According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Association, approximately 5,000 individuals die each year in pedestrian accidents involving a motor vehicle. Another 76,000 suffered injuries in 2012 when struck by a vehicle, and these accidents typically take place when a pedestrian tries to cross a highway. Furthermore, thousands are injured in accidents not involving a motor vehicle, such as when someone slips in a poorly maintained parking lot. If one has been injured in this manner, he or she needs to speak to a Pedestrian Lawyer in Stafford VA to obtain the assistance they need in seeking compensation.
When the accident, regardless of whether it involves a motor vehicle, is the result of someone’s negligence, the injured party may be entitled to damages. Negligence occurs when someone fails to do or not do an act which another person would complete to ensure the safety of individuals from risks which can be foreseen. In a pedestrian accident, the injured party is responsible for showing proof that the person at fault in the incident was negligent in one or more ways. A Pedestrian Lawyer can be of assistance in proving one’s case.
First and foremost, the individual must show the responsible party owed a legal duty to the injured party and that he or she breached this duty by their action or inaction. Next, they must prove the action or inaction lead to an injury or accident and this injury or accident hurt the plaintiff in one or more ways. At times, there may be more than one party who can be held accountable for the injuries or harm and the lawyer works to determine who may be held liable.
The first thing to do when one is involved in a pedestrian accident is to alert law enforcement and wait for them to arrive. Then, gather contact information from witnesses so an attorney can speak to them at a later date. Never speak to anyone involved in the accident or their insurance companies. Retain the services of a Pedestrian Lawyer in Stafford VA and let the attorney do the talking. The claim needs to be handled immediately to ensure witnesses don’t forget key details, evidence isn’t lost or washed away and the attorney can conduct their own investigation. Time is of the essence so seek help today.
