Exton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians have the right to safety, but careless drivers often put them at risk. If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in Exton, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Kingbird Legal is dedicated to helping victims of pedestrian accidents hold negligent drivers accountable. Contact us at 484-289-4880 for a free consultation today.

Getting the Most Out of Your Pedestrian Accident Claim in Pennsylvania

Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries and overwhelming financial stress. Medical bills pile up, lost wages make it harder to stay afloat, and the physical pain can impact daily life. If you have been hit by a vehicle while walking, you have the right to seek compensation. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, making it essential to take the right steps to maximize your claim.

Understanding how to build a strong case can make a significant difference in the amount you receive. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, taking the right approach can help you recover the full amount you deserve.

Seeking Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

One of the most important things you can do after a pedestrian accident is to get medical care right away. Even if you do not feel seriously injured at first, some conditions—like concussions or internal injuries—may not show symptoms immediately. Delaying medical treatment can not only put your health at risk but can also give the insurance company a reason to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.

Make sure to keep all medical records, receipts, and doctor’s notes. These documents serve as evidence of your injuries and the treatment you required. If your injuries require long-term care, such as physical therapy or surgeries, those future costs should also be factored into your claim.

Collecting Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, gathering evidence at the scene of the accident can help strengthen your case. Some key steps include:

Taking photos of the accident scene, including the vehicle that hit you, traffic signals, crosswalks, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash.
Photographing your injuries immediately after the accident.
Getting contact information from any witnesses who saw the collision.
Writing down everything you remember about how the accident happened.

If you were unable to collect evidence at the time due to your injuries, a lawyer can help investigate the accident by obtaining surveillance footage, police reports, and witness statements.

Proving Fault in a Pedestrian Accident

Establishing liability is essential in a pedestrian accident claim. In many cases, the driver is at fault, but insurance companies may try to argue otherwise. Some common ways to prove the driver was negligent include:

Showing that the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield at a crosswalk.
Using traffic camera footage or witness statements to confirm the driver’s actions.
Obtaining the police report, which may indicate whether the driver received a citation.

In Pennsylvania, pedestrians also have a duty to follow traffic laws. If you were crossing outside of a crosswalk or walking against a signal, the insurance company may try to reduce your compensation by arguing that you were partially at fault. However, under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident.

Handling Insurance Companies Carefully

After an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely contact you to discuss the claim. It is important to be cautious when speaking with adjusters. Their goal is to settle the claim for as little as possible. Some common tactics they use include:

Offering a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Asking leading questions to get you to admit fault.
Downplaying the severity of your injuries.

Before accepting any settlement offer, consult with an attorney. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot ask for more money later, even if your medical bills turn out to be higher than expected.

Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim

Many accident victims underestimate the total cost of their injuries. A fair settlement should include:

Medical expenses: This covers hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and any future medical treatments related to your injuries.
Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income. If your ability to work is permanently affected, you may also claim future lost earnings.
Pain and suffering: This is compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and any lasting impact on your quality of life.
Property damage: If any personal belongings, such as a phone or clothing, were damaged in the accident, you may be reimbursed for those losses.

Insurance companies may try to limit non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, but an experienced lawyer can help you argue for the full amount you deserve.

Why Legal Representation Can Make a Difference

Hiring a personal injury attorney can significantly improve your chances of maximizing your settlement. A lawyer can:

Handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair offer.
Gather additional evidence to strengthen your case.
File a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer reasonable compensation.

Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they do not get paid unless you win your case. This allows you to seek legal help without worrying about upfront costs.

Taking Action Before the Deadline

Pennsylvania law sets a strict deadline for filing personal injury claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

There are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the at-fault driver was a government employee, you may have a shorter window to file a claim. Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible ensures that you meet all deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.

Reach Out to an Exton Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Recovering from a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can help you secure the compensation you need. Seeking medical attention, collecting evidence, proving fault, and handling insurance negotiations carefully are all crucial parts of the process.

Insurance companies often try to settle claims for less than what victims deserve, but you do not have to accept their first offer. With legal guidance, you can fight for the full amount you are owed. If a reckless or distracted driver has caused you harm, Kingbird Legal is here to stand by your side. Our experienced legal team fights for the rights of injured pedestrians in Exton, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.