Being involved in an accident with a car is frightening, but it is much worse if you are a pedestrian, rather than another driver. This means that you had absolutely nothing to protect you from the impact of the car and did not have control over getting out of the way fast enough. If you were hit by a car, you need to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer in Morgantown, West Virginia from Hayhurst Law right away. We will make sure you get the compensation you deserve and are treated fairly in court.
Do Not Take an Insurance Payout Without Speaking to Us
You need to have a lawyer on your side, even if you are offered a good insurance settlement. Your lawyer will be able to go over everything with you to determine what a good payout would look like and how much compensation you deserve before accepting something that may be under the amount you should seek. After all, you may have extensive medical bills to pay for and may not be able to perform the same job duties because of injuries sustained in the accident. You need to get compensated for all losses that you had because of this accident, including the pain and suffering you have been put through and any lifestyle changes you have had to make because of the accident.
Make Sure You Get the Medical Care You Need
Do not skimp on medical care because you can’t afford it. You need to speak with us before deciding to not get certain care done, as we can advise you on whether or not the at-fault party will likely pay for the care for you. Your health should be everyone’s top priority and getting back your life should be covered in the lawsuit. You deserve to be as comfortable as possible and have your life as close to normal after the accident. We can go over the likelihood of coverage and even try to speed up the process, if necessary.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Do not wait to reach out to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Morgantown, WV from Hayhurst Law today. You need to make sure your best interests are looked after and that you do not miss the statute of limitations for filing in West Virginia. If you do not meet all of the deadlines, your case will likely be thrown out. You do not have to immediately hit the ground running with your case, but an experienced lawyer will begin working on it and filing paperwork before you even get very involved. We would love to set up a consultation to go over the details of your case. It is entirely risk-free, as you do not have to pay for an initial consultation and you will only pay us if we win your case. Contact our firm today to learn more.
What Happens During A Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
When someone is injured in a pedestrian accident, the path toward justice and fair compensation can feel overwhelming. From the first report to the final resolution, each step plays a role in building a strong case. Knowing what to expect helps us stay organized, make informed decisions, and protect our rights throughout the process. Below, our Morgantown, WV pedestrian accident lawyer breaks down the main stages that typically occur in a lawsuit so that you can understand how each part fits into the bigger picture.
Reporting The Accident To Authorities
The first step after a pedestrian accident is contacting law enforcement to report the incident. Having an official police report is a vital part of building a case. It records the details of what happened, documents statements from both parties, and may include witness information. This report can help establish fault and serve as evidence later in the lawsuit process.
Seeking Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional right away. Medical records provide clear documentation linking your injuries to the accident. Immediate care also helps prevent the defense from arguing that the injuries were caused by something unrelated or occurred after the fact.
Gathering Evidence
Evidence collection is one of the most crucial steps. Our Morgantown pedestrian accident lawyer typically gathers photographs of the scene, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Witness statements, surveillance footage, and cell phone records can also strengthen the claim. Each piece of evidence helps to demonstrate how the driver’s actions caused harm and supports the overall case for compensation.
Contacting The Insurance Company
After a pedestrian accident, claims often start with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. Our Morgantown pedestrian accident lawyer communicates with the insurer, providing necessary documentation and protecting our client from saying anything that could hurt the case. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts, so having organized evidence and clear communication from the start is essential.
Calculating Damages
Before filing a lawsuit, we assess all forms of damage, medical bills, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering. This process gives us a realistic understanding of the claim’s value. Accurately calculating damages helps set expectations for settlement discussions and provides a strong foundation if the case proceeds to trial.
Filing the Lawsuit
If settlement negotiations with the insurance company fail, we file a formal complaint in court. This document outlines how the accident occurred, the injuries sustained, and the compensation sought. Filing officially starts the lawsuit process and sets the timeline for legal proceedings, including the response from the defendant.
Taking The Next Step
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to take action early. The process can involve several stages, but having the right legal guidance makes each one more manageable. With more than a decade of experience, our award-winning team at Hayhurst Law PLLC is committed to helping victims recover what they’ve lost and find closure after such a life-changing event.
