When a motorist strikes a pedestrian, the consequences are often catastrophic. With no protection against crash forces, those on foot often suffer serious injuries such as brain trauma, spinal injuries, internal bleeding, and broken bones. If you were hurt by a negligent or reckless driver, turn to our Carson pedestrian accident attorneys.  

During your free case review, we will take time to answer your questions, assess the merits of your claim, and discuss potential outcomes for your case. To request a free case review, dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS today.  

How Much is My Personal Injury Claim Worth? 

Repair bills, replacement services, alternative transportation, and your medical bills—your expenses can add up quickly after a wreck. To make matters worse, you might be left unable to work and earn a living, depriving you of thousands of dollars in wages.  

In this dire situation, most victims need a financial lifeline—and that’s exactly what the financial award in a personal injury case could provide. While we can’t guarantee you a specific amount—no lawyer or law firm can—we can help you build your case and approximate fair compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. 

Let’s look at a few factors that might affect the value of your claim: 

• Lost Earnings: Whether you spent a few days in hospital recuperating from the accident, or your injuries prevent you from returning to work, there are many reasons why you may be unable to do your job after a wreck. However, for most American families, even just a single missed paycheck can spell financial ruin. Fortunately, you may be able to recover compensation for any income you’ve lost because of your injuries. If you suffered a permanent disability that will prevent you from returning to work down the line, you may also be able to seek damages for loss of future wages and diminished earning potential. 

• The Severity of Your Injuries: In most situations, the severity of your injuries will likely have a significant impact on the value of the potential recovery in your case. As victims who have suffered serious injuries tend to experience a greater degree of pain and suffering than those with relatively minor conditions, they also stand to gain more in the form of a non-economic damages award. 

• Your Personal Degree of Liability: Liability is commonly shared among multiple parties. For instance, in a wreck involving a commercial trucker, the driver, his or her employer, and their respective insurers may all share some liability for your injuries. In some instances, you could even be found partially responsible for your losses. For example, if you ignored your doctor’s orders to rest, and your actions caused your condition to worsen, you may be on the hook for these additional costs.   

Should I Still Visit the Doctor Even If My Injuries Aren’t Serious? 

Just because you were able to walk away from the accident, doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Many catastrophic injuries can present with latent or minor symptoms. Left untreated, they could worsen leading to life-threatening health complications. As such, you should always undergo a comprehensive medical assessment as soon as possible after leaving the accident scene. 

Here are a few more reasons why you should always visit the doctor without delay: 

• It Could Be Easier to Tie Your Injuries to the Wreck: To obtain a financial award in a personal injury case, you need to be able to demonstrate liability, causation, and damages. Simply put, you need to not only show that the defendant’s negligent actions caused the accident and that you suffered damages, but also that your injuries stem from the wreck. Typically, the sooner you visit the doctor, the easier it will be for your personal injury attorney to connect your injuries to the accident. Delaying this assessment, or skipping it entirely, could lead to causation disputes. For instance, opposing parties might argue that you suffered your injuries in a different accident as the date of your doctor’s visit does not correspond with the day you were involved in the collision. 

• The Insurance Company Wants to See Official Records: When you visit the doctor he or she will usually create medical records documenting the nature of your injuries, the treatments you have undergone and will require, and the ways in which your condition limits you. The insurer will want to see these records before approving your claim. Our personal injury attorneys will also use your records to help estimate a fair settlement, connect your injuries to the wreck, and develop strategies to counter defenses that might arise during proceedings. 

• You Can Prevent Your Condition from Worsening: Without prompt treatment, many serious injuries can worsen over time leading to additional, potentially avoidable health complications and healthcare costs. By scheduling a doctor’s visit as soon as possible after the accident, you won’t just help reduce the risk of suffering such complications but could also sidestep disputes over failure to mitigate damages. 

Discuss Your Claim with a Carson Pedestrian Accident Attorney 

If you were injured in an accident with a motorist, it’s likely that you’ve incurred thousands of dollars in medical bills and other damages. Fortunately, filing a personal injury claim could help you recover the funds you need to pay off your expenses and move on with your life. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or visit our online contact page HERE to request a free case assessment.