When a driver of a motor vehicle acts negligently behind the wheel, a pedestrian walking nearby can suffer the consequences. Even when a pedestrian acts in a safe manner and follows the law, a vehicle disobeying the law can still collide with them. A committed personal injury attorney could provide quality legal counsel as you work towards achieving financial compensation for any injuries you suffer from another party while walking or jogging. You should not have to foot the bill for an accident that was not your fault, which is where an Anchorage pedestrian accident lawyer could help.
Frequent Injuries to Pedestrians
Due to the vulnerable nature of a pedestrian, injuries that they sustain can be incredibly severe. They have no protective metal frame that a car has and they do not wear safety gear like a motorcyclist would. Even low-speed accidents with a motor vehicle can be devastating or fatal for a pedestrian. Typical injuries that lawyers see in these cases are:
- Lacerations and skin damage
- Skull fractures and other traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Wrongful death
When an injury is caused by a defendant’s negligence, the injured party (or a dependent family member, in the case of death) has the option of filing for compensation for the economic and emotional losses they suffered. If someone is unsure if they have a case, they should consult with a pedestrian accident attorney in Anchorage.
How to Manage a Pedestrian Accident Case
Alaska Statutes § 09.10.070 requires a pedestrian accident lawsuit to be filed within two years of the date the accident occurred. This time limit means that a case filed after that date will be dismissed without further consideration. Even a claim that would otherwise be successful will be barred if not timely filed. To avoid the potential pitfall of losing a case to the statute of limitations, a person should speak with a competent attorney quickly after an accident. They could discuss the best way of winning a monetary recovery.
For a monetary recovery to occur in a personal injury case, the plaintiff is required to prove the defendant’s negligence caused their harm. Absent this proof, no recovery is permitted under state law. Negligence occurs when there is a violation of the duty of care by another party and that violation caused the injuries. Financial recovery may be appropriate in that instance.
Proving negligence requires the hard work and dedication of an Anchorage pedestrian accident lawyer. There are certain legal approaches that can help prove a case when the right facts are available. The attorney must look through video recordings, witness statements, police reports, medical records, and more in order to reconstruct the scene. When presented properly, this evidence can build to the conclusion of identifying the defendant as the liable party, and thus responsible for the financial harm that came to the injured party.
Discuss Your Options with an Anchorage Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you were struck by a vehicle while walking or jogging, there is a high likelihood that you sustained injuries that will be expensive to treat. You have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party for their careless actions. An Anchorage pedestrian accident lawyer is available to help you through the legal process and make the case on your behalf while you rest and recover. Call now to discuss what may be possible in your specific case.