Everyone occasionally becomes a pedestrian while in public and must share space with cars, trucks, and buses. Although sidewalks, crosswalks, and bridges offer some protection, it is still possible for a vehicle to strike you, especially if the driver is not following basic traffic rules.
If a motor vehicle hit you while you were out walking, speak with a Springfield pedestrian accident lawyer at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. You may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries, and our personal injury attorneys could help you by providing support and advice about your legal options.
When two cars collide with each other, it is because of the negligence or recklessness of one or both drivers. They have a duty to drive safely so they do not harm other drivers, bikers, or pedestrians. Breaching this duty—for example, by texting, speeding, or driving drunk—puts others at risk of getting hurt and could place responsibility on the driver.
Pedestrians are at a significant disadvantage compared to any kind of motor vehicle. People walking do not have the protective shell that drivers have thanks to their vehicles, and the human body is much more fragile than a car. Pedestrians are also less mobile and slower than cars, so they are usually unable to move fast enough to get out of the way of an oncoming vehicle. This is why sidewalks, footbridges, and hiking and running trails exist, but accidents could still happen at any time.
Due to the substantial size difference, the pedestrian is the one who ends up with devastating injuries, including:
Since a person is at such a huge disadvantage against a car, it is usually the driver who is at fault for causing the collision. Injured pedestrians may be able to claim financial damages, including medical expenses, lost wages if the victim is unable to work, and pain and suffering.
Every claim is different, and the exact type and amount of compensation that may be available heavily depend on the facts and circumstances of the incident. That is why it is imperative for anyone who has been in a pedestrian collision in Springfield to consult an attorney to clearly understand their legal options.
If you are a pedestrian involved in a traffic accident, there are several things you could do to help yourself before speaking with a lawyer, as they could strengthen your potential claim.
The first thing to do is seek medical attention, because adrenaline can mask the feeling of pain. Even seemingly minor injuries could be more serious than they feel, and some injuries can only be discovered by an experienced medical professional. Getting medical attention also creates a record of the accident and your injuries for future use. Similarly, reporting the crash to the police allows them to create an official report.
If you are able to do so, documenting details from the scene—like the time of day, the weather, and which direction the vehicle was traveling—could be helpful, as could gathering the contact details of any eyewitnesses.
An attorney experienced with handling accidents between pedestrians and vehicles in Springfield could use all this information to start evaluating your case.
A car hitting you while you are walking is a traumatic experience, but you may be able to get compensation for it. Talk to a Springfield pedestrian accident lawyer at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C.
Our team has decades of experience supporting injured victims and helping them restore their lives. Contact our firm to speak with one of our attorneys.
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