The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 800,000 lawyers are currently working in this country. One of these areas of professional specialty is pedestrian accidents.
These professionals know how to help victims navigate their local trial court system. If you were a recent pedestrian accident victim, you may need one of these professionals to help you out.
Check out this pedestrian accident lawyers guide on how you can find the best professional to help you out with your claim. Consider these pointers and you’ll be able to find the best pro who can help your case through this trying process.
What are Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?
A pedestrian accident lawyer provides victims with legal representation. Pedestrian accident lawyers specialize in a legal field called tort law. Tort law covers that area of law that compensates victims in an accident when the defendant is responsible for the victim’s injuries.
Pedestrian accident lawyers are also called personal injury lawyers. Some services that the best pedestrian accident lawyer will provide include the following tasks:
Prepare Demands for Compensation
Demands for compensation outline where you believe the responsible party is at fault for your injuries. These demands for compensation can also point out any medical expenses you might receive and how much you’ll have to for ongoing treatments.
Files a Lawsuit for Their Client
If the opposing party won’t meet your demands, a pedestrian accident lawyer can then file a lawsuit with your local court system on your behalf. They can also contact the other party in your claim to serve them a legal summons that includes a copy of your specific claim.
Prepares Claims Against Governmental Agencies
Sometimes your injuries may be the result of the negligence of governmental or public agencies. When this happens, a pedestrian accident lawyer will file an “administrative claim.” Deadlines for filing administrative claims are within six months of your accident.
A governmental office has roughly 45 days to reply to your claim. These governmental agencies may even deny your suit.
When this happens, your pedestrian accident attorney has roughly six months to act. They’ll file your lawsuit against them with your local justice system. Most court deadlines for submitting a lawsuit are usually within six months from the date you received the denial.
Negotiate Out of Court Settlement Agreements
The best pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate through the out-of-court process called alternative dispute resolution. This out-of-court process can include arbitration or mediation.
When both sides of the accident claim can reach a solution beyond the trial court system, that’s called mediating the dispute. Lawyers on both sides of the claim will work together to develop an agreement to settle on payment due dates and amounts needed.
When victims participate in an arbitration session, their lawyer will present their claim to neutral decision-makers. These neutral decision-makers have the authority to make binding decisions.
Comply With Local Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is a collection of local regulations. These regulations outline the deadlines that an injured victim has to file their claim with their local justice system after their accident. When a victim can’t turn in their claim within these state deadlines, they can’t receive any compensation to help them pay for their injuries.
A pedestrian accident lawyer will help these victims submit their claims within these statutory deadlines. They’ll also help victims file a lawsuit if they notice any delayed-onset injuries in the future.
When do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to act right away. Consider hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer when any of the following circumstances apply to your case.
Hazardous Conditions in Public Areas
Accidents on dangerous sidewalks or roads will involve many governmental agencies with your claim. Pedestrian accident lawyers can help you file your claim with the right city or county governmental agency.
Life-threatening Injuries That Need a Hospital Stay
If a life-threatening injury results in your case, you could be on the hook for extended hospital expenses to recover from your injuries. You might also suffer from accident injury symptoms that you can’t see right away.
Tips for Choosing a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
These are some of the best ways you can find a competent pedestrian accident lawyer to help out your cause. Follow these steps and you’ll find a top-notch legal professional to help with your fight:
Ask Your Family and Friends for a Referral
Ask your friends, family, or other close contacts who you know hired a pedestrian accident lawyer for their legal matter. Your closest contacts are your best source for hearing about experiences and collecting names. Prepare a list of referrals so that you can start scheduling interviews to discuss your claim.
Contact the American Bar Association
Attorney bar associations keep networks of lawyers and their specialties that work within your area. For example, the American Bar Association is a helpful resource.
They will help you find local professionals that specialize in the area of law that’s the most appropriate for your case. Plug you into their state-by-state lawyer referral directory to help you find the best professional to help with your claim.
Schedule Some Interviews
Start reaching out to these professionals to meet them in person to see if they are a good fit for your case. Be sure to collect the important facts and documents for your claim as well as any other backup documents that might be necessary.
Bring these documents with you to this interview. That way you can ensure that you’ll have an informed discussion and avoid any misunderstandings in the future.
Sometimes, a pedestrian accident lawyer will pre-evaluate the merits of your case. For example, the professionals at Reasonover law offer victims a free evaluation of their case. They’ll advise you on what outcomes you might expect.
What Are Your Next Steps?
Visit the state-by-state lawyer referral directory on the American Bar Association website. Collect some names and contact info for pedestrian accident lawyers in your area. When you have their contact information, it’s time to schedule some interviews to find the right professional to help you with your claim.
Head to our website for more insights on personal injury claims. It’s time to get what you need to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
