A human body is no match for a car or truck—pedestrian injuries are often extensive in vehicle-impact accidents. If there is anything scarier than getting hit in a crosswalk accident, it is finding a way to pay for the medical expenses or making up for lost wages when you are hurt.
Filing a crosswalk accident lawsuit may take away some of your concerns about meeting your financial obligations while you recover. How do you know if you can sue the driver who caused your injuries? Talk to a pedestrian accident attorney who knows the law in Oklahoma and can help you make an informed decision.
Who Is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
To determine who is to blame, a car accident attorney needs to know the details of the incident. While the driver is usually in the wrong, pedestrians do not automatically have the right of way in Oklahoma.
State law dictates that a driver should yield to a pedestrian walking on the same side of the road or who has already entered the crosswalk. If a pedestrian is on the other side, darts into the lane with no warning, or jaywalks, however, he or she may be at fault, partially or entirely.
That is why it is so important to contact the police as soon as the accident occurs. You should also seek medical treatment to determine what injuries you have and how severe they are. The driver also must stop and provide aid to the pedestrian, even if he or she did not cause the accident.
The more information you can provide your lawyer, the higher the probability you can build a strong case.
How Can a Car Accident Lawsuit Help You?
Some pedestrian accidents result in injuries that require hospitalization, follow-up medical care, and physical therapy. As you can imagine, your bills may start to add up during a time you are unable to work—you could have more to worry about than just your health.
In addition to medical expenses and loss of income, you may also have pain and suffering that a pedestrian accident lawsuit can address. The goal of a pedestrian accident attorney is to represent your interests throughout the legal process for a positive outcome.
A car accident lawyer may help you determine if the municipality bears some of the responsibility. Not all roadways are designed safely for both drivers and walkers, leading to an increased pedestrian accident risk. In these cases, your lawyer may file a claim against the governing body on your behalf. Ultimately, a crosswalk accident lawsuit may prevent future incidents if repairs make the roadway safer.
Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Oklahoma City?
At the law offices of Bryan Garrett PLLC, you can find representation with dignity. Contact our team today to schedule your free initial consultation. We will fight for you while you recover from your crosswalk accident.