Pedestrian Hit by a Car? Here’s What to Do

When we think of a car accident, we typically think of an incident involving one or more vehicles and possibly an inanimate object, like a tree. But sometimes, car accidents involve pedestrians who are struck by a reckless or negligent driver — and if you or someone you love has been in this kind of situation, it’s possible that you can seek compensation.

How to Determine Who Is at Fault

First, you must determine who’s at fault for the accident. That is, who, if anyone, violated a rule at the time of the accident? The following rules must be followed at all times:

• Driver’s Duty of Care – Every driver must observe and obey traffic laws, such as stopping at red lights or stop signs, yielding for right-of-way, and staying within the speed limit.
• Pedestrian’s Duty of Care – Every pedestrian must observe and obey the rules of walking the road, such as crossing streets only in a crosswalk and at the proper time, staying on sidewalks, and exercising caution in parking lots.
• Special Duty of Care – A driver is held to a higher standard when children are in the area. Drivers must be extra cautious and attentive when they are driving in an area where kids live or play, like the suburbs or near a school.

Once you have determined who violated one of the above rules, you will know which party is at fault, and therefore you will know if you have a case for the injury you suffered.

How to Get Compensation

If you have incurred injury because of a driver’s failure to abide by the rules, and if those injuries have caused you to miss work, lose pay, or endure pain and suffering, you may very well have a case for compensation.

The best way to find out how much you may be entitled to is to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Hare Wynn, our record of success speaks for itself — and we’re always ready to fight for justice for those who have been hurt by someone else’s actions.

Contact us today for a free consultation.