Understanding Pedestrian Accident Lawyers: When and Why They’re Needed
A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer specializes in legal cases where a pedestrian has been injured or killed due to the actions of a driver, cyclist, or other road users. These attorneys have deep expertise in traffic laws, personal injury law, and civil litigation, allowing them to effectively represent pedestrians in legal disputes.
When Do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
You may need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in the following situations:
- Severe Injuries or Fatalities: When the pedestrian sustains serious injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries, or if the accident results in a fatality.
- Disputed Liability: If the driver or their insurance company disputes fault or refuses to pay for damages, a lawyer can help prove negligence and hold the responsible party accountable.
- Insurance Companies Offering Low Settlements: Insurance companies may offer lowball settlements that do not cover medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. A lawyer can negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Hit-and-Run Incidents: If the driver flees the scene, a lawyer can help track them down and seek justice for the victim.
- Complex Legal Issues: Cases involving government entities, such as a pedestrian hit by a public bus, require specialized legal knowledge.
Pedestrian Accident Scenario in the United States
Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in the U.S., with thousands of incidents occurring annually. These accidents can happen due to various factors, including:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting or using their phones are a common cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Drunk Driving: Intoxicated drivers are more likely to cause accidents, especially at night.
- Speeding: High-speed collisions often result in more severe injuries for pedestrians.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks or stop signs are a leading cause of pedestrian accidents.
- Poorly Marked Crosswalks: Inadequate signage and poorly lit crosswalks can contribute to accidents.
Types of Cases in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident cases can vary widely, including:
- Crosswalk Accidents: When a pedestrian is struck while legally crossing the street in a designated crosswalk.
- Sidewalk Accidents: Occur when a vehicle veers off the road and hits a pedestrian on the sidewalk.
- Parking Lot Accidents: Pedestrians can be struck by vehicles in parking lots, often due to driver negligence.
- Hit-and-Run: Cases where the driver leaves the scene without stopping to provide assistance or contact the authorities.
- Intersection Accidents: Occur at intersections where drivers fail to stop, yield, or obey traffic signals.
Compensation in Pedestrian Accidents
Compensation for pedestrian accidents varies depending on the severity of the injuries and other factors. Common types of compensation include:
- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work after the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, such as drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
- Wrongful Death: If the accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future earnings.
How to Select a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When choosing a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer, consider the following factors:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer with a proven track record in handling pedestrian accident cases.
- Reputation: Research reviews, testimonials, and case results to gauge the lawyer’s reputation.
- Communication: Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and keeps you informed throughout the case.
- Success Rate: Inquire about the lawyer’s success rate in obtaining favorable settlements or verdicts.
- Availability: Ensure the lawyer has the time and resources to dedicate to your case.
Fees for Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Most pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. The typical contingency fee ranges from 25% to 40% of the settlement or court award. Top-tier lawyers may charge higher percentages, but they often have a higher success rate and can secure larger settlements.
Top 5 Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Major U.S. Cities
New York City, New York Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C.
- Cellino & Barnes
- Block O’Toole & Murphy, LLP
- Sullivan Papain Block McGrath Coffinas & Cannavo, P.C.
- Frekhtman & Associates
Los Angeles, California Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers
- The Dominguez Firm
- Panish Shea & Boyle LLP
- Law Offices of Larry H. Parker
- Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys
Chicago, Illinois Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
- Clifford Law Offices
- Levin & Perconti
- Gainsberg Law, P.C.
- Kreisman Law Offices
Houston, Texas Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Arnold & Itkin LLP
- The Krist Law Firm, P.C.
- The Callahan Law Firm
- Zehl & Associates, PC
- Stewart J. Guss, Attorney at Law
Phoenix, Arizona Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Breyer Law Offices, P.C.
- Lamber Goodnow Injury Lawyers
- Zachar Law Firm, P.C.
- Hutzler Law, PLLC
- Goldberg & Osborne
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C.
- Sheridan & Murray
- Gay & Chacker
- Ross Feller Casey, LLP
- The Pearce Law Firm, P.C.
San Antonio, Texas Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Wyatt Law Firm, PLLC
- Davis Law Firm
- Law Offices of Pat Maloney, P.C.
- Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C.
- Hill Law Firm
San Diego, California Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Gomez Trial Attorneys
- Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay
- Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers
- Simpson Law Group
- Injury Trial Lawyers, APC
Dallas, Texas Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Rasansky Law Firm
- Guajardo & Marks, LLP
- Reyes Browne Reilley
- Witherite Law Group
- Turley Law Firm
San Jose, California Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Habbas & Associates
- Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P.
- Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP
- Alexander Law Group, LLP
- San Jose Personal Injury Attorneys
Austin, Texas Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Funk & Associates
- DC Law
- McMinn Law Firm
- The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
- Zinda Law Group
Jacksonville, Florida Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Farah & Farah
- Morgan & Morgan
- The Law Offices of John M. Phillips
- Harrell & Harrell, P.A.
- Jax Legal
Fort Worth, Texas Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Patterson Law Group
- Anderson Injury Lawyers
- Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C.
- Harris Cook, LLP
- The Barber Law Firm
Columbus, Ohio Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Kisling, Nestico & Redick
- Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
- Rourke & Blumenthal, LLP
- The Fitch Law Firm
- Goranson, Parker & Bella Co., L.P.A.
Charlotte, North Carolina Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Price Petho & Associates, P.L.L.C.
- The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, P.C.
- Nagle & Associates, P.A.
- DeMayo Law Offices, LLP
- Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC
San Francisco, California Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger
- The Veen Firm, P.C.
- Choulos, Choulos & Wyle
- Kazan, McClain, Satterley & Greenwood
- Dolan Law Firm
Indianapolis, Indiana Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Wagner Reese, LLP
- Keller & Keller
- Hensley Legal Group, PC
- Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC
- Jacobs Law LLC
Seattle, Washington Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Davis Law Group, P.S.
- Kaplan Law PLLC
- Coluccio Law
- Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S.
- Phillips Law Firm
Denver, Colorado Top Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Bachus & Schanker, LLC
- Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.
- Sawaya Law Firm