Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Wheeling, West Virginia

A pedestrian is defined as anyone who travels on foot. Persons who are living with mental or physical disabilities that require assistive devices to travel are also considered pedestrians. Whenever pedestrians are in a crosswalk, all vehicles must yield to them to prevent accidents. Pedestrian safety is the responsibility of both the pedestrians and the motorists on the road.

A pedestrian accident is extremely dangerous because it involves a vehicle traveling at high rates of speed colliding with an unprotected human body. With many pedestrians walking the sidewalks every day, these types of accidents do happen. In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, it is highly advisable to seek legal advice from a credible Wheeling pedestrian accident lawyer to determine all of the parties responsible for your catastrophic injuries.

At Ghaphery Law Offices, PLLC, we have decades of experience in handling personal injury case claims including pedestrian accidents, car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and other personal injury cases. We will evaluate the circumstances of your accident and determine the liable party. We are ready to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What are the common pedestrian accident injuries?

Pedestrians are particularly at risk of suffering catastrophic, or even fatal, injuries in a car accident because they do not have the same physical protection as vehicle drivers. Victims usually suffer injuries on the head, chest, abdomen, and extremities. The severity of the personal injury depends on the driver’s speed, vehicle type, and pedestrian health. A seasoned Wheeling pedestrian accident attorney can help you determine the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are caused by an external force that breaks the continuity of a bone. It is considered one of the most common injuries suffered by pedestrians. It includes fractures on the shoulder, back, hands, arms, wrists, and legs. These injuries are very painful and may cause long-term problems, in some cases even resulting in amputation.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is a damage to the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. This type of catastrophic injury can cause life-changing consequences. Since the spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and the body, even minor damages can be devastating. It may cause paralysis and even death.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is usually caused by a violent blow to the head or body. TBI can range from minor injuries to injuries with serious medical consequences. It can have permanent, long-term complications resulting in brain damage and impaired cognitive function. They can also result in seizures, disability, chronic pain, altered personality, early-onset Alzheimer’s, or even death. There can be immediate or delayed symptoms after a traumatic brain injury. These symptoms may include vision problems, confusion, sleep problems, concussions, dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, anxiety, depression, or mood swings.

Internal Organ Damage

A pedestrian accident can cause the victim to suffer from internal organ damage. An internal organ injury is not necessarily visible on the outside and may not show any symptoms immediately after the pedestrian accident. Having a broken rib, collapsed lung, internal bleeding, organ damage, or ruptured spleen are some of the potentially serious injuries in a pedestrian accident.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident?

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be frightening and stressful. However, there are certain steps you must follow post-accident to ensure your legal rights. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Wheeling WV can guide you on what to do if you’re ever involved in a pedestrian accident.

Move to a safe place

If you were hit on the road or at an intersection, your top priority is your well-being and safety. You should move to a safer place if you can. This will protect you from being injured in another accident.

Seek Medical Attention

Once you are safe, call 911 and report the pedestrian accident. Even if you think your injuries are not significant enough to require medical attention, you should still have a proper examination from a medical professional. You should be evaluated by the medical team and make a full report to the police.

Call the Police

Remain at the accident scene until the police arrive. The police will investigate and document the details of the accident. The police may ask for details surrounding the accident such as how it happened, who was at fault, and the exact location of the accident. If any witnesses saw the accident, ask them to stay and give their statements to the police. You need to obtain a copy of the police report if you intend to file a claim for damages.

Gather Evidence

If possible, take photos of the accident scene as well as your injuries. Take pictures of the car that hit you, the driver, and the surrounding area. Make sure to get pictures of any damaged property involved. All of these pieces of evidence will help strengthen your case and obtain fair compensation.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Following the accident, you should report the incident to your insurance company to start the claim process. Be prepared to answer the insurance adjuster’s questions from either your insurance company or the driver’s. Just remember that insurers always have their best interests in mind. If you are contacted by the driver’s insurance, do not give them any information and do not accept a quick settlement. Instead, let your reliable Wheeling WV pedestrian accident lawyer speak with them first on your behalf.

What Damages Can I Receive in My Pedestrian Accident Case?

West Virginia law protects individuals who have been hurt in a pedestrian accident. This means that if you have been severely injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your losses. These compensatory damages are designed to restore the pedestrian’s quality of life after an accident.

The most common type of recoverable damages in a pedestrian accident case include payment for medical bills, reimbursement of lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Damages can also include future losses for continuing care or disability. If the pedestrian dies as the result of an accident, their survivors are entitled to recover wrongful death compensation for their economic losses that result from the pedestrian’s death.

With the help of our top-ranking Wheeling pedestrian accident attorneys, you may be eligible to recover compensation that covers the full value of your severe injuries. We will help you review your case thoroughly and calculate all your damages. We will help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Hire a Competent Wheeling Pedestrian Accident Attorney Now!

A pedestrian accident is considered one of the most serious accidents because pedestrians have no protection when they are struck by a moving vehicle. The injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident are likely to be severe and are often fatal. It may lead to physical, emotional, and financial difficulties that will seriously impact your life.

If you or a loved one has suffered substantial, life-changing injuries or wrongful death in a pedestrian accident, you are entitled to seek a maximum settlement for compensation.  Our experienced Wheeling pedestrian accident lawyers at Ghaphery Law Offices, PLLC, will explain your legal options and help you receive fair compensation. Our personal injury law firm will investigate the details of the accident and determine liability. With the financial recoveries from these cases, accident victims and families can focus on rebuilding their lives and moving forward. Contact us now and schedule a free consultation.