Just about every pedestrian has had more than one close call with a driver who did not see them in a crosswalk or failed to even look for them in the first place. Unfortunately, even if you are as careful and aware while walking as any person possibly could be, there is still a risk that you may be struck and severely injured by a negligent driver—and even worse, that you may have a much harder time seeking civil compensation for those injuries than you expect.
Representation from a skilled personal injury attorney is almost always crucial to getting a favorable result from a personal injury claim, but it can be essential to successfully suing a negligent driver over a pedestrian collision. Fortunately, a Chesterton pedestrian accident lawyer from the Law Offices of David W. Holub is ready and available to help you enforce your rights in pursuit of the fair financial restitution you deserve.
Common Causes and Effects of Pedestrian Collisions
Collisions between pedestrians and motor vehicles often result from driver negligence, such as failing to yield, driving under the influence, texting while driving, or not observing their surroundings before entering a crosswalk. In some cases, pedestrians may share partial fault if they enter a crosswalk without a WALK signal. This comparative fault can reduce the compensation they receive from the driver involved.
Regardless of the cause, injuries from these incidents often have long-lasting, life-altering effects. As a result, it may be crucial to pursue compensation for both short-term and long-term losses, such as:
- Emergency medical bills and expected costs of future care
- Lost work income, benefits, and/or earning potential
- Physical discomfort and pain
- Psychological anguish and trauma
- Lost enjoyment/quality of life
Guidance from a Chesterton pedestrian accident lawyer will be vital both to identifying all compensable damages from a particular wreck and to accurately assessing their financial value during a lawsuit or settlement demand.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Injury Claims?
Even if a pedestrian accident does result in life-altering injuries, the injured pedestrian still has a limited amount of time in which to file suit. More specifically, Indiana Code §34-11-2-4 grants the vast majority of people who get injured through the negligence of another a maximum of two years to formally start a personal injury lawsuit after initially sustaining their injury.
Furthermore, if the defendant(s) named in a pedestrian injury claim is a government employee who was negligent in the scope of their employment or a government agency as a whole, there is a notice requirement with a deadline of either 180 days or 270 days after the initial accident, depending on what type of government body is being sued. In both scenarios, a seasoned lawyer’s support can be vital to building a comprehensive and compelling claim over a Chesterton pedestrian accident within applicable time limits.
A Chesterton Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help With Your Claim
While financial compensation cannot erase the trauma of being struck by a car, especially when it results in a permanent, debilitating injury, pursuing fair civil compensation remains crucial. It can play a key role in safeguarding your well-being in the months, years, and even decades following the incident.
A Chesterton pedestrian accident lawyer can provide the custom-tailored legal support you need to achieve the best possible resolution to your claim. Call the Law Offices of David W. Holub today to schedule a confidential consultation.