As a pedestrian in a crosswalk, the first thing to remember is that you have the right of way when crossing in a marked crosswalk. It’s the responsibility of drivers to yield to pedestrians and ensure their safety. If a car hits you in a crosswalk in Austin, Texas, you have the right to hold negligent drivers fully accountable for any injuries and losses, though you should take certain steps to preserve these legal rights.
At Dow Law Firm, our Austin pedestrian accident lawyers understand how serious pedestrian accidents can be. Contact our firm to learn how we work to maximize settlements for injured clients, and we can help do the same for you.
3 Steps to Take After a Car Hits You in a Crosswalk in Austin, TX
1. Get Immediate Medical Attention
Some pedestrians require ambulance transportation. However, even if you do not, you should get immediate medical treatment for any injuries or symptoms, even if they do not seem particularly serious at first. Getting an immediate diagnosis helps your prognosis, as well as creates a record to use to prove your pedestrian accident claim.
2. Call a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you have any injuries diagnosed, your next step is to consult an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Austin. Laws surrounding pedestrian accidents in crosswalks can be surprisingly complicated, and drivers and insurance companies will often try to blame you or minimize liability in any way possible.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers know how to gather evidence to prove liability and negotiate with insurance companies. You want a legal professional representing your rights from the start.
3. Do Not Speak with Insurers or Accept a Settlement Without Legal Representation
Insurance adjusters may reach out to you shortly after the accident to gather information or offer a settlement. Always recognize that their primary goal is to minimize the compensation they pay you. Before speaking with any insurance representatives or accepting any settlement offers, always consult a pedestrian accident lawyer.
A quick settlement might seem ideal in the face of medical bills, but it is likely much lower than you deserve. In reality, a fair settlement for a pedestrian accident takes longer to negotiate, as you must know the full extent of your losses first. Never accept anything with legal advice, as doing so jeopardizes your financial future.
Pedestrian Accident Claims Can Be High-Stakes
Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. As a vulnerable road user, pedestrians are particularly susceptible to being seriously injured in accidents involving motor vehicles. This is why knowing how to protect your rights is so important.
Here are a few examples of severe injuries that pedestrians regularly sustain:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Internal organ damage
Seeking Compensation for Costly Losses
As a pedestrian who has been hit by a car, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses and damages resulting from the accident. Seeking the guidance of a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can ensure that you pursue all available avenues of compensation.
These may include all medical costs related to the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitative therapy, and future medical needs. Compensation should also cover all past and future lost income, disabilities, pain and suffering, and any other losses. Having a skilled attorney who understands the gravity of pedestrian injuries and who is pursuing full compensation is always the best protection.
Never Wait to Consult an Austin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Time is of the essence when seeking legal representation for your pedestrian accident case. The sooner you consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer after a car hits you in a crosswalk in Austin, TX, the better your chances of knowing exactly what you should do.
Our dedicated legal team at Dow Law Firm has a proven track record of successfully representing pedestrian accident victims in Austin. Contact us online or call 512-240-9951 to start the process today.