When a passenger vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the likelihood of the pedestrian suffering serious or even lethal injuries is very high. If you were hit by a vehicle because the driver failed to follow traffic laws, you have a right to file a personal injury claim for compensation.
A Bellevue pedestrian accident lawyer at Berry Law can offer the legal representation you need to receive the maximum compensation available in your case. One of our personal injury attorneys will review the facts of your accident to determine the best course of action for your case.
A Pedestrian’s Rights and Responsibilities in Bellevue
If a driver approaches a crosswalk where there are no traffic lights or the signals are out of order, they should allow anyone on foot to cross first, according to Nebraska Revised Statutes §60-6,153. If a car has come to a stop at a crosswalk so that someone on foot can pass, a motorist approaching from behind may not try to go around the other driver. Instead, they should wait for the pedestrian to cross from one side of the road to the other.
Just as motorists must follow the rules of the road, state law also imposes certain responsibilities on pedestrians. Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. §60-6,154, if a pedestrian is not crossing the street at a designated crosswalk, they should defer the right of way to drivers. It is important to remain within the designated crosswalk when at an intersection with working traffic lights.
Obtaining Compensation for Injured Pedestrians in Our Area
There are many challenges that could arise in a local pedestrian accident case that could impact the compensation available. For instance, a negligent motorist’s insurance provider may attempt to minimize your damages or shift blame. A diligent Bellevue attorney can work to prevent potential deflection tactics used by insurance companies and ensure pedestrians receive the compensation they deserve.
A pedestrian injury settlement may include several types of damages, such as:
- Past and future lost wages
- Compensation for medical bills
- Pain and suffering
Furthermore, pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries such as severe head trauma that could permanently affect your quality of life. A personal injury claim would include compensation for diminished quality of life and the effect your injuries have had on your interpersonal relationships, otherwise known as loss of consortium.
Deadline to File a Legal Claim
It’s best to get in touch with a skilled lawyer immediately after a collision. Waiting to file a claim could jeopardize your ability to collect compensation for your accident-related damages. The standard deadline to file a pedestrian accident claim against an at-fault motorist is four years. If a pedestrian is killed in a collision with a motor vehicle, their surviving family has only two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Call a Bellevue Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you are dealing with serious injuries and losses after being struck by a car, you should consider contacting a Bellevue pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm. For more information about recovering compensation for your injuries, contact Berry Law.
