Pedestrian accidents can happen at any time around Indiana. Individuals often assume the car driver must be at fault for a pedestrian collision. However, pedestrians can cause these wrecks if they act recklessly.
What happens if a pedestrian causes an accident? In this situation, the pedestrian may have to cover the driver’s losses, including medical expenses and vehicle repairs. You can learn more about this situation with our team at Vaughan & Vaughan.
Start working with an Indiana pedestrian accident lawyer by calling or filling out our online contact form.
What Happens When a Pedestrian Is at Fault for a Wreck?
Over 100,000 accidents involving pedestrians occurred in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These accidents resulted in serious injuries, property damage, and fatalities in many cases.
Pedestrians caused a percentage of these injuries through negligent and dangerous actions. For example, accidents can occur when pedestrians:
- Step out into fast-moving traffic outside of a crosswalk with no warning
- Walk into the road while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Stop in a dangerous location in a parking lot
In this situation, the driver involved in the accident can contact a personal injury accident lawyer in Indiana for assistance in building a claim. The pedestrian may have to cover all of the driver’s losses.
What Should You Do If a Pedestrian Causes an Accident?
If a pedestrian’s dangerous actions cause your accident in Indiana, you should take some steps right away. Generally, professionals recommend contacting the police immediately to report the accident. Police officers can come out to the scene of the accident and gather evidence to file a claim.
Additionally, pedestrian wrecks usually result in severe injuries for the pedestrian, including pelvis, leg, and head injuries. Ensure you contact an ambulance for the pedestrian if necessary and seek care for any injuries you sustained.
Finally, contacting a car accident lawyer in Indiana can help you review the next steps for securing compensation.
Can a Lawyer Show a Pedestrian Caused an Accident?
What happens if a pedestrian causes an accident? If a lawyer can show that the pedestrian was at fault for the wreck, you may have a chance to secure funds for your losses. Lawyers step in to investigate pedestrian accident cases by:
- Speaking with eyewitnesses to the pedestrian wreck
- Getting a copy of the police report in Indiana
- Visiting the scene of the pedestrian collision
- Working with pedestrian accident specialists
A pedestrian accident attorney may also look for photo and video evidence while building a claim. Your law firm may use this information to show that someone else caused your wreck and all your losses.
What Compensation do You Get If a Pedestrian Causes an Accident?
If an attorney shows that a pedestrian caused your collision in Indiana, you may receive funds to cover all your losses. A law firm may bring you damages for:
- Your current and future healthcare costs
- Lost wages during your recovery period
- Lost earning potential if you have a disabling injury
- Property damage to your vehicle
If a pedestrian causes an accident in Indiana, they may also have to cover your emotional anguish and mental suffering. Find out more about possible damages with a pedestrian accident attorney.
Is There a Deadline to File a Claim After a Pedestrian Accident?
Generally, you have to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires if a pedestrian causes an accident in Indiana. The state gives you a few years to proceed with a case, though exceptions can reduce your total time.
An attorney can monitor all deadlines for you after a pedestrian accident, keeping your claim on track.
What Happens If a Pedestrian Causes a Fatal Accident?
Many accidents between vehicles and pedestrians result in fatalities. Generally, pedestrians have higher odds of losing their lives in these collisions, even if they cause the wreck, due to their lack of protection from the forces of impact.
The pedestrian’s insurance or estate may still cover your losses in this situation. You can discuss this option with a car accident attorney.
What Happens if a Pedestrian Blaims You for an Accident?
Often, pedestrians try to blame motorists for accidents around Indiana. They may attempt to put the fault on you, so you have to cover their expenses, including their medical costs, lost wages, and property damage.
Fortunately, an attorney can help you stand up to these accusations, using evidence gathered from the accident scene to build your claim. We understand complex liability issues and can step in to assist you now.
How do You Find a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident?
You can find a lawyer after a pedestrian-caused wreck by looking at firms in your area or asking for recommendations from friends, family, and coworkers. Finding a firm with experience handling cases like yours can help you feel more confident about your situation.
We recommend looking for a firm with a good reputation and lawyers who provide you with personalized care and support. Our team has over 100 years of experience handling legal claims, and you can review our case results to see how we treat our clients.
Contact Us After a Pedestrian Accident in Indiana
What happens if a pedestrian causes an accident in Indiana? In this situation, the motor vehicle driver may have a chance to file a claim for compensation. You can build a personal injury case with help from our team at Vaughan & Vaughan.
We’re ready to discuss your specific situation. Find out more by filling out our online contact form or calling us.
