Pedestrians have the same rights as everyone else on the road. If you are walking along the sidewalk or shoulder and are hit by a car, you are likely to suffer serious injuries. If the accident was due to the driver’s carelessness or negligence, then you are eligible for fair compensation.

When you suffer injuries due to a distracted driver, you must prove the driver’s actions were responsible. This is the time to seek guidance from a Framingham pedestrian accident lawyer from Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. Our personal injury attorneys could help you file your claim and get the settlement you need for your injuries.

What Are Frequent Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents happen whenever another vehicle—a car, motorcycle, or even a bicycle—hits a person on foot. The most common cause is distracted driving, when a driver fails to pay attention because they are talking on the phone, texting, or eating.

Other causes of pedestrian injuries that a skilled Framingham accident attorney could help you legally pursue include speeding and failure to yield. These often occur together when a driver attempts to beat a traffic signal or make a turn ahead of other drivers. Impaired driving also results in pedestrian accidents and is a leading cause of many crashes. Poor visibility due to rain, snow, or driving at night can be an issue for people on foot. Pedestrians can increase their safety in bad weather by staying on the sidewalk and wearing bright clothing when possible.

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections, but that does not ensure that a driver will follow this rule or see a walker at night.

What Compensation Can You Receive After an Accident?

Massachusetts is a no-fault state for auto accidents, including pedestrian accidents. After an accident, you will file a claim with your own car insurance company for your injuries. In most cases, your personal injury protection (PIP) pays your damages.

If you do not have insurance or if your PIP is not enough to cover your injuries and losses, then you must file a claim with the other driver’s insurance. Your pedestrian collision attorney could explain how driver negligence may be to blame for your injuries in Framingham.

You could receive compensation for economic damages, including:

  • Lost wages
  • Doctor bills
  • Medical costs

Non-economic damages include:

  • Emotional trauma
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium

In some cases, you may receive punitive damages if the driver’s actions were grossly negligent.

To make a compensation claim, you must provide the insurance company with proof of your damages. Your insurance claim should include your medical bills, proof of any lost income, and supporting evidence, such as photos of the accident scene and witness statements.

Get Legal Help From a Pedestrian Wreck Lawyer in Framingham Today

When you get legal advice from a Framingham pedestrian accident lawyer at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C., we guide you through the claims process. Our attorneys help you collect the documents you will need to prove your claim and get the settlement offer you deserve.

After an accident, you need a lawyer who negotiates with the insurance company and their attorneys and prepares your case as if it is heading for trial. We make sure you understand each step in the process, and if you have any questions, someone is readily available to answer them.

The initial consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing until we win or settle your case. Call our office to make an appointment for your claim today.