As personal injury attorneys in Mesa, Arizona, we’ve seen many cases where pedestrians are injured in car accidents. Obviously, these types of accidents can be incredibly dangerous to the pedestrian. Even if a vehicle is going very slowly, it can still cause catastrophic damage to a person walking. There is nothing to protect the pedestrian – no seatbelt to hold them back or airbag to cushion the blow. When a car weighing thousands of pounds, which can exert major force, hits a pedestrian, there are almost always injuries to that individual.
One of the most common kinds of pedestrian accidents that we see at Breyer Law Offices happens when a car is turning right and the driver fails to see the pedestrian. This happens when a vehicle is turning right at an intersection light or out of a driveway. Rather than looking right to ensure that there are no people there, the driver simply looks left and forgets to check right before turning.
Unfortunately, in many of these cases, the driver does not immediately take responsibility for their actions. Rather then admitting that they were at fault, they claim it was the pedestrian’s fault. They may say that the pedestrian walked right in front of their vehicle without paying attention or that the pedestrian came out of nowhere. These are common defenses that we’ve seen negligent drivers try to use.
Even if you as the pedestrian had the right of way and weren’t at fault, it’s important to have evidence to back this up, such as eyewitness testimony. That’s why in these types of unfortunate situations it’s critical to hire a Mesa personal injury attorney who is experienced with pedestrian accidents. A skilled attorney will know how to gather vital evidence in order to create a strong case on your behalf.
With that said, you may not even need to hire an attorney or you may not even have a valid personal injury claim. But, if you do have a solid claim and you don’t file it within a certain time period, then you may lose the right to file a personal injury claim at all – even if a negligent driver injured you. So before proceeding on your own, at least consult with a lawyer who can explain all your options and the legal ramifications to you.
If you’d like to explore your legal options with an experienced Mesa pedestrian accident attorney, please contact Breyer Law Offices. We are always available to answer your questions about a possible personal injury claim. We’ve represented thousands of clients and we understand that dealing with a lawyer and a possible lawsuit can seem intimidating and daunting. But rest assured that we will do everything possible to answer your questions and provide the guidance and advice you need so you can make the best decision possible. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation.
