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Pedestrian accident injuries are particularly severe and often occur in crosswalks or at intersections. Because pedestrian accidents generally involve motor vehicles colliding directly with the body of the victim, the injuries sustained from these accidents can be tragic and life-altering.
You deserve to receive compensation if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident. A Yakima pedestrian accident lawyer could fight for your right to financial recovery not only for your medical bills, but also for the numerous less-tangible ways that your life has been and continues to be affected by the collision. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately following your accident.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Given the vulnerability a pedestrian experiences when involved in an accident with an automobile or other vehicle, the injuries they suffer are often extensive and severe. The impact of a passenger car colliding directly with a pedestrian can shatter bones, damage organs, and may even result in death. Common injuries that result from pedestrian accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain damage
- Skull damage
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Concussions
- Dislocations
The injuries a victim sustains in a pedestrian accident can affect their functioning for the rest of their lives. The extensive nature of these injuries often results in recurring medical expenses. A proactive pedestrian accident lawyer in Yakima could help individuals fight for the compensation they need to manage these expenses.
Damages Available to Victims of Pedestrian Collisions
Because the injuries in pedestrian collisions are often so devastating, the corresponding damages in a pedestrian accident lawsuit can be varied. A knowledgeable Yakima pedestrian accident attorney could advise victims on what types of damages they should request, given their particular circumstances.
In a pedestrian accident, there are several types of damages that may be available to victims. The first category of damages is known as compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are specifically designed to compensate a victim for the injuries they sustained in the accident.
Economic
Compensatory damages can be both economic and non-economic. Economic damages are often aligned with the dollar amount that the effects of the accident cost victims. Such damages can include things like the hospital bills resulting from an emergency room visit and the cost of any continued physical therapy.
Non-Economic
Non-economic damages compensate victims for the costs of an accident that are not related to direct expenses like bills. These damages might include the pain and suffering that individuals experience as a result of the accident or any loss of quality of life resulting from the injuries.
Punitive
The last common category of damages is punitive damages. Rather than compensating individuals for their injuries, punitive damages are intended to be a penalty against the responsible party to deter future accidents. Unlike many other states, individuals in Washington cannot sue for punitive damages in their personal injury cases, unless otherwise specifically authorized by statute.
Time Limit for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Case in Yakima
After sustaining injuries in a pedestrian accident, individuals have an allotted amount of time in which to file a lawsuit for compensation. A well-practiced pedestrian injury lawyer in Yakima could help individuals ensure that they are filing their complaints in a timely fashion.
The time period victims have to sue for damages is known as the statute of limitations. Victims in Washington are allotted three years to sue responsible parties in pedestrian accident cases. In the tragic event of a death caused by a pedestrian accident, the loved ones of a family member may also sue for wrongful death within three years.
Get in Touch with a Yakima Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Victims of pedestrian accidents can experience repercussions that last long after the responsible party has driven away. These ongoing mental and financial burdens add unnecessary stress to tragic situations.
When you call a Yakima pedestrian accident lawyer, you could receive information on what it would realistically look like to pursue compensation. Discover the financial award you may be entitled to by scheduling an initial consultation today.
