Pedestrian Accidents – Know When to Call a Personal Injury Attorney
May 2020 – For a pedestrian, depending on the extent of the injury, being hit by a car or a truck can change their life forever. It is not just the emotional trauma or injures, the unexpected medical bills can take a serious toll on your financial situation. Many times, when you turn to the insurance company in the hour of distress, they disappoint you by denying a proper payment for the injury.
In early April, a woman passed away from her injuries after getting struck by a car. It was a hit and run accident that happened in Centreville Virginia. According to local police, it’s the 9th pedestrian death in Fairfax County in 2020. The lady was in the southbound lanes of Lee Highway when the accident happened.
Unfortunately, it could have been any of us. In this difficult situation, when you are coping with the injuries, the right person to call is a personal injury attorney.
Who Is a Personal Injury Attorney?
A personal injury lawyer or attorney is an individual who provides legal services to persons who have been injured as a result of the negligence of another person, government agency, company, or entity.
A personal injury lawyer or attorney helps you get financial compensation for medical treatment cost incurred, lost wages for missed time from work as well as for pain, inconvenience and suffering. These attorneys play three basic roles:
- Explain the Plaintiff’s Right
The plaintiff (the injured party) may or may not understand how an accident and legal issues resulting from it can affect his or her rights. The attorney will provide all the necessary guidance relating to the issue; will help determine if the accident was partially the plaintiff’s fault and whether he or she may be compensated or barred from making a personal injury claim.
- Offer Advice
A personal injury attorney is also responsible for guiding the client through the confusing and complicated legal process; insurance claim system and jargon and for submitting the necessary documents and paperwork for proceeding with the case.
A common advice attorneys offer is seeking medical treatment when indicated and having it properly documented by the physician to explain the causal relationship with the injury suffered and the accident.
- Court Representation
Often, personal injury cases don’t result in a trial and most of them are settled before a lawsuit is filled. However, sometimes the insurance company of the person or entity at fault will deny liability or is not willing to settle the claim for the appropriate compensation amount. In such a scenario, the only possible way to recover financial compensation is through a civil trial. In this instance, the personal injury attorney representing you will give you the proper advice and prosecute your claim in civil court.
What to Do In Case Of An Accident?
If you are hit by a car as a cyclist or pedestrian, assuming you are conscious, breathe, and try controlling your emotions. The first thing you must do is move out of the street.
Even if you are unharmed, if possible, keep the driver there. Many times, we perceive our injuries to be minor but when the adrenaline rush is over, you realize you have been hit severely. Call the police and while you are waiting for them, take pictures of the scene of the accident, and collect the driver’s information.
When the police officer arrives, make sure you are heard and get an incident report number. The next step is to seek medical assistance for any injuries sustained and have everything documented. Call the insurance company of the driver to report the accident and file a claim but DO NOT GIVE A RECORDED STATEMENT TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY ADJUSTER. Get in touch with a personal injury attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents to get further assistance on the situation.
Contact Hilton & Somer, LLC – Pedestrian Accident Lawyer serving Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland
If you, or a loved one, has suffered the consequences of a pedestrian accident, you deserve an attorney who truly cares about you and your case. At Hilton & Somer LLC, we are committed to knowing our clients and their specific needs.
Your representation will be as unique as your circumstances. To arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your case, contact us toll-free at (703) 560-0700.
References for Pedestrian Accidents – Know When to Call a Personal Injury Attorney:
https://wjla.com/news/local/woman-dies-after-being-struck-by-car-in-hit-and-run-in-va
