Many pedestrians are hit by motor vehicles every year. This can occur at crosswalks, sidewalks, intersections, parking lots, and many other locations. Pedestrians may be harmed in other ways as well, such as by holes in sidewalks or other potential hazards in their path. Some accidents may even lead to a pedestrian’s death.
A personal injury attorney could help you file a claim against the responsible party that could help you recover the costs you incurred as a result of their negligence. A seasoned Cleveland pedestrian accident lawyer has the skill and experience you need to draft an appropriate complaint and effectively seek any compensation available in your case.
Many people do not know what to do after a pedestrian accident. The first step is critical – seek medical attention. Regardless of whether someone believes their injuries are minor, immediate medical attention is important to protect their health and document any potential harm that occurred as the result of the at-fault party’s conduct.
Reporting the accident to law enforcement helps document the case and create a timeline.
As soon as possible after an accident, an injured pedestrian should reach out to a qualified attorney experienced in civil litigation. Preserving the claim and preparing to go to trial are time sensitive and can benefit from the guidance of a well-versed legal professional.
An injured pedestrian only has so much time to file a claim. Ohio Revised Code §2305.10 requires that most pedestrian injury claims be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Failure to file within this time period could mean the loss of potential compensation. It is advisable to work with an attorney in case any exceptions apply in a particular pedestrian accident claim that shorten or extend this filing deadline.
Certain areas pose a much higher risk to pedestrians and should be approached carefully. These dangerous areas include:
However, another person’s negligent acts may cause a severe accident regardless of how responsible a pedestrian is in their conduct.
In a successfully proven pedestrian lawsuit, the plaintiff may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Recoverable losses may include:
Obtaining compensation for these and other recoverable losses requires evidence and appropriate compliance with state law. A dedicated Cleveland attorney could help an injured pedestrian obtain compensation from liable parties.
To gain a better understanding of your rights and legal options, meet with an attorney who is familiar with pursuing pedestrian accident claims. State law can present many hurdles to unrepresented plaintiffs, so do not hesitate to retain legal counsel. An experienced Cleveland pedestrian accident lawyer is ready to assist you with your case. Contact our office today.
