The road can be a very dangerous place for a pedestrian. Many times, we hear stories of pedestrians being severely injured or killed in a car accident, through no fault of their own. Even when pedestrians make their best efforts to follow the rules of the road, they can still find themselves being involved in accidents.
A lot of motorists are driving very recklessly these days, and when driving at high speeds, it can be difficult to spot a person who is on foot. It is at times like these that a personal injury lawyer is needed. Tom Fowler is one of the best Johnston personal injury lawyers around. Our firm offers a free consultation for all personal injury victims involved in a motor vehicle accident.
What Is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident is a collision involving a car and a person who is on foot. In most cases, it is only the pedestrian who is injured and is therefore entitled to fair compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Seeking legal representation from a Des Moines pedestrian accident attorney is always the best course of action because a variety of things can cause a pedestrian accident. Some of these are:
Speeding
Poor road conditions
Driving while intoxicated
Texting while driving
Reckless driving
Disobeying traffic signs and signals
When Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
In most cases, it is best to always be prepared if there is a need to take the matter to trial. Waiting too long before approaching personal injury lawyers could prove to be a big mistake later on. If the victim is not sure, they can visit Tom Fowler Law firm for a free initial consultation, during which the merits of a potential lawsuit, and the likelihood of receiving maximum compensation, can be discussed.
In Johnston, Iowa, by law, motorists can be charged with vehicular manslaughter if they kill a pedestrian because of a pedestrian accident. This goes to show how serious a personal injury matter involving motor vehicles is.
Before a claim can be pursued due to a pedestrian accident, personal injury to the victim must be demonstrated, usually through a medical examination. Personal injury lawyers will handle client testimonials, the filing of police reports, and doctor's reports.
Costs of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, is about 33%, or a third of the awarded compensation, which is the same as the rest of the country. Personal injury attorneys do not normally charge a flat fee but have been known to lower their contingency fees in special cases.
If this seems a bit costly, think of the financial burden, such as medical bills, that the victim and their family members will have to shoulder due to the injuries sustained in the auto accident. It is in the victim's best interests to ensure that the responsible driver, or their insurance company, pays for all those expenses.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident
The steps that are taken soon after the car accident have a huge impact on the chances of launching a successful personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. A lot of groundwork has to be done, and evidence relating to the car accident needs to be gathered while the details are still fresh in the minds of the victim and any witnesses.
This information should be kept safe for use by personal injury lawyers in case the dispute goes to trial. Here is what to do after a pedestrian is involved in an auto accident:
Seek medical attention as quickly as possible from the nearest hospital.
Obtain the driver's particulars, including the name of their insurance company
Get copies of the police report as well as witness statements.
Keep all important documents safe, including records of any medical bills
Look for the best Johnston personal injury lawyers
Visit Tom Fowler Law firm for a free consultation
How these vital steps are handled can be the difference between walking away with a huge settlement, and having the lawsuit dismissed without any damages being awarded.
When the Responsible Driver Does Not Have Insurance
On its own, a lawsuit for damages due to personal injury after a Johnston car accident can be complicated enough due to various circumstances leading up to the accident; for example, if the accident was part of a larger car wreck. However, things get even more complicated when the responsible driver does not have insurance.
Having an insurance company standing by to pay the bills, and any awarded damages, usually, makes the situation easier. In the absence of an insurance company, it is best to approach a lawyer for a free consultation to discuss other ways of getting compensation. There are other means to get compensated, such as being paid directly out of pocket or having the driver's assets seized until the lawsuit is resolved.
Statute of Limitations Regarding Pedestrian Accidents in Iowa
From the day the accident occurred, there is only a small window in which an injury claim can be made. In Johnston, Iowa, the statute of limitations on personal injury cases is two years from the day of the incident or three years in the case of wrongful death.
Two years is enough time to hire an experienced attorney and prepare for the lawsuit, but there is a lot of work that needs before a motion can be filed. It is best not to waste any time at all. If the injuries sustained in the accident are preventing the victim from seeking legal advice quickly, they can have a loved one do it for them because they too are entitled to a free consultation.
Other Johnston Practice Areas
Visit Tom Fowler Law Firm Today!
With offices conveniently located in the heart of Johnston, Tom Fowler Law can help with all pedestrian accidents that occur in the state of Iowa. Known for our great attorney-client relationship, our experienced attorneys have won huge compensation claims for victims of pedestrian accidents as well as a host of other cases.
Do not waste any time! Come in for your free consultation today.