Photo from Unsplash 
Photo from Unsplash
Originally Posted On: https://alphaaccidentlawyers.com/blog/8-important-questions-to-ask-when-hiring-pedestrian-accident-lawyers/
According to the CDC, there were over 7,000 pedestrian deaths in accidents involving motor vehicles in 2020. If you’re a victim of a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Pedestrian accident lawyers understand the complexities of pedestrian accidents and can help you recover the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
If you’re dealing with a pedestrian injury or the death of a loved one, it’s in your best interest to hire a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Here’s a look at 8 questions to ask before hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer.
1. How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
Don’t hesitate to ask a lawyer how long they’ve been practicing personal injury law. Not every lawyer practices or understands personal injury law, and it’s important to hire someone who specializes in this particular area.
Pedestrian accident cases can get complicated. These types of cases can be harder to prove than other accident cases. Defendants and insurance companies may try to pin the blame for the accident on the victim.
You want someone who has a history of taking on and winning these types of cases.
2. Do You Handle Pedestrian Accident Cases?
Ask your prospective lawyer about their experience with pedestrian accident claims. Ask about the outcomes of past cases.
These types of cases involve dealing with insurance companies. An accident attorney must be a skilled negotiator. They must understand how to deal with insurance companies that may try to shift the blame to the accident victim.
They must understand complex medical terminology and the devastating effects of pedestrian accident injuries.
Make sure your attorney has the knowledge to take on your case and achieve a favorable outcome for you.
3. How Much Is My Claim Worth?
It’s okay to ask how much your claim is worth. You should understand, however, that an attorney cannot estimate an exact dollar amount.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can evaluate your claim and offer a ballpark estimate of the compensation you could receive.
4. Will You Attempt to Settle Quickly?
You should understand if your attorney plans to go for a quick settlement of your case. In many cases, a quick settlement is in the best interest of a pedestrian injury victim.
A speedy settlement isn’t always possible when the goal is to recover maximum compensation. You want an attorney who is willing to take your case to trial if needed to get you the compensation you deserve.
5. How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Won?
You want to hire an attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours. Be sure to consider when the cases were won and whether there was a favorable settlement.
If your attorney hasn’t won a case in several years, they probably aren’t the best option for a pedestrian accident lawyer. A reputable attorney should be open and honest about previous cases and be willing to answer any questions you may have.
6. How Much Do You Charge?
Before hiring an attorney, you want to be clear about their fee structure. Be clear about whether a retainer is required, whether they work on a contingency basis, and whether there are other costs you can expect.
A pedestrian accident lawyer should be able to provide an estimation of what you can expect to pay. These types of personal injury cases may involve filing fees, research, investigators, or medical specialists.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means they don’t get paid until you receive compensation.
Costs for personal injury lawyers may vary. Do your research and get the charges in writing before making a final choice.
7. Can the Driver Countersue?
Yes, a pedestrian may face a countersuit. The opposing party will probably have their own attorney and will try to avoid taking responsibility for the accident and your injuries.
Their attorney may develop an alternative scenario to explain what happened. The hope is to remove any liability from their client.
Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still be eligible for compensation. Depending on the situation, you may not be responsible for compensating the opposing party.
Liability depends on state law. In an “at-fault” state, the driver causing the accident is responsible for compensating the victim through their insurance company. A “no-fault” state requires each driver to file a claim with their own insurance company regardless of who’s at fault.
Your best defense is to be open and honest with your pedestrian accident lawyer. This will help them do their best to obtain maximum compensation for you.
8. How Long Will My Case Take?
Following an accident, you have a certain amount of time to file a claim. But there is no set timeframe for reaching a settlement.
If an agreement is reached between both sides, the process may be swift. When a settlement cannot be reached, it can take much longer.
In some situations, pedestrian accident cases go to court to reach a settlement. When this occurs, the timeframe depends on the court’s schedule.
When more investigations and interviews are needed, it extends the timeline. Your attorney can provide a rough timeline at your consultation, but remember, this is only an estimation.
Choose the Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Being involved in an accident as a pedestrian can be devastating. You may be dealing with serious injuries, time away from work, and emotional turmoil.
Before you settle for a quick settlement from the insurance company, be sure to research the best pedestrian accident lawyers in your area.
At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we know how stressful it is to try to recover physically and emotionally from a pedestrian injury. If you or someone you love has suffered serious injury or death in a pedestrian accident, we’d love to talk with you about your case.
Contact Alpha Accident Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
