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“The pedestrian has the right of way” is the mantra for good road manners between motorists and people who are walking. Unfortunately, thousands of pedestrians are injured each year in motor vehicle accidents. Failure to signal, hit and run cases, and general negligence often cause the injured party’s harm. The injuries from this kind of accident can be life-altering, and your pain may range from whiplash to permanent disability.
A Houston pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to help you reach a fair settlement against the driver that caused your pain. It can make all the difference to have a legal professional in your corner.
How much a case is worth depends largely on three case factors. Type of injury, type of accident, and aggravating circumstances will all play into the final judgment in a case. Simple cases with minor injuries will likely return a settlement for less than complex accidents with life-threatening damages.
An injury such as a broken bone generally has a straightforward treatment plan with easily measured medical expenses and life impact. On the other hand, a traumatic brain injury may have a complex and ongoing treatment plan. The brain injury may also require long-term care and time away from work. Naturally, the more complex damage is more likely to garner more reimbursement in a pedestrian injury case.
The type of pedestrian accident matters in the outcome of the claim as well. If the motorist was entirely at fault, they have more liability than if the pedestrian shared responsibility for the accident. The more liability on the at-fault party, the more compensation they are likely to owe.
A crime is considered worse in legal terms than it would typically be if there are aggravating circumstances. Failing to signal is a relatively minor crime on its own but failure to signal while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a much bigger legal infraction. If someone is injured and there are aggravating circumstances, they may be entitled to more compensation than a straightforward case.
There are two categories of compensation in pedestrian accident cases: economic and non-economic. These separate the practical and easily measured expenses from the expenses that have some grey area. Economic compensation covers billed expenses, while non-economic compensation covers damages beyond the fiscal realm. Some examples of economic damages include:
Some non-economic damages include:
Not all these types of compensation are available in every claim. A seasoned attorney can help select what restitution fits the case and possibly guide the injured party to a fair settlement.
Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, and you deserve quality representation in your case. If you are injured and not at fault, you should not fight alone for fair compensation. Whether your injuries are mild or extensive, you may be owed for your loss. Trained in injury law and ready to take a look at your case, a Houston pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to help provide you with a positive outcome to a negative situation. Reach out today to speak with a quality attorney.