Thousands of pedestrians are critically injured or killed every year when they are struck by a vehicle. Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in an automobile accident. If you or a loved one is hurt in a pedestrian accident in Washington, it can affect almost every part of your life – and the lives of your loved ones.
That is why you should speak with a competent and experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. To get started on your claim, call the offices of Cunnane Law now.
After a Pedestrian Accident, What Should You Do?
It’s critical to remember three things once you or a loved one has been hit by a car. It’s critical to avoid moving the pedestrian if at all feasible and instead dial 9-1-1. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses to the collision, as well as the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle(s) involved, if possible.
When the police arrive at the scene of the collision, give them a statement of what happened, but don’t mention anything that could be construed as an admission of guilt. Finally, even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt, it’s still in your best interest to get medical help right away. Many of the injuries sustained in these types of incidents are internal and life-threatening. As a result, performing a thorough examination could aid in the stabilization of a life-threatening injury. Furthermore, consulting a doctor provides written proof that you sought medical help.
Involved Factors in a Pedestrian Accident
So, who is to blame for these terrible mishaps? There are numerous contributing elements, ranging from the lighting and location of the accident to the age of the pedestrian and the driver.
Time and Location
The accident’s location can have a significant impact. The majority of pedestrian fatalities (26 percent) occur in low-light circumstances, between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to the NHTSA.
Drug and Alcohol Use
Another unfortunate reality is that drugs and alcohol are frequently involved in pedestrian accidents. Almost half of all pedestrian fatalities (47%) involved a driver and/or pedestrian who were under the influence of alcohol.
Driver inattention is another factor that might contribute to pedestrian accidents. This is frequently due to motorists being distracted by their cell phones or other electronic gadgets, causing them to not notice the pedestrian.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
An experienced personal injury lawyer can give you an unbiased assessment of your case and guide you through each step of the legal procedure.
Our experienced WA personal injury lawyers at the Cunnane Law PLLC work strategically to help our clients receive proper compensation. Joe Cunnane, the firm’s founding attorney, has earned a reputation among insurance companies and opposing counsel as a formidable opponent, having successfully negotiated and contested innumerable personal injury claims and recovered millions of dollars in damages for his clients. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.