Even when pedestrians obey every law while walking on or near roads, accidents can still happen. Negligent drivers put pedestrians at risk every day and many incidents result in serious injuries. When you are injured as the result of a driver’s negligence, you have the right to hire a trustworthy injury attorney to assist you in seeking financial compensation. With the help of an Elgin pedestrian accident lawyer, you could secure financial relief to accommodate the medical bills and lost wages you endured while recovering.
Pedestrian collisions can occur anywhere there is vehicle traffic and a person walking or jogging. This could be in a neighborhood, crowded street, or parking lot. However, certain areas, such as crosswalks or other designated zones for pedestrians to cross roads, are certainly more dangerous than others. Crossing roadways means moving into an area typically dominated by motor vehicles. Even when this is done properly, there is always a risk a driver will not be paying attention. The same is true of parking lots, where some drivers choose to travel at high speeds and without regard to the likelihood that a person may be walking in the immediate area.
When someone is struck by a motor vehicle at high speeds, the injuries can be devastating. The human body is simply not equipped to take a full-force impact from a fast-moving car, truck, or motorcycle. Even low-speed accidents can do immense harm. Common injuries that pedestrians suffer in these types of accidents include:
If an injury is caused by a driver’s negligence, it is likely compensable through a lawsuit. Whether the injuries from the accident are minor or life-altering, a lawyer in Elgin knows how to fight for the pedestrian’s rights.
In order to recover damages with a personal injury lawsuit, it is essential that the injured plaintiff prove that the defendant was negligent in their conduct. Without proof that the driver was negligent, there can be no financial recovery. Negligence is a violation of the duty of care by the driver – and when the driver violates this duty and causes injury to the pedestrian, financial recovery is appropriate.
Proving negligence requires investigation into the facts of the case and experienced legal counsel to develop the right strategy. Investigations can help show how the accident occurred, what the driver did wrong, and the types of injuries the plaintiff suffered. An attorney might be able to gain access to recordings of the pedestrian collision, witness testimony, and medical records to successfully prove an Elgin injury claim.
The ultimate goal of a civil lawsuit is to win financial compensation for the injured person. With the right proof, a plaintiff can seek to recoup the losses of their medical bills, costs of rehabilitation, missed income, property damage, and other tangible expenses. Plaintiffs can also seek non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, or disfiguration, which addresses the emotional or psychological wounds they sustained.
Those who walk, jog, or run in public spaces deserve considerable protection from motor vehicles. With the right legal assistance at your side, you could fight for the financial compensation you need to make your life whole again after this tragedy. An Elgin pedestrian accident lawyer could help you fight for justice. Contact us today to discuss your situation.