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Pedestrian accidents can result in long-term injuries, costly medical bills, and mounting financial pressure. You can recover compensation from the driver that hit you to pay for these expenses. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages, like pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Reno pedestrian accident lawyer Stephen Osborne has been representing injured victims in Nevada since 1992. He can help you recover damages to help ease the financial burden caused by your injuries. Call today to speak with a trusted personal injury attorney.
Pedestrian accidents are on the rise across the United States. Nevada is especially prone to pedestrian accidents due to the increase in foot traffic in its busiest cities. Unfortunately, numerous pedestrians on busy city streets can lead to pedestrian accidents that cause severe injuries and deaths. If you often travel in a busy city, as a pedestrian or a driver, you should be aware of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents, so you can avoid them.
Drivers who are reckless or distracted are one of the main causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who do not obey traffic laws at crosswalks and those who fail to look for pedestrians are especially dangerous. Likewise, drivers who text or talk on cell phones while driving may be unaware of their surroundings and put pedestrians at risk.
Drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol put pedestrians and other motorists in danger. They have slower reaction times, may be unaware of their surroundings, and often exhibit poor judgment.
Rain, snow, and ice can contribute to slippery road conditions, which can make it difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid pedestrians. Further, rainwater can cause cars to hydroplane into crosswalks or jump curbs. When cars are out of control, pedestrians are at risk.
Twilight and nighttime cause problems with reduced visibility for drivers. Drivers might have an even more difficult time seeing pedestrians when they wear dark clothes. If you plan to walk at night, you should wear light-colored or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight to increase your visibility.
When pedestrians walk on busy streets while impaired, they are also increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents. They may be less vigilant, walking in front of cars or crossing against the light. They may also fall in crosswalks, making it harder for drivers to avoid them.
Many drivers making left-hand turns only pay attention to the traffic lights and surrounding vehicles. They may not be aware of crosswalk signals or pedestrians. They may turn when traffic is clear without first checking for pedestrians, leading to left-turn accidents that cause severe injuries.
Your Reno pedestrian accident attorney can prove economic damages in a pedestrian accident claim by showing medical bills, lost wages, and other direct costs associated with the accident. The most common economic damages in pedestrian accidents are medical bills. If you are involved in an accident, you should keep records of your medical treatments, surgeries, medicines, and therapies. You can also show lost wages if you missed work due to your injuries. Your records can help your accident attorney determine the value of your claim.
You may also be able to recover non-economic damages after your pedestrian accident. Non-economic damages usually consist of compensation for the pain and suffering victims suffered. The value of non-economic damages is difficult to determine. It is typically based on the amount of economic damages a victim receives. Your attorney must gather enough evidence to accurately convey your pain and suffering to an insurance company in the case of settlement or a jury in the case of a trial.
Punitive damages are intended to punish wrongdoers for their actions. When a driver causes a pedestrian accident through extreme recklessness or intentional actions, the court may determine that punitive damages are appropriate to discourage him or her from committing similar acts. Punitive damages are rare in personal injury and pedestrian accident claims. Courts only award them in the most egregious cases.
A statute of limitations is a law that limits the amount of time you have to take legal action after an accident. In Nevada, you have two years after a pedestrian accident to file a claim against the driver. If you wait longer than two years to file your claim, the court will most likely dismiss your case, and you will not be able to recover any damages. Act today. Call a Reno pedestrian accident lawyer for guidance.