Austin Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

How to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim

A number of considerations will be made by your attorney and the insurance company when evaluating your pedestrian accident claim. These are important to keep in mind while filing to increase the value of your claim:

• The Level of Severity of Your Injuries
• The Financial Damages You Suffered as a Result of the Accident
• Whether You Suffered Permanent Damage from the Accident
• The Extent of Your Medical Treatment
• How Much Evidence You Have Against the Driver

It is important to work with an attorney from the start of your case to the conclusion. Your legal team can ascertain who to file a claim against and guide you through the process.

Identifying Driver Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents

Running lights, failing to yield the right-of-way, and running off the road onto a sidewalk or shoulder are negligent acts on the part of a driver that can easily injure or kill a pedestrian. If you have been hit, waste no time reaching out to a reputable Austin pedestrian accident lawyer.

If a driver caused your injury through negligence or error, you have the right to make a claim to be paid money as compensation for your damages, including those that affect your finances and those that affect your quality of life. But getting the money you deserve often involves a battle with the defendant’s insurance company, their adjusters, and their legal team.

The Impact of Serious Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

When you are a pedestrian and a car or truck hits you, there is no protective barrier, no seatbelt or airbag, and nothing at all between you and the road. This means your injuries are likely to be severe or life-threatening. In some cases, pedestrians suffer injuries that are life-ending. Pedestrians are often thrown into the roadway by the impact, sometimes into the path of oncoming vehicles that strike them and add to their injuries. It is little wonder that many pedestrian accident victims succumb to their injuries or are so debilitated that life will never be the same for them again.

These are some of the types of injuries that often occur in pedestrian accidents with motor vehicles:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Paralysis, including paraplegia and tetraplegia (quadriplegia)
• Bone fractures, including skull fractures, broken arms, broken legs, and more
• Amputations
• Nerve damage
• Neck and back injuries
• Herniated discs
• Lacerations, road burns, and scarring
• Injuries to the internal organs/internal bleeding
• Psychological damage, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias
• Chronic pain
• Death

Navigating Insurance Claims After a Pedestrian Accident

Insurance companies can usually be relied on to try to place the blame for the accident on you. You need a powerful legal advocate to fight for your rights or you could end up with little or nothing.

Key ways a lawyer can help with your insurance claim after a pedestrian crash:

• Investigating the collision to gather police reports, witness statements, photographs, and any available video from nearby homes or businesses along busy Austin corridors such as I-35 or MoPac.
• Handling all insurer communication so adjusters do not pressure you into recorded statements or quick, low settlement offers while you are still recovering.
• Calculating the full value of your claim, including future medical care, lost income, and the impact of your injuries on your daily life and activities.
• Challenging blame-shifting tactics when an insurance company tries to argue that you were at fault for crossing mid-block or not using a crosswalk.
• Negotiating and, when necessary, litigating to pursue a settlement or verdict that reflects the true extent of your losses.

Getting a fair settlement generally requires an attorney who understands the tactics insurers use to deny your insurance claim or minimize the amount they pay you. Very few individuals who are injured are aware of the actual value of their claim. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney knows what your claim is worth and how to overcome obstructionist tactics that insurance companies so often employ.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial in Pedestrian Accident Cases

If you or a member of your family experienced a serious injury or the loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident involving a car or truck, you are probably suffering—physically, emotionally, and financially. You need and deserve to be compensated to be able to move forward and make the best of the life that you must now deal with.

Working with a dedicated pedestrian accident lawyer in Austin can make a meaningful difference because your attorney can:

• Explain your legal options under Texas law in clear terms, including how fault is determined and what types of compensation may be available.
• Coordinate with your medical providers at local facilities and specialists to document your diagnosis, treatment plan, and long-term prognosis.
• Preserve crucial evidence by obtaining 911 records, traffic camera footage, and scene measurements before they are lost or destroyed.
• Protect you from common mistakes such as signing releases, posting on social media about the crash, or returning to work too quickly.
• Develop a compelling presentation of your story for negotiations or, if needed, for a jury in a Travis County courtroom.

At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we know how important it is to you and your family that you receive a compensation award. It is all about justice and having the means to survive with the best possible quality of life in the face of your losses. We are here to protect your legal right to recover that compensation—the full amount you deserve for both your economic damages and your non-economic or quality-of-life damages. We will fight the insurance companies in our efforts to see that you get an amount that is fair and sufficient to pull you through the difficulties you are facing as a result of the accident. In most cases, you will not have to go to court; we have an excellent record of successfully negotiating with insurers. But, if we have to, we are also ready and willing to take your case to a jury. We are seasoned and skilled trial lawyers who know how to appeal to a jury and achieve results.

Local Resources for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Austin

Austin offers various resources to assist pedestrian accident victims in their recovery and claim process. Local hospitals, such as Dell Seton Medical Center and St. David’s Medical Center, provide emergency care and long-term treatment options for serious injuries. Additionally, the Austin Police Department is available to report and document accidents, which is crucial for insurance claims and legal pursuits.

Victims can also access support through organizations like Walk Austin, which advocates for pedestrian safety and provides community resources. These resources can offer guidance and support, helping victims gain access to necessary information and services. For legal representation, contacting a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney can simplify claims navigation and facilitate interactions with insurance companies. Utilizing these local resources effectively can support recovery and lead to a more informed pursuit of compensation.

Get in touch with our Austin pedestrian accident attorneys by calling (512) 400-3278 today!