Miramar Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians have the right of way when lawfully crossing the road, which means that if they get hit, the driver can be held liable for their injuries. It is the driver’s responsibility to pay attention to anyone crossing the road, even if they aren’t in a crosswalk. When you get hit by a car, you are at risk of serious injuries that can permanently change your life. Not all pedestrians are lucky to come out unscathed, which is why it is only fair that you receive fair damages for the wounds you sustained.

With the help of a Miramar Beach personal injury lawyer, you can receive fair compensation for your injuries because they will represent you and negotiate on your behalf. To learn more about the process, contact Fasig | Brooks for a free consultation. 

How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

When pedestrians cross the road, car drivers should be aware of their presence to avoid hitting them. Here are some of the most common ways that pedestrians get injured on the road: 

Crossing an Intersection

Drivers can sometimes fail to yield even when the pedestrian has the right of way. This can happen because a driver is distracted, drowsy, or impatient. Failing to yield can result in them hitting a pedestrian crossing at an intersection.

Crossing at a Right or Left Turn

When a motorist is turning right or left, a pedestrian can get hit if the driver doesn’t notice them. The driver could be paying more attention to the traffic light than the pedestrian and end up hitting them when making the turn. 

Speeding

Many drivers go over the speed limit and put everyone around them at risk. When drivers exceed the speed limit in areas with heavy foot traffic, this prevents them from slowing down in time to avoid pedestrians. Plus, they will do more damage and could end up hitting multiple pedestrians.

Disobeying Traffic Signals

Drivers sometimes ignore traffic lights, yield signs, or stop signs that tell them to slow down or stop. This puts them at risk of hitting a pedestrian because they do not have the right of way. 

What If I’m Partly At Fault?

In some cases, you may be partly or entirely at fault for your injuries if the driver ran into you because you did not have the right of way. Here are some ways this can happen: 

Not Using A Cross Walk

When a crosswalk is provided, but a pedestrian decides not to use it, this can put drivers at risk of hitting them. This may also make it difficult for drivers because the view of the pedestrian could be obstructed by parked cars, trees, or other objects on the side of the road. Crosswalks make it easier for drivers to see pedestrians when they cross the road. 

Obstructing Traffic

In cases where there is no designated sidewalk or shoulder, you can walk on the side of the road as far away as possible from traffic. However, if there is a sidewalk or shoulder, but you decide to walk in the road, this is an obstruction of traffic, which could result in drivers hitting you. 

What Are Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

Pedestrians can suffer from a variety of injuries that can disable them temporarily or permanently. Here are some common pedestrian injuries:

Spine Injuries

A harsh impact from a car can cause damage to the vertebrae and spinal cord. You may be dealing with bulging discs, slipped discs, pinched nerves, and other severe back injuries that can make it difficult for you to move. There is also the risk of partial to full paralysis after a severe spinal cord injury. 

Neck Injuries

When you get hit by a car, it can cause whiplash, which puts a strain on your neck muscles. Neck injuries may not be as severe as other wounds but they can be just as painful and can cause debilitating migraines. 

Traumatic Brain Injury

The pedestrian’s head can hit the ground or any hard vehicle surface in an accident. It can lead to head injuries such as concussions, hemorrhage, and more. This can cause long-term cognitive disorders and other disabilities. 
Jaw Fractures

It is possible to have jaw fracture injuries after a bad car accident because either the car or the ground impacts you hard enough to result in fractured bones, which could result in a dislocated jaw. 

Shoulder Dislocation

In addition to broken bones and fractures, you could suffer a dislocated shoulder after a car hits you. 

Lacerations And Bruises 

When you get hit, you can suffer from lacerations and other open wounds that result in heavy bleeding. Even if there is no broken skin, you may be dealing with internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Organs can also be affected by the accident, for example, your lungs may be punctured and other organs bruised by the car crash. 

What Can A Miramar Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do To Help Me?

Attorneys can help prove the liability of the driver who hit you. They will also help calculate your damages based on your medical bills and any other expenses you had to pay. Even if you had surgery and are attending physical therapy for months, all of these costs can be included in your settlement amount. When you miss time from work, the wages you could have made should be included. You shouldn’t be struggling financially because of someone else’s careless mistake. 

Speak to a lawyer to learn more about your pedestrian accident case and whether you are owed compensation. Your pedestrian accident attorney can also accurately calculate your settlement amount. This protects you from accepting a settlement that is far less than you deserve. Take pictures of your injuries, write down any pain and suffering you’re experiencing, and explain to your Miramar Beach attorney how your pedestrian accident happened. They can guide you through your settlement claim to get maximum compensation. For more information, call Fasig | Brooks for a free consultation.