Being hit by a car as a pedestrian is often a serious accident because you are unprotected and exposed to the violence of the collision. You could have severe pain and injuries and be unsure what to do. For support during your recovery, it could be critical to hire a Portland crosswalk accident lawyer.
Some of the things your Portland crosswalk accident lawyer can assist with include the following:
Investigate the Accident
In a pedestrian car accident, it isn’t unusual for the driver to make one claim and the pedestrian to claim the opposite. To understand who was at fault, the Portland crosswalk accident lawyer will investigate to prove to the insurance company or jury who was at fault.
First your attorney will collect critical information about who caused the crash. Your attorney could speak to crash witnesses, review accident video and photos, check skid marks and other physical evidence, and talk to accident reconstruction experts for additional proof. It is common for the defendant’s insurance company to contest the case so your lawyer will play a vital role in securing compensation for you. If you cannot show the driver caused the accident, you could come away empty-handed.
Determining Damages
Many pedestrians injured in car accidents have serious injuries, such as head trauma, neck or back injuries, internal bleeding and injuries, broken bones, road rash, and joint injuries. If you attempt to negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company, it is likely you will undervalue your claim. You may think you only will get money for medical bills, but you may not understand how long you will need treatment. You also may not know what your lost earnings, and pain and suffering are worth. Your Portland crosswalk accident lawyer understands these things and will accurately value your claim.
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
When you are in pain and dealing with injuries, talking to an insurance company could be furthest from your mind. It isn’t a good idea to talk to the insurance company anyway because they are professional negotiators and will try to give you as little money as they can. On the other hand, your Portland crosswalk accident lawyer is an experienced negotiator and will know how to get more money from the insurance company.
Keep these points in mind if you are ever in a pedestrian accident in Portland, and have your case reviewed promptly by an experienced Portland crosswalk accident lawyer.
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