A common question to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Oregon is how much can you expect in your pedestrian accident settlement. Below is more information on this important topic.
What You Can Expect During The Pedestrian Accident Case
Your pedestrian accident lawyer in Oregon can assist you in getting compensation for your injuries. There are two ways this can be accomplished.
First, your attorney can help you to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company and negotiate a settlement.
The other option is to file a lawsuit against the driver in a civil court in your area.
But how do you win the case against the driver?
Prove The Driver Was At Fault
The most important part of the pedestrian accident case is proving the other driver caused the accident. Drivers have a duty to act in a manner that keeps you and other pedestrians safe from danger. Your attorney will use the evidence they can find to show the driver was negligent.
For example, your attorney may build the case with the following evidence:
• Images of the crash scene, as well as injuries and damages you sustained
• The police report from the responding officer
• Medical records of the treatments you have had for your injuries
• Witness statements
• Any paperwork that shows the damages and costs related to the pedestrian accident
After Driver Is Proven Responsible For Accident
If your attorney is successful in proving the driver caused the accident, their insurance company may be liable for your injuries.
Some of the damages you could be entitled to include your medical bills, lost earnings, property damages, and potential pain and suffering from your injuries.
What Affects The Size Of Your Pedestrian Accident Settlement?
Every pedestrian accident is different, and the size of your settlement can vary widely. Some of the things that affect the size of your settlement are:
• Severity of your pedestrian accident injuries: The settlement probably won’t happen until you have healed as much as possible. If you have severe injuries, such as broken bones, back injuries, or head trauma, it could be several months until the settlement is reached. In a few cases, the settlement for major injuries can take years.
• Insurance company negotiations: After you complete your treatments, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company. Insurance negotiations usually take at least weeks and can take several months. Even if the accident is clear-cut and the driver accepts responsibility, the negotiation process and red tape can still take months. If the driver didn’t have insurance, the only option is to file a lawsuit against him or her.
• Trial: Not all negotiations will result in a settlement. Sometimes the driver or insurance company will dig in, so the only option is to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What You Should Do After A Pedestrian Accident
As we have explained, there are many things that can affect your settlement or lawsuit. But there are things you can do immediately after the accident to increase the chances of a fast settlement process.
The most important thing to do after the accident is to be seen by a medical professional right away. You need to get your injuries treated as soon as possible for your own health.
But it’s also important to have treatments start right away so the injuries are documented right after the accident. This will ensure that the insurance company cannot argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.