Pedestrian accidents can change lives in an instant. One moment, you’re walking along the streets of Washington, D.C., and the next, you find yourself struck by a vehicle, facing a long road to recovery. Experiencing a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, impacting you physically, emotionally, and financially. You don’t have to face this difficult time alone. Simeone & Miller LLP is ready to advocate for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation with a pedestrian injury lawyer in Washington, D.C.
The Dangers Pedestrians Face
As a pedestrian in Washington, D.C., you navigate a bustling urban environment filled with cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Accidents can happen despite your best efforts to stay safe, follow traffic laws, and use designated crosswalks. Distracted, reckless, or negligent drivers pose a significant threat to pedestrians, often causing severe injuries or even fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian accidents claim the lives of thousands of individuals each year in the United States. Many more suffer life-altering injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries. These injuries not only cause immense pain and suffering but also lead to mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a diminished quality of life.
When a pedestrian accident happens due to a driver’s negligence, the injured party has the right to seek compensation for their losses. This is where the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Simeone & Miller LLP come in. We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to build strong claims that can maximize our client’s chances of receiving the full and fair compensation they deserve.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrians lack the same protections afforded to drivers and passengers in the event of an accident, which means they are much more likely to suffer serious injuries when a crash occurs, such as brain and spinal cord injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, in one recent year, about 7,500 pedestrians died, and over 67,000 were injured in traffic accidents.
The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents Include:
Far too many pedestrian accidents are the result of the same handful of causes, including the following:
- Reckless driving: When drivers fail to follow traffic laws, they may overlook pedestrians, drive through crosswalks, run stop signs, or commit any number of other dangerous offenses. Reckless drivers may hit pedestrians directly or strike other cars, medians, or buildings, injuring nearby bystanders.
- Driver intoxication: Nobody under the influence of drugs or alcohol should ever get behind the wheel. When a person is intoxicated, their senses become dull and their judgment suffers, which makes for a very poor driver. This not only puts themselves at risk, but also anyone else who’s out on the road.
- Speeding: Speed limits are set for a reason. Unfortunately, not every driver follows the speed limit, which puts other drivers and pedestrians at risk. If a car is moving over the legal limit, the driver may be more likely to lose control of their vehicle, which may lead them to crash into nearby pedestrians.
- Poor weather: In bad weather, drivers are more likely to overlook pedestrians or lose control of their vehicles. Rain, snow, or freezing temperatures can create slippery roads and poor visibility, as well as roadside debris. If pedestrians are out in bad weather, they are less likely to be seen.
The Role of Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents
Negligence plays a critical role in most pedestrian accidents. When drivers fail to exercise reasonable care and caution while operating their vehicles, they put pedestrians at risk. Some common examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, or adjusting the radio)
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to adjust driving behavior for weather conditions
Proving negligence in a pedestrian accident case is complicated and requires your attorney to establish that the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused your injuries. This involves meticulous evidence gathering, witness interviews, and collaboration with accident reconstruction experts to construct a strong case in your favor.
At Simeone & Miller LLP, our pedestrian injury lawyers have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to investigate your accident thoroughly. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice, demanding that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms immediately but can have severe consequences if left untreated.
At Simeone & Miller LLP, your pedestrian accident attorney in Washington, D.C., will collaborate closely with your medical providers to collect essential documentation and expert testimony that substantiates your claim. We prioritize your health and well-being, advocating tirelessly to ensure you receive necessary medical care without enduring undue financial burden.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Losses
Pedestrian accidents often result in substantial losses, both economic and non-economic. As a pedestrian hit by a car in Washington, D.C., you have the right to compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or disability
At Simeone & Miller LLP, our goal is to maximize your compensation and help you recover from the financial impact of your accident. We work tirelessly to negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to trial to fight for the full value of your claim.
In Washington, D.C., our pedestrian accident attorneys boast a record of success with complex cases. We are well-versed in insurance companies’ tactics aimed at reducing payouts and adept at countering them effectively.
The Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims
It’s important to note that pedestrian accident claims in Washington, D.C., are subject to a statute of limitations. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington, D.C., is three years from the accident date.
While three years may seem like ample time, do not put off consulting with a pedestrian accident attorney in Washington, D.C. The sooner you build your case, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome. Delaying action could result in losing critical evidence or witnesses, weakening your claim.
Why Choose Simeone & Miller LLP for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim in Washington, D.C.
Choosing the right pedestrian accident attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. At Simeone & Miller LLP, we offer the experience, dedication, and compassion you need during this challenging time. We understand that no amount of money can erase the pain and trauma of a pedestrian accident. However, fair compensation can provide the necessary resources to rebuild your life and move forward with hope and confidence. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Washington, D.C., don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Simeone & Miller LLP today to schedule a free, zero-obligation consultation with a skilled pedestrian injury lawyer.
Simeone & Miller LLP, based in Washington, D.C., also provides personal injury and medical malpractice legal services across Maryland and Virginia. In Maryland, our services extend to Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Frederick. In Virginia, we serve clients in Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.