Building a Strong Case for Compensation
You’re walking down the sidewalk, and you turn to cross the street. You signal your intent cross by waving your hand. You think that you have adequate distance and time, but a car comes out of nowhere, and suddenly, your walk becomes a whirlwind of chaos, pain, and confusion. Unfortunately, serious pedestrian collisions happen more often than we’d like to admit. When they do happen, proving driver negligence is crucial to build your case for compensation and justice.
How does a seriously injured pedestrian build their case for compensation and justice?
- Gathering Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case
First things first — evidence. Think of it as the building blocks of your case. Without a solid foundation, the whole case structure can come tumbling down. When it comes to serious pedestrian accidents, the type of evidence you gather can make or break your case.
Photographs: If you’re able, take pictures of everything. The scene, the vehicle involved, any road and lighting conditions. The more visual evidence you have, the better.
Video Footage: If there’s any CCTV or dashcam footage available, make sure to secure it. This can provide a clear, unbiased account of what happened.
Accident Report: The police report is a key piece of evidence. It typically includes details about the incident, witness statements, and sometimes even the officer’s opinion on who was at fault.
- Witness Statements: Voices of Truth
Witnesses can be your key to proof of negligence. They can provide an uninvolved third party’s account of the accident, which will corroborate your own recollection and narrative.
Collect Contact Information: Again, if you’re not too injured, get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident. This way, your law firm can follow up for detailed statements. If you are with a friend or family member at the scene and they’re uninjured, they should perform this essential task.
Detailed Accounts: Encourage witnesses to provide as much detail as possible. What did they see? What was the driver doing? Was the pedestrian following all traffic rules? These details can paint a clearer picture of driver negligence. If you are later represented by an experienced legal team, they and private investigation professionals in their employ will undertake this very important work.
- Expert Testimony: Professional Insights
Sometimes, you need an expert to back up your claims.
Accident Reconstructionists: These experts can recreate the accident scene using the power of physics and forensic analysis to demonstrate how the driver was negligent.
Medical Experts: They can provide insights into the severity of your injuries and how they were caused and then link them directly to the accident.
- Medical Records: Documenting Your Injuries
Your medical records are more than just a list of treatments and bills. They are a chronological account of your injuries and recovery. They document your treatment history and illustrate the very important physical, psychological, and emotional impact that the incident has had on your life.
Immediate Medical Attention: Seek medical help immediately after the accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
Consistent Treatment: Follow through with all healthcare treatments and keep detailed records. These records show the gravity of your injuries and your commitment to recovery.
You need expert guidance.
Management of a serious pedestrian incident isn’t a “do it yourself” project. It is a long-term, complex undertaking that requires vast experience and intelligent strategy. You need the expertise of a full team backing you up, not just a single lawyer or a small office. Here’s why:
Comprehensive Support: A multitiered law firm provides a team of professionals, from investigators to paralegals to trial lawyers, all working together to build the strongest case possible.
Experience and Resources: A fully-staffed legal team has the experience and resources to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts for you — effectively and efficiently.
Negotiation Power: Big Insurance is driven by profit. It’s all about the bottom line for them. An experienced, dedicated law firm knows the tactics they use and can counter them effectively to ensure you win the compensation you deserve.
Serious pedestrian accidents can turn your world upside down in an instant. Contact us for experienced, driven representation, and let our team of dedicated professionals fight for the compensation you deserve. Because when it comes to serious injuries, you need a serious team of hardcore professionals. Schedule a no-charge strategy planning meeting today. When it matters, make it Maddox.
