Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Wesley Chapel

Pedestrian accidents can lead to devastating injuries that affect your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. If you’ve been hurt in Wesley Chapel, having an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer on your side can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. At Donaldson & Weston, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you need for your recovery. Call us now at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation and learn how we can help you with your case.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Wesley Chapel, it’s likely that you are dealing with a mix of physical injuries, emotional distress, and the challenge of navigating the legal process. During such a stressful time, it’s easy to make mistakes that can negatively impact your ability to secure compensation for your injuries. Understanding what mistakes to avoid after a pedestrian accident can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of a successful claim. 

Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately

One of the first mistakes you can make after a pedestrian accident is failing to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine or think your injuries are minor, it’s important to get checked out by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, especially internal injuries or whiplash, may not become apparent until hours or days after the accident. Failing to seek immediate medical care can harm both your health and your case.

If you wait too long to get medical treatment, the insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, or that they were caused by something other than the accident. Getting checked out right away creates a record of your injuries, which can be crucial when you’re building your case.

Not Documenting the Scene and Evidence

Another common mistake after a pedestrian accident is failing to collect evidence at the scene. If you are able to do so safely, gather as much information as possible before leaving the accident site. This may include:

• Taking photographs: Capture images of your injuries, the location of the accident, the vehicle involved, and any relevant surroundings.
• Getting witness statements: If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief description of what they saw.
• Recording driver information: Be sure to get the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information. If the driver fled the scene, make a note of the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number.

Having these details in hand can strengthen your case and help investigators piece together exactly what happened.

Admitting Fault or Apologizing

After a pedestrian accident, it’s natural to be concerned about the situation, but it’s important not to make statements that could be construed as admitting fault. Whether you feel partially responsible for the accident or simply want to express sympathy, avoid apologizing or admitting any fault at the scene. Even saying something like “I didn’t see you” can be interpreted as an admission of liability.

Instead, stick to the facts. Focus on getting the necessary medical care and documenting the scene. Your lawyer will help determine liability and navigate the claims process, so let them handle the negotiations with insurance companies or other involved parties.

Not Reporting the Accident to the Police

In some cases, people involved in pedestrian accidents are hesitant to call the police, especially if the accident appears to be minor. However, reporting the accident is an important step in protecting your interests. A police report serves as an official record of the incident and can provide important details that help determine fault.

When law enforcement arrives, they will document the scene, gather witness statements, and file a report that can be used in your case. If the driver was at fault and fled the scene, the police will begin an investigation. You should always report a pedestrian accident, even if you don’t feel like the damage is significant.

Delaying Your Legal Consultation

Many people mistakenly think that they can handle their pedestrian accident claim on their own, especially if the driver’s insurance company seems cooperative. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, and without the guidance of an experienced attorney, you could end up settling for less than you deserve. Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts, and they may try to get you to accept a low settlement quickly.

By delaying your consultation with a personal injury attorney, you may miss important deadlines or overlook key pieces of evidence. In many cases, your attorney can help you recover a higher amount of compensation by advocating for your interests and guiding you through the process. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better prepared you’ll be to pursue your claim effectively.

Signing Documents Without Legal Advice

After a pedestrian accident, you may be asked to sign documents from your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer. It’s crucial that you do not sign anything without first consulting with a pedestrian accident lawyer. Insurance companies often try to get accident victims to sign documents that limit their rights or reduce the amount of compensation they are entitled to.

Before agreeing to any settlement, your lawyer will help you understand the full scope of your injuries, lost wages, and long-term costs. They will ensure that you are not settling for less than what you are entitled to and will negotiate on your behalf if necessary. Don’t make the mistake of rushing to sign documents—consulting with an attorney can protect your future interests.

Underestimating the Long-Term Impact of Your Injuries

In some cases, pedestrian accident victims may feel pressure to settle their claim quickly, especially if they are dealing with medical bills or time away from work. However, it’s important to consider the long-term impact of your injuries. Some injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, or spinal injuries, may require months or even years of treatment and rehabilitation. It’s crucial to account for future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering when negotiating a settlement.

An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will help you accurately assess the long-term impact of your injuries and ensure that your settlement covers not only your current expenses but also future needs.

Relying Too Much on Insurance Companies

While insurance companies can provide a source of compensation after a pedestrian accident, they are not always looking out for your best interests. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your payout by questioning the extent of your injuries or pressuring you to settle quickly. It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses focused on profits, and they may use various tactics to reduce the amount they pay.

Rather than handling the insurance company on your own, consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. Your lawyer will communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your claim is handled fairly and that you receive a settlement that fully covers your damages.

Wesley Chapel Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents are serious and often life-altering events, but by avoiding common mistakes, you can protect your legal rights and increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. After an accident in Wesley Chapel, it’s important to seek immediate medical care, document the scene, avoid admitting fault, report the accident to the authorities, and consult with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Donaldson & Weston’s pedestrian accident attorneys are here to help. We will work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you need to recover. Call 866-382-1494 today for a free consultation and find out how we can assist you with your claim.