Pedestrian accidents are increasing nationwide. The number of pedestrian traffic deaths in 2022 was the highest since 1981. The consequences of a pedestrian accident include financial, physical, and emotional damages. Learn what to expect after a pedestrian accident from our South Carolina personal injury lawyers in this blog.
The Immediate Aftermath: Responding to a Pedestrian Accident
Being struck by a car is a traumatic event. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need emergency medical services after a pedestrian accident. Even if you can get up and move around, it is crucial to seek prompt medical treatment. Pedestrian accidents can cause severe internal injuries that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
If your injuries permit, ask for the names and contact numbers of eyewitnesses at the accident scene. Otherwise, focus on obtaining medical attention immediately after a pedestrian accident.
Understanding the Lifecycle of Physical Recovery Post-Accident
You may want to heal within a few days or weeks from injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident. However, pedestrian accidents cause catastrophic injuries. Even low-speed accidents can cause traumatic injuries. It takes time to recover from your injuries. Rushing your recovery could jeopardize your health.
The type of injury you sustain and the severity of the injury determine the timeline for physical recovery after a pedestrian accident. Talk to your physicians and medical providers for a realistic timeline for recovery. Do not rush recovery, or you could make your injuries worse and increase the risk of a permanent impairment.
Psychological Impact: Dealing With Emotional Trauma After a Pedestrian Accident
Your emotional healing may take much longer than the physical recovery. Many pedestrian accident victims have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other psychological injuries. You may experience depression, night terrors, severe anxiety, and other symptoms. Emotional healing may require counseling and therapy.
Financial Ramifications: Handling Medical Bills and Loss of Income
Your injuries from a pedestrian accident may result in significant financial losses. Your medical bills could total thousands of dollars. You may be out of work for weeks or months as you recover from your injuries. The result could be a financial crisis.
Talk with your lawyer about ways to handle medical bills. You may use your health insurance or MedPay if you have coverage. Medical providers may agree to accept a medical lien to postpone payment until you receive funds for a personal injury claim.
You may receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, but it could be months or years before a personal injury case is resolved. Waiting for a personal injury settlement may be difficult. However, rushing to settlement could mean accepting a much lower amount than your claim is worth.
Navigating the Legal Landscape: Rights and Responsibilities of a Pedestrian in an Accident
Injured pedestrians can pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver for a pedestrian accident. However, they must prove that the driver caused the accident and sustained damages because of the accident. If the pedestrian was partly to blame for the cause of the accident, they could lose their right to receive damages if they are more than 51% to blame. If their level of fault is below 51 percent, they can recover damages, but the amount is reduced by their level of fault.
How to Build a Strong Personal Injury Claim
You must establish liability by proving causation and fault for the pedestrian accident. Evidence used to prove your case includes, but is not limited to:
- Statements from individuals involved in the accident
- Video of the accident as it occurred from traffic cameras, dash cams, and other video surveillance
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Data recovered from a vehicle’s onboard recording systems
- Opinions from accident reconstructionists and other experts
- Medical records
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
A South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer conducts an independent investigation to gather evidence. The stronger the evidence in your case, the better your chance of recovering a fair settlement for your claim.
Get the Support You Need: Seeking Help From South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys
Were you injured in a pedestrian accident? Contact our South Carolina personal injury attorneys to schedule a consultation. Learn about your legal options and how we can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve.