Pedestrians must pay careful attention to the road around them, as it is often risky to walk, especially in busy locations. No matter how careful a pedestrian is, it's possible for them to be hit by a vehicle and seriously injured or worse. Pedestrians injured in an accident do have the ability to obtain compensation from the driver if the driver was at fault for the accident, but this isn't always easy to do. That's why it's a good idea to hire a pedestrian accident attorney. 

When to Hire an Accident Attorney

Pedestrians will want to hire an accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. This way, they can start receiving legal assistance immediately and won't have to worry about missing the statute of limitations and being unable to collect a settlement. Pedestrians will want to look for lawyers like those at Feingold and Posner who have experience with pedestrian accidents, not just car accidents. These lawyers understand the type of case better and are able to provide more specific assistance for their clients.  

What to Ask Before Hiring an Attorney

Before hiring an attorney, the pedestrian will have a consultation with them. This is an opportunity for the pedestrian to learn more about their case and the lawyer so they can determine if they want to hire the lawyer. It's important to ask as many questions as possible at the consultation to make sure they understand the case and what the lawyer can do to help. Questions can be about the potential for receiving a settlement, the potential settlement amount, how legal fees will be covered, the chance the case can go to trial, and more. 

Get Help Dealing with Insurance Company

It's no surprise that insurance companies will offer the lowest settlement possible or attempt to avoid paying out for the accident. Pedestrians working with a lawyer can receive help dealing with the insurance company to avoid saying anything that could be taken out of context and used as an excuse to reduce or eliminate any potential settlement. They'll also get help making sure the insurance company has the right information to provide a settlement offer and reviewing any settlement offer to make sure it's sufficient to cover financial losses from the accident. 

Get Help Obtaining a Bigger Settlement

Each year, thousands of pedestrians are injured in non-fatal accidents and require emergency medical care. All of the costs for care needed to help them recover adds up quickly, on top of lost wages and other damages. When the insurance company offers a settlement, it's likely not going to cover all of these expenses along with potential future expenses. A lawyer can help the pedestrian negotiate for a much higher settlement offer so the pedestrian won't have to cover any of these costs out of their own pocket. This can help make sure the pedestrian is able to financially recover from the accident so they can focus on their physical and emotional recovery. 

If you were a pedestrian involved in an accident, now is the time to contact a lawyer to set up a consultation. It is possible you are owed compensation for your injuries. A lawyer can review your case, answer any questions you may have, and help you get the compensation you need to recover from the accident.