West Valley City Pedestrian Accident Attorney

It’s rare to have minor injuries when a car hits you as a pedestrian. Even if you manage to stand up on your own after an accident, your adrenaline may be what is keeping you from feeling hurt. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention when you have been hit by a car, and the next thing you should do is contact a personal injury attorney.

Life-threatening injuries can happen when a motorist hits a pedestrian. If you have been hit by a car while you were walking, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries. A West Valley City pedestrian accident lawyer from 1Law can help you to understand your legal options and may be able to help you recover financial damages.

Pedestrian Accident Cases in West Valley City

Even though Utah is a no-fault state, pursuing a personal injury case sometimes makes sense. While the driver’s PIP insurance would typically cover you in a pedestrian accident, the policy limits may not be enough to cover severe injuries.

A West Valley City pedestrian accident lawyer can examine the details of your specific claim to help identify other sources of compensation that could be available. Many aspects need to be taken into account in order to uncover the possibilities for full financial recovery for your injuries.  A lawyer can offer legal insight and help you to find options.

What If I Walked Away After Being Hit by a Car, but Later Discovered I Was Injured?

While you should always seek medical attention after an accident, it’s entirely possible you did walk away only to find that you are not really okay. In the aftermath of such a frightening event, the body produces endorphins and adrenaline which are very good at masking pain.

Even if you only see scrapes and bruises, you may be in severe pain after a little time has passed. Seek medical help immediately. The impact of a car hitting an unprotected pedestrian can result in internal injuries that require emergency treatment.

Some of the most common injuries following a car-versus-pedestrian accident include:

• Internal organ damage
• Facial/eye injuries causing loss of vision
• Permanent disfigurement
• Amputation and loss of limbs
• Scrapes and bruises
• Concussions or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Paralysis
• Nerve damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Pelvic injuries
• Bone fractures

Even if you did walk away and file a claim later, it isn’t necessarily going to damage your case. It is still important for you to be examined by a qualified physician and consult with a personal injury lawyer.

These kinds of injuries and their subsequent treatment tend to be extremely painful, requiring time and money to treat. A pedestrian accident lawyer can be your best ally in helping to financially recover from this traumatic event.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Pedestrian Accident Case?

In Utah, insurance claims cover your injuries and lost wages, but pain and suffering is not a factor that will be considered by the insurance companies. In order for you to recover non-economic damages, you need to file a lawsuit. A pedestrian accident lawyer in West Valley City can examine the details of your case and calculate the damages.

Typical damages included in your  pedestrian accident case could be:

Lost Wages

Consider your tax returns and pay stubs to calculate the wages you have lost or will not be able to make due to your injuries. If you had been able to work, you could have been bringing in an income, therefore these damages are almost always a consideration.

The severity of your injuries and the length of time you will not be able to work are important factors. In the event you become completely disabled or are not able to return to work in your field anymore, the cost of vocational rehabilitation or loss of future earnings, loss of benefits, and loss of retirement can be included.

Medical Costs

Medical expenses to treat your injuries can include hospital bills, medication, medical devices, and physical or occupational therapy costs. The ongoing treatment for these injuries will be included in this calculation.

Non-Economic Costs

These are the losses you experienced that are more difficult to put a value on. The extent of the disruption to your life is somewhat subjective but in general, the more severe the injuries are, the more the non-economic costs are valued.

Emotional trauma, psychological issues, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and other emotional damages can alter a person permanently. These damages should be accounted for.

In cases that involve a jury, it’s possible to be awarded damages for things like loss of services or society as well. Your lawyer can explain the calculation of damages and offer you a clearer estimate.

What If a Pedestrian Is Hit by an Uninsured Driver?

Don’t panic if you were struck by a hit and run or uninsured motorist. It’s possible that your own insurance or PIP can help you in this case. While an uninsured motorist isn’t likely to have the finances available to compensate you, talking to a pedestrian accident attorney can help you learn if there are other avenues you can pursue for financial recovery.

Talk to a Lawyer and Learn More About Your Legal Options Today

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you need to talk to an attorney familiar with comparative negligence and personal injury law in Utah. You may have the right to pursue compensation through civil litigation, and the West Valley City pedestrian accident attorneys of 1Law are ready to listen.

Our legal team is prepared to advise you and help you to avoid possible obstacles when pursuing your claim and fight for your rights to recover full compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.