers a Low Settlement

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Consequently, their initial offers are almost always far below what injury victims need to cover their various expenses. It can be tempting to accept any settlement offer when your bills are piling up, but doing so can leave you financially vulnerable in the long run.

Your lawyer will examine any settlement offers you receive to make sure they’re fair and adequate. If an offer falls short, they can negotiate a better one or take the case to court if necessary. Their goal is to protect your rights and interests and ensure that you get the financial support you need.

Understanding Virginia’s Statute of Limitations

In Virginia, pedestrian accident victims usually have two years from the day of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could be barred from seeking compensation. Two years might sound like a long time, but it can take a while to put together a solid case.

As such, it’s wise to hire an attorney as soon as possible to make sure your claim is filed before the deadline. This will give your lawyer ample time to gather crucial evidence before it’s lost or no longer relevant.

FAQ

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?

Many accident victims put off hiring an attorney (or never hire one at all) because they’re concerned about the cost.

Fortunately, most personal injury law firms work on a contingency basis, which means you owe nothing upfront — your lawyer will only get paid if they win your case. This lets you get the legal assistance you need without further financial hardship.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?

Not necessarily. Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, so you could lose your case if you’re found to be even slightly at fault. Because this standard is so strict, it’s best to have an attorney in your corner.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Case?

The timeline can vary depending on how complicated your case is and whether it goes to trial. Your prospective lawyer can give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances during your initial consultation.

Do I Still Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Is Cooperative?

Absolutely. Even if the insurance company seems to be playing ball, it doesn’t mean their settlement offer will be a fair one. Have an attorney go over the details to make sure the settlement fully addresses your losses.

Don’t Wait to Get the Legal Help You Need

If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, contact Commonwealth Law Group to speak with a trusted pedestrian accident lawyer. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and work to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.