Do I need a Lawyer if I was Involved in a Pedestrian-Car Accident?
Pedestrian-car accidents are prevalent in Nova Scotia. This region has many hiking trails, sidewalks, and walkways that offer an idyllic setting for pedestrians. Most people are usually careful during their outdoor activities. However, anytime pedestrians come too close to a motor vehicle, bad things are more likely to happen.
Cyclists, pedestrians on foot, and other people on self-powered travel options face a significant danger of road accidents. These accidents are often caused by distracted drivers. If you ever get involved in a pedestrian-car accident, consult with an experienced accident lawyer. An accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim and obtain monetary compensation for the damages you suffered.
Causes of pedestrians-vehicle accidents
Vehicle drivers using the same roadways as pedestrians and cyclists are to blame for most pedestrian-vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle drivers have the legal obligation to watch for pedestrians and avoid crashing into them. If the driver doesn’t exercise their duty of care, he or she can be legally held responsible for any damages if an accident happens. Here are some of the causes of negligence.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or intoxicating substances
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving such as eating, texting, or changing the radio station while driving
- Failure to yield to pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk or intersection
Pedestrians-car accidents in Halifax happen within a split second. This makes it challenging for the victim to know the circumstances that led up to the accident. Fortunately, a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer can help you put the pieces together and determine the best course of action.
Pedestrian-vehicle accident injuries
Vehicle drivers are usually protected by the airbags, metal frame, and other forms of protection. On the other hand, pedestrians don’t get this kind of protection. They are completely exposed to anything that crashes into them. This is why most pedestrians-vehicle accidents result in severe injuries and fatalities.
Head injuries are common in pedestrian accidents. Some of these injuries include traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and fractures to the skull. Neck and spinal cord injuries can stem from different types of head injuries. Note that older people are more susceptible to these injuries, particularly patients battling with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Severe injuries on the neck and the spinal cord can cause paralysis, nerve damage, difficulty in bowel function, and difficulty in breathing that can necessitate the use of a respirator. On the other hand, lower body injuries are also common in pedestrian-vehicle accidents. These injuries include torn ligaments, internal bleeding, fractured bones, broken bones, deep cuts, bruises, and more.
Depending on the severity of the injuries you suffered, you might incur medical expenses not covered by the Nova Scotia healthcare system. A good pedestrian accident lawyer can help you get compensation for the medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This is a sigh of relief in case you rack up medical expenses, and you’re unable to return to work.
Contact Wagners at 902-425-7330 or 1-800-465-8794 or [email protected]