Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere that people on foot are forced to share space with motor vehicles, including crosswalks, intersections, driveways, and parking lots. These accidents can result in severe or potentially fatal injuries.
If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident in Maine, contact an experienced injury lawyer at Mann Law right way for help.
We understand the impact a pedestrian accident can have on your life and livelihood, and we’ll be ready to help you get the full and fair compensation that you’re owed. Contact us today to get started.
Pedestrian accidents happen all-too-often. Adults and children alike are at risk of suffering serious injuries if a motorist does not exercise adequate care and caution. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Maine include:
Distracted Drivers. Drivers who are texting, talking on their phones, fiddling with their radio, or doing anything else that takes their attention off the road put pedestrians at risk of suffering severe harm.
Speeding. Failure to observe the speed limit puts everyone on or near the road at risk. The faster a car is traveling, the harder it is to change direction or come to a sudden stop. A speeding driver may be unable to control their vehicle and may strike pedestrians in crosswalks, sidewalks, or elsewhere.
Left-Hand Turns and Driver Inattention. More pedestrians are struck by cars turning left than those turning right because the parties are looking in different directions. Motorists need to be mindful of pedestrians crossing the street when executing left-hand turns. Failure to do so could lead to a serious injury accident.
Driving under the Influence. A significant number of pedestrian accident-related deaths are caused by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Motorists who cause harm to others due to their recklessness and negligence should be held accountable.
Malfunctioning Traffic Lights. Because both pedestrians and motorists depend upon the proper functioning of traffic lights, defective or broken traffic lights can lead to serious pedestrian accidents.
Inclement Weather and Failure to Adjust Driving Habits. An icy or slippery road might make it difficult for a driver to stop or take evasive maneuvers. Rain can cause vehicles to hydroplane into crosswalks or onto sidewalks, injuring pedestrians. While no one can control the weather, all motorists must adjust their driving accordingly to make sure that they are in full control of their vehicle at all times. This means slowing down, paying close attention to their surroundings, and ensuring that they are prepared for issues that might arise due to the weather.
When a car or truck hits a pedestrian, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. Because the average car weighs about 3,000 lbs., the force of a collision (even at low speeds) can be significant.
This, coupled with the fact that pedestrians have little to protect them in the event of a crash, means the injuries they suffer are usually severe.
Some of the most common injuries that pedestrians may suffer in a car accident include:
Along with physical injuries that could result in debilitating pain, scarring, and disfigurement, pedestrian accident victims are often forced to deal with emotional trauma.
It is not uncommon for pedestrians involved in a violent accident to suffer some form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you’ve been severely injured in a pedestrian accident, you could be eligible to seek compensation for both the economic and non-economic damages you’ve incurred through no fault of your own.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer could evaluate your case and help you understand what you’re entitled to.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, we strongly recommend you take the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention . If you are conscious after being struck by a vehicle, seek medical assistance. The physical and mental shock that your body will likely be suffering following the pedestrian accident may impair your ability to recognize pain. Dial 911 for immediate help and make sure you get a full medical evaluation.
Gather Information. Collect as much information as you can about the at-fault party or parties. If it was a motorist who struck you, make sure you get their name, driver’s license information, license plate number, and insurance information. Also, make sure to take down the contact information of any witnesses.
Take Plenty of Photos. Take pictures of the accident scene from a variety of angles and distances. Make sure you get pictures of any details that could be relevant, such as road hazards and traffic signals.
Call the Police. In addition to calling the police and having a police report filed, it is recommended that you take notes documenting the events that led up to the pedestrian accident. Your insurance company or lawyer may require a police report. When talking to the police, explain exactly what occurred prior to the accident.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders. After you have received medical care, be sure to follow your doctor’s orders. Failure to do so could undermine both your physical recovery and the amount of compensation you get. If you don’t stay consistent with the treatment plan, the insurance company may use this as a reason to deny your claim.
Keep a Pain Journal. In addition to following the treatment plan, document all your pain and symptoms in the days, weeks, and months following the pedestrian accident. A pain journal can establish how your injuries have impacted your everyday life.
Retain Legal Representation. You should consult with a skilled lawyer who has extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases in Maine. The pedestrian accident attorneys at Mann Law offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by discussing your options with us.
Christiana Mann and the entire Mann Law team will get you the compensation you deserve while helping put the pieces of your life back together. Work with our Maine pedestrian accident lawyers to maximize your chances of success.
