Pedestrian accidents can result in some of the most catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. If you’ve endured a traumatic pedestrian accident and are unsure where to turn to help, our personal injury team at Underwood Law Office can offer the legal support you need.
A McKinney pedestrian accident lawyer at our firm could help you seek compensation for your damages. You can learn more about what to expect from your pedestrian accident case when you contact our office for a free consultation.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in McKinney? Take These Important Steps
After a car strikes you, you will likely be dealing with painful injuries and confusion and not know what to do next. These initial steps could be critical. Here’s what to do immediately after a pedestrian accident in McKinney:
Call 9-1-1
The first thing to do after a pedestrian accident is call 9-1-1. Emergency operators will send the police, law enforcement officials, and emergency responders to the scene of your pedestrian accident. The police will document how the accident occurred, determine who is responsible, take photos of the damages, and ensure the scene is cleared safely.
Collect Evidence
While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, if your injuries do not prevent you from doing so, you should document the scene and obtain evidence. Some of the more valuable types of evidence that you may recover while waiting for police and an ambulance to arrive include:
- Taking photos of your injuries and anyone else’s injuries
- Taking video footage of the accident scene and any property damage
- Speaking with witnesses and securing their contact information
- Obtaining the insurance information and contact details of other involved parties
- Writing down the names and addresses of any homes or businesses that could have caught your collision on video
Get Medical Care
Once healthcare providers arrive at the pedestrian accident scene, you should obtain a medical evaluation. You might initially feel fine after your accident, but your injuries may be far worse than you think. If your injuries are not treated, they could quickly worsen your condition.
Consider Contacting a Personal Injury Law Firm
Once you’re stabilized, you should consider working with a car accident attorney in McKinney as soon as possible. The sooner we can obtain evidence that may only be available for a short time, the better off your case may be.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accidents lawyer serving McKinney, call (972) 535-6377
How do McKinney Pedestrian Accident Claims Work?
The pedestrian accident claims process can seem overwhelming. However, the process can be broken down into just a few steps:
- You hire a pedestrian accident lawyer in McKinney to take on your case.
- Your attorney investigates the cause of your injuries, gathers evidence to support your case, determines who is at fault for your injuries, calculates the value of your claim, and negotiates with the insurance company on your behalf.
- If the defendant does not have insurance coverage or your insurance settlement is not adequate, your lawyer can bring your case to trial, so you can recover fair compensation for your damages.
McKinney Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
What to Expect From the Insurance Company After Filing Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Pedestrian accident victims commonly recover compensation for their damages by filing a claim with the liable party’s insurance company.
Texas uses a fault-based system for auto insurance purposes. After an accident, instead of filing a claim with your insurance company, you will file one with the defendant’s.
However, dealing with an insurance company is not generally an easy process. It is common for claimants to find their claims denied or delayed or for the insurance company to offer significantly less than the accident victim deserves.
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What Damages Are Covered in a Pedestrian Accident Case?
Some of the other types of damages you could recover in your pedestrian accident case include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future income
- Chronic pain
- Physical trauma
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of companionship and love
- Disfiguring scarring injuries
- Embarrassment and inconvenience
- Loss of household services
- Costs of property damages
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
The amount of compensation awarded through insurance companies is limited by how much coverage the defendant purchased. If the defendant didn’t purchase enough coverage to cover the costs of your damages in full, the insurer is not obligated to recover your remaining losses.
For example, according to the Texas Department of Insurance, Texas law requires all drivers to purchase bodily injury liability coverage to cover healthcare and medical treatment for injury victims following any accident they cause. However, what if the defendant only purchased the minimum amount of bodily injury liability coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident?
If your medical expenses exceed these amounts, the insurance company will not cover your remaining losses.
How to Get the Most Out Of Your Claim
You have a few options if the defendant’s insurance company won’t cover all your losses. First, if you purchased uninsured or underinsured insurance coverage with your car insurance policy, you may file a claim with your insurance provider to cover your remaining losses.
Second, in some cases, it may be wise to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Your McKinney pedestrian accident attorney can advise whether this is a valid strategy in your situation.
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A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in McKinney Can Help With Your Case
If you are feeling intimidated at the thought of pursuing legal action following your pedestrian accident, you are not alone. With a McKinney pedestrian accident lawyer on your side, you can feel more confident in your ability to get the most out of your claim.
Find out more about what your damages could be worth when you contact Underwood Law Office for help. Our firm proudly offers no-cost, risk-free consultations to pedestrian accident victims across McKinney and surrounding cities. Claim yours by calling our office or completing our quick contact form today.
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