Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Don’t Fall for These 3 Common Myths

Those on foot face serious risks on California’s roads. Many drivers fail to look out for the state’s most vulnerable road users, turning every stroll into a potential dance with death. Unsurprisingly, these types of accidents have spawned more than their fair share of misconceptions. As such, even many of the top Google results could be spreading misinformation that might lead you to make serious mistakes in your fight for a fair settlement. 

Don’t worry; we’re here to put some of the most common myths under the microscope to help separate fact from fiction. Read on to find out more about these popular misconceptions: 

Myth #1: You Won’t Receive Compensation If You Played a Role in Causing the Wreck 

If you believe that you contributed to the accident in any way, you might think that you’ll be denied a settlement. However, in California, you can still receive compensation for your losses even if you were partially at fault. This still applies even if you were 99% to blame for the wreck. However, your financial award will typically be reduced by your percentage share of liability. 

Myth #2: Your Social Media Activity Won’t Affect Your Case 

While you might think you’re safe discussing the accident on social media, the world wide web isn’t off limits to the claims adjuster. As such, the insurer might look through your post history to find anything that could be used to challenge your credibility. 

For instance, if you discussed your pending case, your comments could be misrepresented to dispute liability or damages. Alternatively, the insurer may be able to use images of you at social events in the wake of the wreck to assert that your injuries aren’t as severe as you are claiming. In most situations, it’s best to deactivate your profiles until your case has been resolved.

Myth #3: Your Claim Will Be Settled in a Few Weeks  

Some cases are resolved quickly, but others—particularly complex claims—can take months or even years to run their course. Factors that could affect the timeline of your case could include: 

  •        The complexity of your claim;
  •        The severity of your injuries;
  •        The number of liable parties; and
  •        Whether you made any mistakes during proceedings  

Discuss Your Claim with a California Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today  

Were you injured by a negligent driver? Turn to the legal team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. We can meet with you to discuss your case, answer your most pressing questions, and explain how we might approach your case.  

Our pedestrian accident attorneys will be with you every step of the way, providing guidance and tenacious representation at each step of proceedings. We’ve helped accident victims throughout California recover more than $300 million compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.  

The initial consultation is free, and you won’t have to pay us attorney’s fees unless we win your case. To schedule a case review, reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or by dropping us a message via our contact form HERE.