Pedestrian Accident FAQ
If you've been injured in Vancouver, WA, Colin can help
Nobody expects to be involved in a pedestrian accident. If you were injured by a motor vehicle while you were out walking, you are likely still processing what happened to you. It is normal to have a lot of questions. The Scott Law Firm, PLLC fights for the rights of victims throughout Clark County.
Our firm was founded by attorney Colin Scott to help victims get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Colin can help you navigate the claims process to recover the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. We are focused on getting the best possible outcome for clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to see a doctor?
- Do I need an attorney to resolve a pedestrian accident case?
- What if I wasn't in a crosswalk?
- How much is my case worth?
- Will I have to go to trial?
- Should I accept the insurance company's settlement offer?
Learn more about how a pedestrian accident attorney can help you with your case. Colin can answer your questions during a free consultation at our Vancouver, WA office. To schedule a time that is convenient for you, contact us online or call 360-718-3640. Colin can review the details of your case and go over your legal options.
If you were injured, you should seek appropriate medical attention as soon as possible. Pedestrian accident victims do not always realize they have been seriously injured. You may be in shock and you may feel fine. But you may still be in need of medical attention. That is why getting checked out by a medical professional is important. You could have injuries that aren't immediately noticeable. Only a thorough medical exam by a qualified health-care professional can determine whether or not you were hurt.
Seeing a doctor can help in other ways, too. If you did suffer an injury, a medical exam will produce documentation that can help your claim (whether it's an insurance claim for your medical bills or for financial compensation). Without this important documentation, an insurance company may argue later that there is no proof of injury.
Do I need an attorney to resolve a pedestrian accident case?
No matter how simple or straightforward an accident may appear to be, it's almost always in your best interests to have an attorney on your side. Insurance companies know this, and they may attempt to discourage you from hiring a lawyer. Remember, insurance companies are looking out for themselves, not you. They want to settle your case for as little as possible, even though their offer may fall far short of compensating you for the damages you suffered.
At the very least, you should talk to an attorney for a free consultation. You should do this as soon as possible. Attorney Colin Scott can review the details of your pedestrian accident and protect your legal interests. He can also give you a better idea of the types of damages you may be able to recover. Call The Scott Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a time that works for you.
What if I wasn't in a crosswalk?
In general, motorists have a responsibility to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street. But a driver may argue that a pedestrian also has a responsibility to use designated crosswalks at busy intersections. It is true that both motorists and pedestrians have certain responsibilities regarding pedestrian safety.
But just because you weren't in a crosswalk doesn't mean you are responsible for what happened. And even if you are found partially at fault, you may still be able to recover financial compensation. That is just one of the many reasons personal injury cases can be complicated. If you've been injured, it's important to have an attorney on your side who can fight for your rights and protect your legal interests.
The answer to this question depends on many factors. Just some of these include the details surrounding your accident, the extent of your injuries, who was at fault, whether you missed work, and any permanent disability you may have suffered. An experienced attorney can give you a better idea of the value of your case during a free consultation.
In general, you can seek compensation for medical expenses and, if you were unable to work, any lost wages incurred as a result of the accident. You may also be able to seek compensation for other damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress and any disability you may have suffered. Call The Scott Law Firm, PLLC to learn more.
When you make the decision to file a lawsuit, it's always a possibility that your case will go to trial. But most cases are usually settled with the insurance company prior to trial (such as through settlement, mediation, or arbitration). Trials are expensive and time-consuming. Because of this, most parties (including the defendant) will perform a cost-benefit analysis of the case and attempt to avoid trial if possible. At The Scott Law Firm, PLLC we focus our efforts on building strong cases that make insurance companies realize it is in their best interest to settle.
But there are times when an insurance company is unreasonable or won't agree to a settlement that works for clients. If your case does go to trial and you hire our firm, attorney Colin Scott can fight for you in court and seek the justice you deserve. As a former prosecutor with significant courtroom experience, Colin knows his way around the courtroom and focuses on getting results.
Should I accept the insurance company's settlement offer?
Shortly after your accident, you may be contacted by the insurance company. They may offer you a quick cash settlement to resolve your claim. You are probably still frustrated by what happened and just want the whole thing to be over so you can move on. That's totally understandable. But it's important to think about what's best for you.
The insurance company is making you an offer because it will help them save money. And that offer likely falls short of compensating you for all the damages you have suffered. Here at The Scott Law Firm, PLLC we have seen this occur time and time again. That's why it's generally advisable to consult with a lawyer before accepting any offer from an insurance company. An attorney can determine the total amount of damages you suffered and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.