How Much Is A Pedestrian Accident Worth?
Every pedestrian accident is different and must be examined on its own merits to determine what it is worth. Calculating the amount a victim of an accident is eligible to receive can best be broken down into two parts:
- What are the damages from the accident?
- What percent is the victim at fault for the accident?
Damages
These could include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all medical expenses you have accrued following the accident. Victims of pedestrian accidents can seek compensation for all doctor’s expenses, emergency room bills, rehabilitation and chiropractic fees and even any medical devices required such as crutches or even prosthetics. This could also include any short-term or long-term care that the victim may require.
- Lost Wages: You can recover the money you would have made had you been able to go to work if you weren’t injured.
- Lost Future earnings or Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury directly affects your work you may be eligible for loss of earning capacity. This may prove more difficult to calculate as a jury will have to determine how much you may have earned in the future had the accident not taken place.
- Pain and Suffering: A jury will review the severity of your injuries and how long those injuries will last. The amount of actual physical pain you suffered and continue to suffer from your injuries will be considered.
- Mental Anguish: This is an attempt to put a monetary value on the mental pain and emotional trauma you have suffered from the accident. Did the accident and injury cause you continued grief, shock, stress, fright, humiliation or embarrassment? If you suffered a disfigurement and are suffering mentally because of it you may be eligible for compensation for that mental anguish.
- Loss of Consortium: This is a way for the spouse of the victim to recover damages when the relationship is affected by the injuries suffered from the accident.
Liability
How much you are at fault for the accident will determine how much you are eligible to receive. For example, if it is determined that you were 25 percent at fault for the accident, you will eligible for 75 percent of the compensation. This is another reason why it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer representing you. Insurance companies will make every attempt to reduce the value of your claim by holding you at-fault for the accident or minimizing the severity of your injuries. A skilled personal injury lawyer will be able to conduct a thorough and independent investigation, examine physical evidence, interview witnesses and strengthen your claim.
The Bernard Law Group has been fighting for the rights of pedestrian accident victims for decades. We understand the ins and outs of Washington insurance laws. We have an in-house accident investigator and insurance expert who will help gather the facts and evidence needed to bolster your claim. We possess the resources, experience and skills necessary to obtain fair compensation in your pedestrian accident case. Call us today for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your claim.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED AS A RESULT OF A WASHINGTON PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT - CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
