Primary keyword: when should i contact a lawyer for a pedestrian accident
You should contact a lawyer for a pedestrian accident as soon as possible after the crash, especially if you suffered injuries, missed work, or face questions about who caused the crash.
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the injuries are often severe. Recovery may involve medical appointments, time away from work, and financial strain. At the same time, insurance companies typically start gathering information about the crash and evaluating fault.
If you or a loved one is recovering from a crash, our pedestrian accident lawyer in Milwaukee will gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and work to prove fault if another person caused the collision.
Why Does Timing Matter After a Pedestrian Accident?
The days and weeks after a pedestrian accident often shape the outcome of a case. Seeking legal help soon after a crash gives our injury lawyer more time to:
- Collect witness statements.
- Obtain crash reports.
- Preserve video footage.
- Review photographs from the accident scene.
- Gather medical records.
- Investigate how the collision happened.
A prompt investigation from our legal team can help create a clearer picture of who caused the crash and how the injuries occurred.
For a free legal consultation, call (414) 276-6666
What if You Were Not At Fault for the Pedestrian Accident?
Many pedestrian accidents happen because a driver failed to use reasonable care to keep others safe. A driver may speed through an intersection, ignore a crosswalk, run a red light, look at a phone instead of the road, or back up without checking for pedestrians nearby.
Some crashes also involve drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Even when fault seems obvious, insurance companies often investigate on their own before paying a claim. They may question how the accident happened or argue that the pedestrian contributed to the accident.
Our pedestrian injury accident attorney will present evidence that supports your version of what happened and challenge unfair accusations from the opposing side.
Who Can File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Wisconsin?
When people hear the word “pedestrian,” they often think of someone crossing a street. But this is only one type of pedestrian.
You may be able to pursue damages if a driver struck you while you were:
- Walking on a sidewalk or through a parking lot
- Standing near a disabled vehicle
- Loading or unloading a vehicle
- Waiting for a bus
- Pushing a stroller
- Using a wheelchair or other mobility device
Some crashes also involve joggers, runners, road workers, utility workers, crossing guards, delivery workers, and people walking pets.
The right to file an injury claim depends on the facts of the accident and who was responsible for causing it. We will review the circumstances of the crash and explain what options may be available under Wisconsin law.
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Why Is Determining Fault Sometimes Difficult?
Sorting out who is at fault in these accidents can be challenging for several reasons. Sometimes, both sides tell different versions of what happened, making it harder to determine who was responsible.
One person may say the pedestrian entered the roadway unexpectedly. Another person may say the driver failed to stop. Even if witnesses saw the accident happen, they don’t always agree on what they saw.
Questions may come up about the traffic signal, the location of the crosswalk, the driver’s speed, visibility conditions, or whether either party was distracted. Investigators may also examine what the pedestrian was doing immediately before the collision.
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What Evidence Can Help Prove a Claim in a Pedestrian Crash?
Evidence can come from many sources, and it is important to move quickly to preserve them for your case. Police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, photographs, and medical records can help show how the crash happened.
Investigators and attorneys may also review cell phone records, vehicle damage, and expert findings when questions about fault remain unresolved.
How Do Insurance Companies Handle Pedestrian Accident Claims?
Insurers often look at pedestrian accident claims carefully because they may involve significant damages. After they review a claim, they may dispute the claim. Common challenges include:
- Disputes about fault and who should cover accident-related damages
- Claims that injuries existed before the accident
- Arguments that treatment was unnecessary
- Efforts to reduce the value of the claim
- Requests for recorded statements
Our attorneys communicate with insurance companies and respond to their concerns that could affect the value of a claim.
Should You Contact an Attorney if Your Injuries Seem Minor
You can reach out to our legal team after a crash, even if you think your injuries are small or feel no pain at all. Not all crash injuries show up right away, and even minor injuries can become more serious over time.
A person may walk away from a crash and later develop:
- Neck pain
- Back injuries
- Headaches
- Concussion symptoms
- Soft tissue injuries
- Joint pain
Medical treatment can reveal injuries that were not immediately obvious. Speaking with a lawyer from our office early can help you understand what options are available before you make decisions that could affect your case and recovery.
What Damages May Be Available?
After we review the accident, we can explain whether you may be able to recover damages such as:
- Emergency care and follow-up medical expenses
- Ongoing hospital and doctor’s appointments
- Income lost during time away from work
- Loss of future income
- Physical and mental pain and discomfort
- Therapy and recovery services
- Future assistance and support needs
The amount available depends on the facts of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the available insurance coverage.
How Our Injury Lawyers Handle Pedestrian Crash Cases
We move quickly to start the process after the accident. Our Milwaukee personal injury lawyer may assist by:
- Reviewing how the accident happened
- Identifying responsible parties
- Gathering evidence
- Working with experts when needed
- Calculating your financial and personal losses
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a settlement that reflects your losses
- Preparing the case for trial if necessary
If you lost a loved one in a fatal pedestrian crash, our Milwaukee wrongful death lawyer will review the accident and explain your legal options. We can also discuss whether certain family members may pursue damages for losses such as funeral and burial expenses and the loss of your loved one’s companionship.
How Long Do I Have to File an Injury Lawsuit in Wisconsin?
Under Wis. Stat. § 893.54, most Wisconsin pedestrian accident lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident.
Missing the filing deadline could prevent you from pursuing damages through the court system, so act soon to protect your case.
Talk to Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer About Your Next Steps
After an accident, many people are left trying to figure out what happened, who was responsible, and how they will handle their medical bills and more. If you have been in a pedestrian crash, contacting a lawyer from our team can help you start your claim right away.
We help with the tough questions and decisions while handling the insurance company for you. Gruber Law Offices will review your situation, explain your options, and protect your rights as we work to recover your damages.
Our Milwaukee-based firm proudly serves communities throughout Wisconsin. We have served tens of thousands of clients for more than 40 years, and our team includes more than 130 legal professionals.
We will handle your case on contingency, so you don’t pay us anything until we win your case. Make “One Call…That’s All!” to learn how we can help during a free consultation.
Call or text (414) 276-6666 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
