Being involved in a car accident can be traumatic enough. When you are a pedestrian who is struck by a car, you may suffer considerable injuries that could result in chronic pain or ongoing medical care for the rest of your life. If you survive such an accident, it’s understandable to want to pursue legal action against the party responsible. A Summerlin pedestrian accident lawyer can help you.
Sometimes, the road is busier with pedestrians than it usually is. Drivers are expected to adhere to the rules of the road and be extra careful at all times. On certain days, such as Halloween or various market days, there may be hundreds more pedestrians on the road. Still, you should take precautions to avoid vehicles, which can be easier said than done.
It’s not unreasonable to be concerned after suffering a pedestrian accident. You may not know immediately how to proceed or what to do next. You may even be concerned about being blamed for the accident, especially if it happened while you were crossing the road outside of a crosswalk or walking at night with dark clothes on. Most of the time, in a pedestrian accident situation, the driver is believed to be at fault. Still, you should move forward with legal action.
Nevada operates on a comparative negligence system when it comes to insurance claims. This means that you may still seek compensation even if partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will likely be reduced by the percentage of fault you are assigned for the accident. If you are uncertain about how to file an accident claim, you should reach out to a Summerlin pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as you can. They can help you.
Some concerns about the validity of your case may be greater than others, such as:
A significant amount of the Nevada population walks around completely uninsured. Others may be afraid that a legal case could cost them their job, especially if they work in the service industry or are self-employed. Racking up medical bills after an accident that was out of your control is a legitimate fear. However, if you do not seek out medical care, regardless of your reasons, it could seriously hurt your claim, should you choose to make one.
Without a legitimate medical record of your injuries, you could appear far less hurt than you actually are. If you are unable to prove the extent of your injuries, the court may be reluctant to pay you a settlement, especially if you are trying to receive payment for your medical expenses.
These cases take time, and time may not be on your side. It’s understandable to want to avoid getting bogged down by police investigations, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage. Investigating a pedestrian accident often takes longer than expected, and you may lose hope that progress will be made. A good lawyer can help you stay vigilant and remind the police that you are waiting for updates.
The physical injuries of a pedestrian accident are rarely the only kind of pain you will experience from such an accident. Getting struck by a vehicle can cause serious emotional and mental strife that could plague you for the rest of your life. You may struggle with a sudden loss of independence. You may have a fear of traffic that you have to try to overcome. You may suffer from permanent anxiety. These emotional challenges often stem from the initial accident.
Many different demographics could end up struck by a moving vehicle, but some people are far more likely to suffer such an injury than others. These demographics include:
In Summerlin South, the median age of residents is around 50 years old. Older residents are the most likely to be affected by a pedestrian accident. This demographic is far more likely to go for a leisurely walk or take a stroll for their health. Unfortunately, they will also be far more likely to suffer serious injuries should they be struck by a car. They may take longer to cross the street as well.
A significant number of people in Summerlin are employed in the service and hospitality industries. Restaurant workers, retail workers, and hotel workers are all highly likely to be walking home at night or early in the morning.
Many people in Downtown Summerlin may choose to prioritize a walk-heavy lifestyle to focus on their health. Unfortunately, the area’s infrastructure may not support such a lifestyle, and these folks may find themselves on the street more often than not.
Summerlin is a commercial neighborhood with many different cultures and demographics. It’s within the city limits of Las Vegas, one of the busiest and most bustling cities in the entire world. Something’s always happening, and it’s important to recognize how that can impact the possibility of a pedestrian accident:
Summerlin is a walkable and safe community with many gorgeous scenic routes and hiking trails. The area can be quite safe at times, but heavy traffic and construction can get in the way of that enjoyment and safety. Some people may be shocked to realize this.
Any area with places of interest is going to endure heavy foot traffic, such as Red Rock Casino and various private schools, among other spots. Any visitors unfamiliar with local roads may want to take extra care to protect themselves from a possible accident.
Summerlin has limited bus routes, with residents often required to walk long distances out of necessity rather than for sport. Injuries can occur if people aren’t careful, whether they’re drivers or pedestrians.
Some residents may be reluctant to report an incident out of fear of making the wider neighborhood appear unsafe or neglectful.
At Hanratty Law Group, we can help you build a strong case for your accident. Reach out at 702-570-9287 for a free consultation or contact us online to speak to someone about your case.