You shouldn’t feel like you’re gambling with your life when taking a walk around your neighborhood or crossing the streets on a sunny day. Yet, in California alone, pedestrian fatality rates have increased by 77% over the past decade. If you’ve found yourself in this life-altering situation, you might be overwhelmed, confused, or unsure of where to turn. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate this nightmare alone.
You can hire skilled pedestrian accident lawyers to help you fight for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. This blog post will equip you with the essential tips to consider when looking for an attorney who’ll walk the talk with you.
Seek Specialization
While general injury lawyers can handle your case, choosing one who specifically handles pedestrian accident cases has significant benefits like:
- Deep understanding of pedestrian law and liability: Pedestrian accident law requires a deeper understanding of its statutes, precedents, and legal interpretations that relate to your case. This helps to build a strong argument and maximize your chances of winning.
- Familiarity with unique challenges faced by pedestrians: A pedestrian accident lawyer is familiar with challenges such as driver’s negligence or damages you’ve incurred due to your vulnerability, thus creating an effective argument.
- Expertise in investigating pedestrian accidents: A pedestrian accident attorney knows the specific evidence to gather that’s crucial in proving your case and establishing liability. Such evidence include traffic camera footage and accident reconstruction data.
Experience
It’s crucial to choose a highly experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Your experienced lawyer should be aware of the legal intricacies like right-of-way laws and exceptions like marked or unmarked crosswalks. In addition, an experienced lawyer will:
- Be aware of past rulings and established precedents
- Effectively negotiate with insurance companies
- Understand how to gather the necessary evidence and presentation
- Manage your case efficiently and cost-effectively
Communication and Trust
Communication and trust should also be your bedrock when looking for a legal representative. You should an attorney who:
- Encourages your questions and provides clear explanation about your case
- Regularly updates you on any developments
- Respectfully and attentively listens to your concerns and considers your input
Proven Track Record
An attorney’s track of record is simply their historical performance in handling pedestrian cases similar to yours. A proven track of record is important as it:
- Demonstrates expertise and competence
- Reflects confidence in handling cases
- Equips the attorney with nuanced understanding to tailor strategies that suit your specific situation
- Enables them to effectively counter tricks by insurance companies, thus a fair compensation
- Adds to their legal reputation thus commanding respect in the legal circles
- Proves their ability to adapt to changing legal landscapes
Proven Understanding of Local Laws
California has specific laws and regulations that specifically address issues such as crosswalk regulations, right-of-way rules, and jaywalking. As such, your attorney of choice should be ultimately familiar with these regulations if you’re looking to establish a solid case. Hiring a pedestrian accident attorney with local experience ensures they understand the legal climate, local court procedures and the tendencies of the judges and juries in California.
Endnote
Choosing the right pedestrian accident lawyer is a crucial consideration when seeking justice and fair compensation. The above tips will help you make an informed decision and increase your chances of a successful outcome in your case.