Schererville Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Standing Up for Pedestrians’ Rights
Traffic accidents involving pedestrians are quite often both physically and financially devastating. Regardless of the specific circumstances and causes of a pedestrian accident, the insurer for the negligent party—whether a motorist or a city agency—will typically argue that the victim is responsible for the accident. In this way, they hope to avoid paying any (or at least minimal) compensation for the pedestrian’s injuries.
At Tauber Law Offices, our Schererville pedestrian accident attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience helping the victims of pedestrian accidents. Our lawyers have developed effective strategies for handling insurance companies and teaching our clients how to avoid the traps insurers set for them in an attempt to ruin their cases. This gives us the advantage you need to help ensure a successful resolution of your case. We will help you get the medical care you need now and into the future, foil the efforts of the insurance companies to deny your claim, and work tirelessly to obtain all of the compensation you deserve.
Call (219) 247-6790 or contact our firm online to learn more during your free, confidential, and no obligation case evaluation today.
The Scope of the Problem
In 2019, 6,205 pedestrians were killed and thousands more were injured in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Based on 2017 data from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 63 pedestrians were killed in Indiana, a 50% increase from the previous year. That same year, 1,624 pedestrians were injured in traffic accidents. Worse, many of these injuries and deaths occur in crosswalks, the very place where pedestrians would consider themselves relatively safe.
It is important to note that the police are not the only ones who determine where a pedestrian was located at the time of an accident and other circumstances surrounding the accident. Insurance companies will often hire their own experts to evaluate the scene. It is essential to have an expert of your own to preserve evidence, document the location of debris, evaluate skid marks or other markings left on the road, and more.
Our lawyers can locate the appropriate expert for your case, but it is important to act quickly. If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident, contact us as soon as possible. Your consultation is free, and we won’t charge you anything unless we obtain compensation for your injuries.
Pedestrian Accident Claims in Indiana
When crossing a marked crosswalk or an intersection, pedestrians in Indiana have the right of way. In all other situations, pedestrians must yield to motor vehicles.
To receive compensation after an Indiana pedestrian accident, an injured pedestrian must prove that the driver was negligent and at fault by establishing the following:
- The driver owed the pedestrian a duty to exercise reasonable care (which applies to all motorists),
- The driver breached this duty of care, and
- The driver’s negligence directly led to the pedestrian’s injury.
If you can successfully prove the above, you will be awarded “damages.” This is the term for the money awarded to a plaintiff in a car crash lawsuit.
There are two main categories of compensatory damages that an injured plaintiff can receive:
- Economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, and
- Noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress (depression, PTSD, and more).
Indiana has a two-year statute of limitations on car accident cases, which begins on the date of the accident (with a few exceptions). We recommend starting your claim as soon as possible in order to secure the best and most relevant evidence.
We Are Prepared to Fight for Your Right to Just Compensation
Auto insurance companies were created to protect motorists, so it can be difficult for pedestrians to rely on insurance claims alone to cover their accident-related costs. Insurance companies often care more about protecting their own bottom line than ensuring you can afford your medical bills after a crash. The best way to ensure you receive the fair and just compensation you need and deserve is to work with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer on your case.
Contact our firm now to learn how we can help during a free consultation. We don’t charge any legal fees unless we win your case.