When struck by a moving vehicle, a pedestrian is likely to sustain severe, life-altering injuries. Unfortunately, these incidents result in hundreds of fatalities across the state every year. If a pedestrian accident is the result of someone else’s negligence, the responsible party could be liable for an injured walker or jogger’s losses.
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, a seasoned personal injury attorney could assist you in filing a civil claim for damages. However, you have a limited window of time to file a lawsuit, and any delay could work against you. Reach out to an Inverness pedestrian accident lawyer to review the details of your accident and advise you on how best to proceed in your pursuit of compensation.
Frequent Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Different factors can contribute to a pedestrian accident. In some cases, several negligent acts could result in a motorist colliding with a person traveling by foot. Understanding how pedestrian accidents happen is an important step in a claim for compensation. The facts of the case could play a critical role in determining who was at fault. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
Impairment
Motorists that are impaired by alcohol or drugs rarely have the capacity to pay attention for walkers or joggers. These drivers also have a reduced reaction time that makes it difficult to avoid hitting a pedestrian in their path.
Speeding
When motorists travel at unsafe speeds, avoiding a collision with a pedestrian can be nearly impossible. Like impaired driving, speeding also prevents a motorist from being able to react to changing road conditions, making it hard to avoid a pedestrian accident.
Distraction
Distracted drivers are one of the major threats on modern roadways. Motorists who glance at their phone to respond to a text message or take a call might not notice a person crossing the road in front of them.
Failing to Yield
In most cases, pedestrians have the right-of-way. Despite this, many drivers fail to yield to walkers or joggers. When this occurs at intersections or crosswalks, pedestrian accidents are common.
With help from an experienced Inverness attorney, a pedestrian collision victim could identify the cause of an incident and ensure the proper party is held accountable for their recklessness.
Deadlines for Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits
Injured walkers or joggers have a limited window of time to file a civil lawsuit following an accident. These lawsuits are governed by a legal deadline referred to as the statute of limitations. When it comes to accidents involving people on foot, there is a four-year deadline to file a claim. The four-year statutory period begins on the date of the accident.
Violating the statute of limitations could result in a negative outcome for a plaintiff. Even in cases where strong evidence exists, violating the statute could leave an injury victim without the compensation they need. A diligent Inverness lawyer could ensure a pedestrian accident lawsuit complies with the statute of limitations.
Contact an Inverness Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
There are considerable costs that come with a pedestrian accident. In addition to the financial expenses related to your recovery, you could also pay a hefty price for your physical and emotional well-being.
An Inverness pedestrian accident lawyer could help you seek a fair outcome in your injury case. Call as soon as possible to get started.
