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Surprise Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the situation can be shocking and overwhelming. These incidents often lead to serious injuries and emotional distress. We understand the complexities surrounding these cases and are committed to providing legal support to help you recover the compensation you may be entitled to.

Contact Hastings & Hastings to schedule a free consultation with a Surprise pedestrian accident lawyer.

Surprise Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Why Hire Hastings & Hastings For Your Pedestrian Accident Case?

Choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in your pedestrian accident case. Here’s why Hastings & Hastings is the right choice:

  • Proven Track Record: We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients through successful settlements and verdicts, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to achieving the best results. 
  • Extensive Experience: With over 90 years of combined experience, our team has a deep understanding of personal injury law and knows how to navigate these complex cases effectively.
  • Free Initial Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation with an experienced, licensed Surprise personal injury attorney – there are no hidden fees or commitments.

Let us help you pursue justice for your injuries. Contact Hastings & Hastings today to discuss how we can support you every step of the way.

How an Attorney Can Help You With a Pedestrian Accident Case

Navigating a pedestrian accident case can be challenging, especially when you’re facing significant injuries, but an attorney can provide invaluable assistance to ensure your rights are protected. Here’s how they can help:

  • Investigate the Accident: An attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with expert witnesses like an accident reconstructionist to try to establish what really happened and who was at fault.
  • Determine The Best Course of Action: A lawyer will help you determine the best course of action for seeking compensation. This could be filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit if you’re eligible under New Jersey law.
  • Negotiate With Insurers: Lawyers have experience dealing with insurance companies and will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a settlement offer that reflects your losses.
  • Legal Representation in Court: If negotiations fail, having professional legal representation in court is crucial. Your attorney can present your case and advocate for your rights to try and secure a favorable verdict.
  • Provide Emotional Support: Beyond the legalities, an experienced lawyer understands the emotional toll of an accident. They offer compassionate support throughout your journey to recovery.

Having an attorney by your side during a pedestrian accident case not only relieves the stress associated with the accident but also significantly strengthens your chances of obtaining fair compensation for injuries you’ve sustained. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences and often result from a variety of causes. Understanding these common factors can help raise awareness and promote safer environments for pedestrians.

Here’s a look at some of the primary causes of pedestrian accidents:

Distracted Driving

Distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio take drivers’ attention away from the road. This negligence increases the risk of collisions with pedestrians who may be crossing streets.

Speeding

Driving above speed limits reduces reaction time for drivers and makes it more difficult to stop quickly if a pedestrian suddenly enters their path. The faster a vehicle is moving, the greater likelihood that an accident will result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Impaired Driving

Whether due to drugs, alcohol, or fatigue, impaired driving drastically affects judgment and coordination, heightening risks on busy roads where pedestrians are present.

Poor Environmental Conditions 

Weather conditions like rain, fog, and snow impact visibility significantly, making an accident more likely. Road defects such as potholes, poorly marked crosswalks, or inadequate lighting also create dangerous environments that contribute to pedestrian accidents.

Irresponsible Pedestrian Behavior

In some cases, it’s actually the pedestrian that is responsible, or partially responsible, for the accident. Examples include running into traffic without looking, crossing streets outside designated crosswalks, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while walking. While drivers have a responsibility to be vigilant and watch for pedestrians, individuals on foot also play a critical role in keeping themselves safe.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else’s negligence, seeking the guidance of an experienced attorney can ensure your rights are upheld and help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. 

Who May Be Liable For Pedestrian Accidents?

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident can be complex, as more than one party may share responsibility. Understanding who may be liable for an accident is crucial when pursuing compensation for injuries sustained. Commonly responsible parties include:

Driver

The most apparent defendant in a pedestrian accident is the driver of the vehicle. If the driver was negligent, they can typically be held liable for any resulting injuries. Our Surprise car accident lawyers can help determine liability.

Employer of the Driver

If the driver was operating their vehicle within the scope of their employment at the time of an accident, their employer could also bear some liability under vicarious liability principles. This is true even if the employer wasn’t negligent themselves in any way.

Manufacturer 

In cases where mechanical failure led to a pedestrian injury – such as brake failure that resulted from faulty manufacturing – liability might extend to the manufacturer of the vehicle or the part. 

Pedestrian Partially at Fault

In some instances, pedestrians may share responsibility for their injuries due to irresponsible behavior, such as jaywalking or failing to use designated crosswalks. In these situations, the principle of comparative negligence comes into play and affects their ability to recover compensation.

In these cases, the injured pedestrian can recover damages, even if they were almost entirely responsible for the accident. However, their compensation may then be reduced based on their percentage of fault in causing the accident. 

12-2505Comparative negligence; definition

  1. The defense of contributory negligence or of assumption of risk is in all cases a question of fact and shall at all times be left to the jury. If the jury applies either defense, the claimant’s action is not barred, but the full damages shall be reduced in proportion to the relative degree of the claimant’s fault which is a proximate cause of the injury or death, if any. There is no right to comparative negligence in favor of any claimant who has intentionally, wilfully or wantonly caused or contributed to the injury or wrongful death.

For example, if a pedestrian is found 30% responsible for an accident while 70% is attributed to a driver, the pedestrian’s awarded compensation would be reduced by 30%.

Identifying who may be liable in a pedestrian accident involves examining various factors, and the best way to do this is with the help of a personal injury lawyer.

Contact Hastings & Hastings To Schedule a Free Consultation

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially if you’re facing injuries. On top of accumulating medical expenses and losing wages from time off work, you have to deal with the legal aspects of the situation by filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Fortunately, you never have to do this alone. A pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm can help you every step of the way.

Contact Hastings & Hastings to schedule a free consultation.