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Jackson Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Helping Injured Pedestrians in Mississippi Recover Fair Compensation
A sudden pedestrian accident can be devastating for both the injured person and his or her family. At MAGGIO LAW, our Jackson pedestrian accident attorneys are devoted to accident victims and their families.
We exclusively represent plaintiffs (the injured and their representatives) in personal injury and wrongful death claims and have a distinguished reputation for being aggressive, tireless advocates for our clients. You can count on us to fight for your right to fair compensation.
Call 'MAGGIO LAW today at (601) 265-6869 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our pedestrian accident attorney in Jackson!
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
In traffic accidents involving pedestrians, the injuries inflicted are typically severe and one-sided. The recovery of complete compensation will be essential so a victim can get the care he or she needs.
Our Jackson, MS pedestrian accident lawyers handle cases involving:
- Crosswalk accidents and injuries
- Runners or joggers struck by vehicles
- Parking lot accidents and injuries
- Pedestrians struck while exiting a bus, train, or trolley
- Distracted and drunk drivers
- Failures to yield the right-of-way
It cannot be disputed that a person on foot has no protection against the speed and power of a car, truck, or bus. If you’re stuck in such a way, you’ll likely hit a bumper, windshield, hood, or hard surface. This can be devastating, leaving you with significant head injuries, life-long brain damage, and spinal cord injuries. Broken bones are another common injury, typically indicating that a pedestrian will be in for a long recovery. Crashes that cause head injuries also may leave victims with deep cuts and abrasions that pose a risk of disfigurement and scarring.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Motorists have a duty to obey traffic laws and exercise reasonable care when behind the wheel, especially when approaching pedestrians who are less visible. Tragic pedestrian accidents can occur when drivers ignore signs, traffic signals, or other laws.
Some of the many causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who talk or text on their cell phones, eat, drink, or engage in any other type of distracting activity that diverts their attention away from the roadway put pedestrians at risk for devastating injuries. Even if a pedestrian has the right of way, a driver who does not have their full attention on the roadway poses a considerable danger.
- Speeding: Speeding is illegal and can also be considered a form of reckless driving. Pedestrians who are hit by speeding vehicles have a greater risk of suffering life-threatening injuries or being killed due to the force of impact.
- Driving while intoxicated: Whenever a driver is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, their reaction times, reasoning, and motor skills are impaired. This can cause drivers to easily miss pedestrians, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
- Failing to stop or yield: Drivers who ignore stop signs and red lights or fail to yield to pedestrians commonly cause devastating collisions.
- Weather conditions: Drivers must exercise extra care and drive at safe speeds during periods of poor weather, including rain, snow, ice, and fog. When drivers drive too fast for weather conditions, they may be unable to stop or slow down in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
- Left-hand turns: Even when using crosswalks, pedestrians risk being hit by vehicles turning left when the driver is at the intersection instead of legally crossing the pedestrian.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims in Mississippi
Pedestrian accident victims should be entitled to complete compensation for all expenses, losses, and injuries they have experienced, now and into the future. We’re passionate about maximizing our clients’ recoveries because we know it makes all the difference in their ability to rebuild and move on.
We fight for such damages as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of parental or spousal financial support
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
- Incidental expenses
- Disfigurement
The Importance of the Statute of Limitations in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Grasping the statute of limitations is vital for pedestrians who have been injured in accidents. In Mississippi, the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. Not filing legal action within this timeframe could result in the loss of the right to seek compensation.
Various factors can affect how this limitation is applied, depending on the specifics of each case. Therefore, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney promptly after an incident is advisable. Taking action sooner rather than later will help ensure you adhere to legal deadlines and strengthen your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Liability
Determining liability is crucial for seeking fair compensation when a pedestrian is involved in an accident. In Mississippi, pedestrians have the right to use roadways and crosswalks safely, and drivers are responsible for exercising caution and yielding to pedestrians.
