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A person struck by a moving car is highly likely to sustain serious, life-threatening injuries. Following a pedestrian collision, getting paid fairly necessitates making insurance claims, keeping track of medical expenses, and conducting a time-consuming accident investigation.
If you defend yourself after a pedestrian-car accident, there is no assurance that the insurance companies will make you a reasonable settlement offer. With the help of a Council Bluffs, IA pedestrian accident lawyer, we will work hard to ensure that you will receive a just payout to cover your accident-related losses.
The Iowa pedestrian accident lawyers at Berry Law are available to assist you in seeking the money you require to pay for medical expenses, lost earnings, and other damages if you or a loved one were struck by a car while walking.
Reasons to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Often, victims of pedestrian accidents believe their case is simple enough to handle on their own without an attorney’s assistance. Even when it is obvious that the driver was at fault, being hit by a car does not mean that the insurance companies will act ethically and pay you fairly.
Having Legal Support During Recovery
You may be too injured after being hit by a car to balance legal matters and monitor your health. It is not uncommon for victims of these accidents to sustain broken bones and brain trauma, preventing them from leaving the hospital or their home for extended periods of time.
If the insurance company does not pay what we determine to be a fair settlement, our attorneys can pursue your claim in court. We want you to know that we will take the stress of the legal process off your shoulders while you focus on healing.
Having Expert Counsel to Identify All At-Fault Parties
Unfortunately, insurance adjusters have been known to deny claims on the grounds that the driver was not at fault for your injuries. Our pedestrian accident attorneys will work hard to prove that this was not the case and that the driver was to blame for your injuries.
We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and present credible information to bolster your case. Even if you were partially to blame for the accident, like jaywalking while the driver was texting – we can work to prove that the driver was still negligent.
The Value of a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Iowa
The level of your injuries and the cost of your medical care have a significant impact on the amount of compensation you are entitled to following a pedestrian accident. Not all injuries are compensated equally, but the following injuries have the potential to increase your payout:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Paralysis or disfigurement
Minor injuries have less recovery time and don’t require much medical treatment, so whiplash and scrapes generally receive less compensation. There is no set range for how much certain injuries are worth in a settlement, but the following factors are considered when calculating your amount:
Medical Costs
The price of hospital stays, surgeries, physical rehabilitation, prescription drugs, and other medical expenses are just a few examples.
Lost Salary
This includes diminished wages from work hours being reduced, future lost pay, and changes in benefits when your injuries prevent you from returning to work partially or even completely.
Pain and Suffering
Accidental injuries to pedestrians frequently cause excruciating pain. If your injuries cause nerve damage, this physical anguish may endure a lifetime.
Emotional Stress
Victims often report anxiety, depression, or post traumatic stress after experiencing an auto accident. While the payout for this is subjective, seeing a therapist will help to calculate the extent of your emotional trauma.
It is essential to consult with a diligent accident attorney in Council Bluffs, IA, regarding your injuries sustained as a result of a pedestrian accident in order to strengthen your case and raise the amount of your settlement.
Assigning Liability for Pedestrian Accidents in Iowa
In a pedestrian accident case, the liable party will be the person or entity most responsible for causing the collision. The driver who hit you is the most obvious party to blame, but comparative negligence may find you partially responsible as well. If a Plaintiff is determined to be 51% or more at fault, that person is not entitled to a recovery.
However, if the driver was texting and driving, speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield to you, they could be held liable for your injuries. We’ve also seen rare cases in which the City of Council Bluffs is possibly liable due to a defective sidewalk, poorly designed crosswalk, or a broken traffic light.
Our attorneys can conduct an investigation into your collision case to assist you in determining liability.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Do You Need an Attorney for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
If you choose to defend yourself against the other party, you will most likely be offered a small settlement for your pedestrian accident claim. Contact our Council Bluffs, IA lawyers that specialize in pedestrian accidents to advise you on whether or not the insurance company’s offer is fair.
The attorneys at Berrys Law have served the communities of Iowa extensively and are experts at knowing what is reasonable based on the damages you have suffered. If you or a loved one has suffered from a pedestrian accident, schedule a consultation when you are ready.
