As a pedestrian, you have much less protection than individuals traveling in cars, buses, and other modes of mechanized transportation. This means that some injuries sustained in an accident can be exceedingly severe, while others may take hours or even days to manifest. After seeking prompt medical attention for your injuries, the next logical step is to speak with a DC pedestrian accident lawyer about your rights to compensation for the harms and losses you have suffered.
Value of Legal Representation After a Pedestrian Accident
This is important for two main reasons, the first of which is that you will require support for a variety of issues, from medical bills to lost wages. The second, and equally important goal, is that such action is often the only way that negligent motorists are held accountable for their reckless or thoughtless actions. The pedestrian accident attorneys at our firm understand the importance of both of these goals, and are passionate about fighting for your rights.
Most pedestrian accidents are avoidable. If you were injured by a distracted or otherwise negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. A DC pedestrian accident injury lawyer can help you get that compensation. Pedestrian accidents commonly occur in or near crosswalks, around residential areas, and in heavily trafficked areas – such as schools and shopping centers — where drivers are often distracted and may not pay proper attention.
If you have been injured as a pedestrian in the District of Columbia, you will need to speak with a well-qualified personal injury attorney to fully understand the claims process and to accurately assess your potential claim. In the meantime, however, you can refer to this page as a general guide to the personal injury claims process.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
A good DC pedestrian accident lawyer will tell you that when such an incident occurs, your first priority is to get medical attention. Even if you do not believe you have been seriously injured, it is still advisable to visit a doctor. The full effect of some injuries, such as concussions and whiplash, may not be immediately apparent following the incident.
In addition to receiving the proper medical attention and documentation, injured victims should also secure as much evidence from the accident scene as they can. That includes pictures, contact information for any witnesses, and a copy of the police report. Once you have gathered this documentation, your next step is to contact a pedestrian accident attorney who will evaluate your options under the law. Be vigilant about your rights; do not sign any forms or give any statements without first consulting an attorney. If you are contacted by an insurance adjuster, you should decline to speak with him or her and simply refer the adjuster or claims person to your legal representative.
Call a DC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
It is important to act quickly in a pedestrian accident case. The more time that passes between the onset of your injury and the filing of your claim, the more difficult it can be to contact witnesses and gather evidence. To find out how to proceed with your claim, call our firm for a free consultation. Our DC pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to help you.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
The following is supplemental information pertaining to pedestrian accident statistics. If you would like more information about how to proceed with your specific claim, contact a DC pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm.
According to a study released in 2013 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) more than 4,000 pedestrians were killed and nearly 70,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes across the country in 2011. Those numbers were consistent with statistics for annual traffic fatalities in traffic crashes dating back to 2002.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated in 2010 that 4,280 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. and stated that pedestrians are “1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.”
For purposes of the study, the NHTSA defined a pedestrian as “anyone who is on foot, walking, jogging, running, hiking, sitting or prone who is involved in a motor vehicle crash.” A traffic crash was defined as “an incident that involves one or more vehicles where at least one vehicle is in motion and the crash occurs on a public trafficway(sic).” That means, for the purposes of the study, crashes that originated on private property — including parking lots and driveways — were excluded from the statistics. Such incidents, however, still carry legal liability and civil penalties if the driver was negligent or irresponsible in the operation or use of their vehicle.
The study also found that Washington, DC sustained the highest percentage of all traffic fatalities nationwide. This may be due to the study results that revealed that the vast majority of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. occurred in urban areas and involved pedestrians who were in “non-intersection” areas. Other disturbing trends noted in the study include that one-fifth of the children between the ages of five and nine years old who were killed in traffic crashes in 2011 were pedestrians, and children between the ages of ten and 15 years old accounted for the highest percentage of pedestrian accident victims injured that year.
A DC pedestrian accident attorney will be up-to-date on the latest statistics and legal developments to build the strongest possible claim. That wealth of knowledge, combined with strong experience and skills, cannot guarantee a positive outcome in your case. It can, however, greatly increase the odds that you will be successful in your civil claim.