Greenwood Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or someone close to you has been involved in a pedestrian accident, seeking experienced legal counsel is critical. Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries and have lingering impacts that last for years if not a lifetime.
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident in Greenwood, Indiana, you’re often left with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens due to medical bills and lost wages. Navigating the complexities of personal injury law while trying to recover from your accident can be daunting, especially when dealing with insurance companies and potential legal claims.
Contact our Greenwood Habig Injury Law office today to get the help you deserve.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An experienced Greenwood pedestrian accident lawyer at Habig Injury Law can play a crucial role in helping victims navigate the complexities of the legal system to properly file a personal injury claim. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a dedicated Habig Injury Law attorney if you’ve been a victim or are close to someone who has been a victim of a pedestrian accident:
- Identifying Insurance Coverage: A Habig Injury Law attorney can help you pinpoint available insurance coverage options which include Medical Payment Coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If you don’t own a vehicle, you still might have the ability to claim the insurance policy of a family member. Our Greenwood office attorneys have a wealth of experience at navigating this area of insurance coverage.
- Timely Claim Filing: Pedestrian accident claims have strict deadlines and procedural rules that need to be adhered to. Our attorneys will ensure that your claim is filed promptly and correctly to prevent any potential delays or complications.
- Navigating Legal Complexities: Beyond insurance coverage negotiations, legal issues facing pedestrian accident victims often include subrogation claims and medical liens. Habig Injury Law will pilot this process and manage these complexities in your best interest.
- Determining Impacted Damages: Our lawyers will work with doctors and medical professionals to account for all of your injuries and the full impact they will have on your life. We will account for all medical expenses (past, present, and future), lost wages, emotional distress, and of course, the physical pain and suffering that accompanies a pedestrian accident. All of these elements will be taken into account to ensure you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
- Conflict of Interest: There can sometimes be a conflict of interest when negotiating with your own insurance company. Instead of leaving it to insurance adjusters whose goal may be in conflict with what you deserve, Habig Injury Law attorneys will advocate in your best interest to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Important Actions Following a Pedestrian Accident
Following a pedestrian accident, it’s normal to feel confused and overwhelmed about what to do next. In this section, we’ll break down important actions to take after the accident.
How to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim
In the immediate aftermath of a pedestrian accident, make sure that you are in a safe location and are receiving appropriate medical attention. If possible, gather evidence including photos of the accident scene, and contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident, and call 911 to file a police report. With emotions running high, do your best to remain calm and collect any relevant information about the accident that can be used for your claim. Make sure you do not admit fault, and contact a personal injury law firm before filing a claim with your insurance company.
When You Need an Attorney
Talented and experienced personal injury attorneys like Habig Injury Law can help you navigate all the complexities that follow a pedestrian accident. Habig Injury Law will immediately get to work on your case and guide you through insurance complexities, the tracking of medical bills, damages and recovery, and more.
Tracking Medical Bills
Managing medical bills following a pedestrian accident can feel daunting. The trauma of a major accident is difficult enough but watching medical bills pile up can add another level of stress. We understand how challenging this can be for victims and their family members. With that said, it’s important to track all past, present, and future medical bills associated with immediate and long-term recovery. By doing this, you’ll be assisting your legal representation by making sure you receive full compensation for your medical bills.
Your Recovery from a Pedestrian Accident
Recovering from a pedestrian accident can be a long, hard road. It’s important to address any immediate medical attention. Even if your physical pain feels manageable or minor, it’s critical to see a doctor since some injuries can be dormant for a period of time. Good communication with your medical team is important from the beginning and throughout to understand the scope and timeline of your medical treatment.
Understanding the Pedestrian Accident Claims Process
If you decide to pursue a claim with the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Habig Injury Law, you can expect several steps in the process:
- Initial Consultation: Habig Injury Law will meet with you to gather all relevant information about your pedestrian accident. You will be asked about your recollection of what happened, witness information, any medical treatment you’ve received or plan to receive, and health insurance information. Your lawyer will want to gather any evidence including the accident report, pictures of the scene, medical bills, and more. Then, you’ll be walked through the legal process and next steps. This comes at no charge.
- Investigation: Your Habig Injury Law attorney will work with you to gather any evidence collected from the scene. This includes police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case.
- Negotiation: Your attorney will file a personal injury claim on your behalf and negotiate with all relevant parties about payment of medical bills, reimbursement of lost wages including sick and vacation days, lost employment and earning capacity, and lost job-related benefits. Your attorney will also seek payment for pain and suffering, as well as emotional damages. Habig Injury Law’s goal is to obtain fair compensation on your behalf, and if a settlement is unable to be reached, the pursuit of further legal action may be recommended.
- Litigation: Should your case proceed to court, your lawyer will represent you by presenting evidence and arguing on your behalf to the best of their ability. The goal is for you to receive the fair and rightful compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
Habig Injury Law, like most experienced personal injury attorneys, works on a contingency fee basis – meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is a percentage of the overall settlement. At Habig Injury Law, there is no consultation fee, no retainer cost, and no hourly rate. If the settlement/verdict is not in your favor, you owe nothing.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident in Indiana?
The statute of limitations (the time limit on how long you must file following the accident) in Indiana for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury. Depending on the type of personal injury claim, this timeline can be shorter. For instance, claims against state, county, and municipal agencies can work on a tighter timeline. With that said, it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so you don’t miss any deadlines.
What kind of compensation can I expect from a pedestrian accident claim?
Compensation in pedestrian accident cases may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, and other damages related to the incident. The specific amount depends on a variety of these factors. Additionally, if you are married at the time of the accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for loss of consortium with your spouse – the relationship’s intangible benefits including the love, care, and companionship.
What steps should I take immediately after the accident?
The first thing you should do after any car accident is prioritize your safety and health. Seek medical attention, report the accident to the authorities, collect witness contact information, and document the scene by taking pictures and making notes of what occurred. It’s also wise to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer before filing a formal insurance claim. Insurance companies want to maximize profits and will often try to take advantage of a victim’s emotional state and situation.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured as a Pedestrian?
First, ensure your safety by moving to a location away from traffic. If you’re unable to move, stay still and signal for help. Once you’re in a safe location, seek medical attention by calling 911. Prompt medical attention is essential, as injuries may not be immediately apparent. Some symptoms and internal injuries may take days or weeks to become apparent, but receiving a professional evaluation can help identify and treat any underlying issues.
Remember to document the scene, if you’re able to do so. Take photos of your injuries, the location, the vehicle involved, and any relevant street signs or signals. This evidence can be crucial in establishing the circumstances of the accident. Collect witness information by asking for their names and contact information. These insights can be extremely valuable to supporting your claim.
Finally, report the accident to the police. A police report can be an important document when filing your claim with an insurance company. Once reported, consult an experienced attorney and do not discuss the accident with anyone other than your attorney.
How long does it take to resolve a pedestrian accident lawsuit?
The duration for resolving a pedestrian-involved motor vehicle accident case varies widely. Factors such as the complexity of the case, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial can all influence the timeline. On average, it can take several months to a few years to resolve.
Contact An Experienced Greenwood Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The time immediately following a pedestrian-involved motor vehicle accident can be extremely challenging and stressful. However, with the support of the expert team at Habig Injury Law, you can breathe easier and focus on your recovery.
Contact Habig Injury Law today to discuss your legal rights and options.
