Pedestrian Accidents Attorneys in Altoona, Pennsylvania
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common, and the aftermath can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. At Goldstein Heslop Steele Clapper Oswalt & Smith in Altoona, Pennsylvania, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with such an experience.
In these situations, it’s crucial to have an experienced legal counsel on your side to protect your rights. Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, and understanding the process can make all the difference in securing a fair outcome.
Our firm has helped countless clients manage these tough circumstances, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
If you've been injured, it's important to take action quickly. Read on to learn more about the legal steps involved in handling pedestrian accidents and how Goldstein Heslop Steele Clapper Oswalt & Smith can help.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents are often the result of negligence, either by drivers or pedestrians. Drivers failing to yield the right of way, distracted driving, or speeding are common causes. Pedestrians can also contribute to accidents, such as walking in poorly lit areas or crossing at an unmarked crosswalk.
Regardless of the cause, these accidents can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, or worse.
Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention are more likely to cause accidents.
Speeding: Drivers who exceed speed limits may not have enough time to react to a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Failure to yield: When drivers don't stop or slow down for pedestrians at crosswalks, accidents can happen.
Understanding the causes of pedestrian accidents can help you in your pursuit of justice. If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another, it’s essential to seek legal help as soon as possible. From here, it’s important to understand the types of injuries that can result from these accidents.
Dealing With a Personal Injury?
Contact UsInjuries From Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe, life-threatening conditions. The lack of protection pedestrians have compared to people in vehicles makes them especially vulnerable.
Even at relatively low speeds, a driver can cause significant harm to a pedestrian. These injuries can impact your life for years to come, potentially requiring long-term medical treatment and therapy.
Some common injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents include:
Head injuries: These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries, which can have long-term effects on cognitive function.
Fractures and broken bones: Pedestrians may suffer fractures in their legs, arms, or ribs from the impact of being struck by a vehicle.
Spinal cord injuries: Serious accidents may lead to spinal injuries that could result in paralysis, requiring lifelong care and rehabilitation.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, your injuries may be more severe than you initially realize. Seeking medical attention right away and understanding your legal rights are essential in these situations. Once you're properly cared for, the next step is understanding the steps to take after a pedestrian accident to protect yourself legally.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident, it’s important to take specific steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. First, seek medical attention, even if you feel fine, as some injuries might not become apparent until later.
Once you’ve received the necessary care, document everything you can about the accident, including taking photos of the scene and gathering witness statements. This evidence will be crucial in building your case.
The steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your claim. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, getting checked out by a doctor is important.
Document the scene: Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle involved, and the surrounding area.
File a police report: A police report can help validate your version of the events and provide an official record of the accident.
By taking these steps, you’ll be better positioned to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
Recognizing the Legal Process After Pedestrian Accidents
After a pedestrian accident, understanding the legal process is essential for managing the claims process. The road to compensation can be lengthy, but knowing the steps involved can help you feel more in control. From filing claims to negotiating with insurance companies, the legal process requires careful attention to detail and experienced handling.
Working with an experienced attorney can help streamline the process and protect your rights every step of the way.
A few key stages in the legal process include:
Filing a claim: The first step is often to file a personal injury claim with the responsible party's insurance company.
Investigation: This includes gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and reviewing accident reports to support your case.
Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
By understanding how the legal process works, you’ll be in a better position to pursue justice for your injuries. The final step is often reaching a settlement or taking the case to trial if necessary. With a solid understanding of the process, you’ll be ready to make informed decisions about your case.
The next step is proving liability in pedestrian accident cases, which is essential in determining who is responsible for your injuries.
How to Prove Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases
When it comes to pedestrian accidents, proving liability is key to recovering compensation for your injuries. Liability refers to the party responsible for the accident, and in most cases, it’s the driver who caused the incident.
However, in some cases, a pedestrian might be partially at fault. Proving liability requires collecting evidence and testimony that shows how the accident occurred.
To prove liability, it’s important to gather:
Witness statements: Eyewitnesses can provide testimony to support your account of what happened.
Police reports: These reports contain key information about how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Traffic camera footage: In some cases, cameras might have captured the incident, providing undeniable proof of the driver’s actions.
Once liability is established, the next step is to focus on securing compensation for your damages. This process can be complicated, but an experienced attorney can help make it more manageable. From here, dealing with insurance companies becomes an important part of the process.
How Insurance Companies Impact Pedestrian Accidents
Insurance companies often play a significant role in pedestrian accident cases. After an accident, the responsible party’s insurance company will likely reach out to you with an offer. It’s important to remember that insurance companies are in business to minimize payouts. Their initial offers may not adequately cover your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Some key things to keep in mind when dealing with insurance companies:
Initial offers may be too low: Don’t accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney.
Insurance adjusters may try to shift blame: They might argue that you were partially at fault, which could lower the amount you receive.
Having an attorney on your side: A personal injury lawyer can help negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be frustrating. Having a skilled lawyer to represent your interests can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. The final step is to seek legal representation, which is crucial for making sure that your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves.
Reach Out to Us Today
We serve clients throughout the Blair County area, including Tyrone, Frankstown, Hollidaysburg, Williamsburg, Gallitzin, Cresson, Claysburg, Huntingdon, and Bellwood. Contact Goldstein Heslop Steele Clapper Oswalt & Smith today to discuss your case and learn how one of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys can help you move forward.