Walking is good for our health and good for the environment. Unfortunately, pedestrians are vulnerable, especially when walking along busy streets and intersections. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, 6,174 pedestrians were seriously injured or killed between 2009-2018. The number of serious or fatal pedestrian accidents continues to rise by about ten accidents per year, and 87 percent of these accidents take place in major urban centers.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you deserve to recover compensation. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding pedestrian accidents.
What Kind of Compensation Could I Receive?
You can receive both economic and non-economic damages from a pedestrian accident. This includes but is not limited to pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, alternative transportation, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment in life, loss of consortium (if you’re married), home care, lost earning capacity, and more.
How Do I Prove My Case?
The evidence you’ll need depends on the specific circumstances of your case. However, things like eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, photographs, medical records, the police report and accident reconstruction expert testimony are often used. Some cases may also include toxicology reports, maintenance records, the driver’s driving record and more. Your attorney will help you procure the evidence you need.
To help strengthen your case, be sure to seek medical help immediately and follow all care instructions. Consider keeping an injury journal. Let your attorney handle all legal communication, and stay off social media while your case is pending.
Do I Need an Attorney?
Although it’s possible for accident victims to represent themselves, it’s not a good idea. Attorneys are not only trained in the law and legal procedure, but they often have years (sometimes decades) of experience in handling cases exactly like yours. They’ll know whether you can and should sue, what evidence will best help your case and what you can expect to recover in compensation. Plus, your attorney will handle most of the day-to-day work, which means you can focus on recovering.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations in Ohio starts tolling from the date of the accident. You have just two years to file your claim. That might seem like a long time, but it’s always best to start right away—the longer you wait, the more you risk losing valuable memories, eyewitness testimony and other compelling evidence.
Call an Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident? I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.944.4373 for a consultation. We’ll discuss your case and make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.