Traffic incidents involving walkers are among the most dangerous type. They almost always cause devastating injuries that can have life-altering consequences. Some injured pedestrians have unrelenting pain, face multiple invasive medical procedures, endure mobility limitations, and can no longer work. Sadly, too many pedestrian accidents result in deaths.
Fortunately, an experienced personal injury attorney might be able to help you and your family. A Red Bank pedestrian accident lawyer could investigate the crash to see if you have a valid civil claim against the driver who hit you. If your claim succeeds, you could obtain compensation to cover your injury-related losses.
People on foot can be hard to see, especially at night. However, drivers should always pay attention and be particularly vigilant, especially in areas where there are often lots of pedestrians, such as near schools or playgrounds. Some of the more common causes of pedestrian accidents may include:
A proactive attorney in Red Bank could thoroughly investigate a pedestrian crash and uncover the evidence necessary to hold an at-fault driver accountable.
In Tennessee, there are a few different types of damages that an injured pedestrian might be able to pursue in a legal claim.
Economic damages would cover a claimant’s out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as:
Many economic losses are straightforward and just require a claimant to produce evidence of receipts. For more complex calculations involving future projections, working with a knowledgeable legal professional is critical. A seasoned Red Bank pedestrian injury attorney could help a claimant calculate a fair value for their lost earning capacity based upon their educational background and prior work history. They could also help a claimant determine a fair value for their future anticipated medical expenses.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and personal. They are harder to calculate because they can differ with each person. A qualified lawyer could help a claimant calculate the monetary value of their mental anguish, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.
In very limited circumstances, an injured pedestrian can also pursue punitive damages, which are meant to punish a defendant for especially egregious behavior. To obtain punitive damages, an injured pedestrian must prove that the driver who hit them acted intentionally, recklessly, or maliciously.
Tennessee law imposes statutory caps on both punitive and non-economic damages, so it is essential to discuss the claim with a well-practiced pedestrian accident lawyer in Red Bank prior to filing suit.
In addition, if a pedestrian loses their life in a traffic accident, a compassionate attorney could fight for compensation on their surviving family members’ behalf in a wrongful death suit.
Having a car hit you can permanently change your life. You might bear the emotional and physical scars of a crash for the rest of your life. In addition to seeking a great deal of medical care for your physical injuries, you might also need extensive care for your emotional injuries—such as your anger, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. All of these treatments can add up. A successful legal claim could provide you with the financial resources you need to recover.
Discuss your case with a Red Bank pedestrian accident lawyer. Schedule a meeting today.