You walk around West Ashley without thinking about a motorist crashing their car into you. If this happens, the ramifications can be significant for you and your family. Do not let the at-fault motorist off the hook for your losses — hire a West Ashley pedestrian accident lawyer who will seek damages on your behalf.
Since 2018, the Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward have helped our clients secure millions of dollars in damages in personal injury lawsuits. Our legal team is here to learn about you and your pedestrian accident. Meet with our West Ashley personal injury lawyers.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
A pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, and how you respond in the moments following the incident is key. You have every right to feel upset, angry, and irritated, but it is best to focus on your health and well-being above everything else. Here are steps you can follow to protect yourself after your accident:
- Seek medical attention. Call 911 so medical professionals can treat your injuries and, if necessary, bring you to the emergency room.
- Explain what happened to the police. Tell your side of the story, and the police will use this and information from others at the accident scene to prepare a report detailing the incident.
- Collect proof. If possible, snap photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries since this will be your only opportunity to do so.
- Get information from the driver. Ask the motorist to share their full name, driver’s license number, and auto insurance information, all of which will help you pursue damages from them.
Within days of your accident, get legal help. Consult with the Thumbs Up Guys, and we can explain your legal options in detail. Contact our pedestrian accident lawyers serving West Ashley today.
Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Generally, a driver is responsible for a pedestrian accident in South Carolina. For example, a motorist driving faster than the posted speed limit does not see you crossing the street in a crosswalk and causes an accident in which you are injured. In this scenario, you could seek damages from the motorist.
There are times when a driver and pedestrian share the blame for an accident. In some cases, a motorist will claim a pedestrian is primarily liable for an accident and should be solely responsible for their injury-related losses. If the driver succeeds, they may not have to pay any damages.
A West Ashley pedestrian accident attorney commits time and resources to help you show a judge or jury that you are in no way at fault. As part of their efforts, they will build a body of evidence to support this argument. Also, they will look for ways to prove to a judge or jury that you deserve maximum damages.
What Damages Can You Receive in a West Ashley Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
You may get economic and non-economic damages for your accident-related losses. A pedestrian accident attorney serving West Ashley will urge you to ask for both types of damages. Some of the damages you could recover after your pedestrian accident include:
Medical Expenses
Due to your injuries, you need physical therapy and other treatments. In addition, you spend time at the hospital, take prescription drugs, and do other things to try to get better. Your lawyer accounts for your medical expenses, making sure you request damages to cover them.
Lost Income
Your injuries keep you from working, and there is no guarantee you will ever fully recover from them. If you cannot earn a living wage, your lawyer will help you out. They remain committed to getting you the case results you want and can ask a liable party to provide damages for your current and future lost income.
Loss of Enjoyment
Ultimately, your injuries can be permanent, and they may hamper your ability to enjoy your life to the fullest extent. If your injuries prevent you from spending time with family members and friends and doing things you previously enjoyed, share this information with your attorney. Then, your lawyer can pursue compensation based on your loss of enjoyment.
Pain and Suffering
It can be difficult to get past the pain and suffering you experience in a pedestrian accident. You cannot change the fact that you dealt with these issues. Alternatively, your lawyer will consider these and other non-economic losses as they calculate your damages.
If a driver is liable for your accident, you could pursue damages through an automobile insurance claim. Keep in mind that a car insurer is more likely to look out for its clients’ best interests than yours. On the other hand, a West Ashley personal injury attorney prioritizes their clientele, and they can help you get damages through a lawsuit.
Our West Ashley Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Fight for the Rights of Those Who Are Injured
In a pedestrian accident, you expect the at-fault party to take responsibility for their actions. Regardless, the legal system is unpredictable, and a liable party may even try to blame you for the incident. Instead of letting a negligent party get the best of you, partner with a lawyer who will protect your rights.
The Thumbs Up Guys have an outstanding track record in pedestrian accident cases. Our lawyers will do everything we can to help you get case results that matter. Schedule a consultation with our attorneys.