Biloxi Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

“Pedestrian-related crashes are on the rise, both in our state and nationwide. Pedestrians are vulnerable. It’s crucial for drivers to stay vigilant behind the wheel.”  That is how Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Executive Director Brad White opened a report on pedestrian accidents in the state. According to the data presented in the report, 94 pedestrian accidents in the state in 2021 resulted in fatalities. That represents the sixth-highest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 residents in the country.

The majority of those accidents happened after sundown. An accident between a vehicle and a pedestrian is a failure of a driver to be aware of their driving environment. A pedestrian who approaches an intersection might incorrectly assume that a motorist is going to stop and give them the right of way. Sadly, that is not always the case. If you or a loved one has been involved in this type of accident, you should automatically accept the driver’s excuse of, “They just ran out in front of the car.”

Instead, you will want to reach out to an experienced Biloxi pedestrian accident lawyer like you’ll find working at Owen, Owen, & Smith, PLLC to support your claim. We have the skills to help clients achieve a fair remedy for the losses that occurred due to a pedestrian accident. This should not be a situation where you suffer just because you were walking across the street.

Common Reasons Pedestrian Get Hit

A traffic accident involving a pedestrian can be shocking to the injured person and the driver who caused the injury. For an accident claim to be actionable, you and your attorney need to establish who was at fault. That process involves deciphering the reason that the accident occurred. Some of the common reasons for drivers are as follows:

  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Pedestrians can also be injured because of poor road or sidewalk conditions. If a pothole, broken curb, or buckled sidewalk causes a pedestrian to trip and fall, there could be a case made of the municipal agency or owner of the sidewalk being held accountable for the injuries.

Biloxi, MS

Speak With a Biloxi Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Injuries Commonly Associated With Biloxi Pedestrian Accidents

A collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle rarely results in serious injuries for the driver. Unfortunately, the pedestrian is not surrounded by reinforced steel or restrained by a seat belt. That leaves the pedestrian vulnerable to the impact with the car and subsequent impact with the road when they fall. Here are the most common injuries associated with pedestrian accidents:

  • Broken bones and compound fractures
  • Sprains
  • Contusions
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Major cuts and lacerations
  • Leg, hip, and knee Trauma
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Head and neck Injuries
  • Concussions

When you get help from a Biloxi pedestrian accident lawyer to file your claim, they will make a complete assessment of your current and future medical expenses. Presenting an accurate number as your demand from an insurance carrier is essential. Once you accept a settlement, you won’t be able to go back and reapply for additional expenses.

Why Do You Need a Biloxi Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer To Help You?

Being hit by a car can put you into the hospital for an extended period of time. That means missing out on work and being with your family. You could face months of rehabilitation once you’re released from the hospital. During that time, you’ll miss work and deal with pain and suffering. All of that has to be factored into your claim. That is something that your Biloxi pedestrian accident lawyer can help with.

Before the attorneys at Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC decide to take you on as a client, they will thoroughly review your accident report and medical documentation. If we agree to work together, we can help you file the initial claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

In addition to the official claim paperwork, we can also submit a demand letter outlining the accident and your injuries. The demand letter will also present the amount of compensation you’re seeking.

That will begin the negotiations, where the insurance company will either accept or deny your claim. If they accept that their policyholder is liable for your injuries, they might try to assign some of the blame to you. Mississippi allows for the rules of comparative negligence to be applied to personal injury claims.

If it is found that you are partially to blame for the accident, you could only be rewarded a portion of the final amount. So, if your medical bills are $50,000 but you’re 20% responsible for the accident, you would only receive $40,000. Obviously, it is in the insurance company’s best interest for you to be blamed for the accident. Our attorneys are very familiar with these tactics, and we’ll always put up a vigorous defense on your behalf.

When the resistance from the insurance company persists, we might advise that the best course of action would be to file a civil complaint. If you agree to that decision, it can show the insurance company and the at-fault party that we’re serious about our intentions. It will mean additional expenses for them, which is one of the reasons why they settle before going to trial.

If they opt for the trial, we’ll continue negotiating while putting on a rigorous case that tells the jury how the accident has impacted your life. Through the entire process, we’ll provide you with the guidance and support you need to make the right decisions. That help begins with an initial consultation where we can evaluate the merits of your case and decide the best option for moving forward. Set up that talk up with a Biloxi pedestrian accident lawyer today.