Life as a pedestrian is often leisurely and allows you to explore a city on your own time and at your pace. Exploring Manhattan or San Francisco on foot offers a different perspective on these stunning cities but also puts you in harm’s way for a pedestrian accident. A staggering 7,485 pedestrians were hit and killed by drivers in the United States in 2021 alone.
Choosing to walk rather than drive or take public transportation is an excellent decision for your health, but it’s vital to know the risk you take. Opting to select a pedestrian accident lawyer is one of the most effective steps you can take for your health and finances.
Fortunately, you’ve found this practical guide to exploring your options for lawyers after you’ve been struck by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian. Continue reading to learn how to find the best personal injury attorney and the benefits they’ll provide today!
Look for Experience
Experience is critical when seeking a lawyer to help with your pedestrian accident case. Not all personal injury attorneys have the same level of knowledge or expertise. Hiring the wrong lawyer could hamper your odds of getting the settlement you deserve.
Don’t settle for an attorney with some experience handling personal injury cases. Find one with an extensive history of handling pedestrian injury cases. Lawyers with this type of case experience know the laws governing pedestrian accidents inside and out.
It’s wise to ask how many pedestrian accident cases they’ve covered in their career. You’ll get a clearer picture of whether they can help you win your case.
You can enjoy peace of mind that you’ve got an excellent lawyer looking out for your interests with top-notch abilities in the legal realm. Your lawyer should have a robust knowledge of the common pedestrian accident causes.
Ask About Their Success Rate
Experience is wonderful, but the success rate is more critical. An experienced attorney who doesn’t win many cases won’t be beneficial when you’re suffering from a pedestrian accident injury. Determine how many cases they’ve won or reached settlements on before making a hire.
It’s also crucial to find out how many cases they’ve lost. When narrowing your options, ask the tough questions to get the answers you deserve. It’s best to ask about the settlements awarded to their clients to understand what you can expect when working with them on your case.
The award amounts will help you set expectations on what you can anticipate when working with your attorney. Attorneys with records of success handling cases like yours will provide peace of mind and valuable insights as you move through the claims process.
Ask for Referrals
Referrals are always a wise move when you’re getting ready to select a pedestrian accident lawyer. These people could be past clients of the lawyer you’re hiring or other attorneys. It’s a perfect way to gain another opinion on the experience and skills of the pedestrian accident attorney.
Satisfied clients are an excellent sign that you’re on the right track to find the help you need. Don’t hire an attorney with loads of unhappy past clients. You’re unlikely to be satisfied with the support and service you receive.
Online customer reviews will tell you much about what you should expect from a legal service or attorney. Only contact lawyers with good reviews to increase the settlement you’ll receive.
It’s also a good sign if other attorneys recommend the pedestrian accident lawyer you’re considering. You shouldn’t select a pedestrian accident lawyer unwilling to provide a list of references.
Choose Contingency
The best pedestrian accident lawyer works on a contingency basis rather than a flat rate. There’s a possibility that you won’t receive compensation for your injuries and property damage. An attorney who works on contingency will only make something if they win the case for you.
A reputable attorney will only charge you something if they reach a settlement or win your pedestrian accident case. You can get the help you need without risking your savings. Their money comes from the proceeds of your payment.
A standard contingency fee is 33 percent, though complex cases could push that percentage higher. A case that goes to court will also result in higher contingency fees. Any claim that requires the attorney to dedicate more time will result in higher pay for the attorney.
Expect to pay out-of-pocket fees associated with your case. Court filing fees are ordinary expenses when you move forward with a pedestrian accident case. Your court filing fees may be deducted from your compensation after the case is resolved or a settlement is reached.
Find the Best Personality
You’ll spend much time with your pedestrian accident lawyer, so finding one you work well with is essential. Hiring a lawyer you don’t get along with will result in a frustrating claims process. Hiring the best negotiator might seem like a win for your settlement odds. Still, it’s better to find an attorney you have chemistry with.
This attorney will be a staple of your daily life for the next few months. They’re going to know private information about you. Select a pedestrian accident lawyer you’re comfortable with and that you trust.
You’ll enjoy the process more if you work with a lawyer who feels like a friend rather than a cold and indifferent stranger. Having someone who allows you to feel heard when you’re frustrated with your recovery and the claims process is valuable.
Interview Multiple Options
Interviewing multiple attorneys is wise because it allows you to start comparing lawyer fees and developing a shortlist. The best attorneys offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in meeting with multiple attorneys to find their thoughts on your pedestrian accident case.
Use these free consultations to ask essential questions to weigh your options. Find out about the lawyer fees and how much time they’ll dedicate to your case. It’s the most effective way to get an accurate measure of the pedestrian accident lawyer you’re considering.
Benefits of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Now that you know the critical tips to use when selecting a pedestrian accident lawyer, it’s wise to learn about the benefits you’ll enjoy. You’re recovering from your injuries, and the last thing you need is more stress on your shoulders. Exploring your options for lawyers will help you gain financial compensation as you get your life back in order.
Here’s a deeper dive into the benefits you’ll enjoy when you select a pedestrian accident lawyer.
Less Stress
Any accident you’re involved in will include long conversations with your insurance company and the companies representing the other parties. These conversations are less-than-desirable under the best circumstances. Your lawyer will handle these conversations for you so you can focus on other things.
Most insurance companies work to frustrate accident victims. The goal is to get them to move on from the pedestrian accident claim out of anger and frustration. Hiring an attorney to handle this aspect will ensure you get a proper settlement.
Injury Proof
Your accident attorney will also work to prove that you suffered severe injuries from the pedestrian accident. You won’t receive compensation if you can’t prove that you sustained injuries and received treatment from a healthcare professional.
The attorney you hire will investigate your claim and gather evidence. This includes compiling police reports and getting witness testimonies. You’ll improve your odds of getting the money you deserve.
Negotiation
Negotiation isn’t a strong suit for many people. This is especially true when negotiating with insurance companies. It’s no secret that insurance companies will seek every way possible to avoid paying a settlement for an accident claim.
Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side will turn the tide of your case. They’ll have the knowledge, skills, and mentality to negotiate for you. You can focus on your recovery and leave the unsavory aspects of your accident case to your attorney.
Representation
If your pedestrian accident case goes to court, you can count on an expert to represent you. You’ll need to prove the case to the jury to win compensation, which is only possible if you have courtroom experience.
You’ll enjoy peace of mind when filing your case, knowing you have a top-notch lawyer. They’ll represent you in court and improve your odds of getting the money you deserve after your accident. It’s much better than accepting a lowball offer from the insurance company that lets them off the hook.
Select a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Taking steps to select a pedestrian accident lawyer after your unfortunate injuries is essential if you want to boost your odds of getting the settlement you deserve for damages and medical bills. Hire a lawyer with experience handling pedestrian accident cases, and use reviews and referrals to narrow your options. Your lawyer should offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis.
Are you ready to get the legal assistance you need after an accident? Explore more of our legal blog posts for more beneficial insights today!
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