Factors that may contribute to pedestrian accident liability include:
- Negligent or distracted driving
- Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor road conditions or inadequate signage
Our Jackson pedestrian accident lawyers can investigate your case, gather evidence, and work to establish liability. We will fight to protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Pedestrian Hit-And-Runs
Not all drivers follow the law and stop to render aid when they have struck a pedestrian with their vehicle. According to a study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, roughly 20% of pedestrian fatalities are caused by hit-and-run accidents. Hit-and-runs are becoming more frequent and affect a disproportional amount of pedestrians and cyclists.
When a driver flees the scene of a collision, it can make it difficult for an injured pedestrian to seek compensation. After all, if the responsible party cannot be identified, where would you even begin with an insurance claim? Fortunately, you may be able to pursue compensation after a pedestrian hit-and-run under your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. These claims are not always easy to present to an insurer, but a skilled attorney can help you determine the most appropriate approach to maximize your chances of success.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you have been struck by a car, there are several things you should do to protect your safety and your legal rights and maximize your chances of securing compensation.
- Call for help: You and/or any witnesses or bystanders to the crash should immediately call first responders. If you are unconscious, this responsibility falls on the other motorist or witnesses to the crash, but if you are conscious after being struck, it is yours. The police will investigate the circumstances of the collision, and EMTs will provide immediate aid for any injuries you may have suffered.
- Document your injuries: Take a personal inventory once you have summoned help. What parts of your body hurt? Are there any visual injuries? Are your clothes torn? Are you bleeding anywhere? These things can be critical indicators of injuries you may have suffered, even if they are not immediately apparent.
- Do not discuss fault at the scene: Anything you say at the scene of the accident can potentially be used against you in any insurance claim or lawsuit you may choose to file. For this reason, you mustn't discuss the crash with the other driver at the crash scene. Stick to the facts when providing the police with your account of what happened, but avoid speculation. This same thing applies to the other driver's insurance company. Only discuss the crash with your attorney and your insurance company.
- Seek a full medical evaluation: If you are lucky enough to walk away from the crash scene rather than being rushed away in an ambulance, see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Your treating physician will perform a full diagnosis of any injuries you may have sustained, including checking for potentially life-threatening internal injuries that can go unnoticed for hours or even days following a crash. Delaying seeing a doctor after any sort of pedestrian accident can be dangerous for your health as well as create problems when attempting to pursue a subsequent personal injury claim.
- Contact your insurance company: If you have car insurance, contact your insurance company immediately. Even though you were injured as a pedestrian, many auto insurance policies cover these accidents. You will need to promptly inform them of your involvement in an accident to be able to file a compensation claim.
- Seek professional legal help: The last thing you need after being severely injured in a pedestrian accident is to face opposition from the at-fault driver's insurance company when seeking compensation for your medical bills and other losses. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and maximize your chances of securing compensation.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After an Accident
After a pedestrian accident, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial. First, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying treatment can worsen the victim's condition and complicate future legal claims.
Receiving a thorough medical evaluation brings relief, as it helps document injuries, which is vital when pursuing compensation from the at-fault party. Medical records are essential evidence in establishing the extent of injuries and their impact on the victim's life.
Additionally, early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes, reducing the risk of complications or long-term disabilities. Our team emphasizes the importance of medical care as a critical step in both the recovery process and the legal journey toward securing compensation for pedestrian accident victims.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents: Tips for Staying Safe
At 'MAGGIO LAW, we advocate for injured pedestrians and help them recover fair compensation. However, we also believe that prevention is key to avoiding these accidents altogether.
Here are some tips for staying safe while walking:
- Always use sidewalks and crosswalks when available.
- Look both ways before crossing the street, even if you have the right of way.
- Avoid walking while distracted by your phone or other electronic devices.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking at night.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Following these tips can reduce your risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. However, if you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Jackson are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
Contact Our Jackson Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
The pedestrian accident attorneys at ‘MAGGIO LAW advocate for our clients’ full financial recovery through detailed, meticulous preparation for trial. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile, truck, or bus accident, please contact our firm to discuss your case.
Contact 'MAGGIO LAW today to meet with our pedestrian accident lawyer in Jackson!
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