Since 1948, CCD Law has helped those injured victims in pedestrian accidents throughout Spokane. For many people, going for a run is a great way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors. However, this also opens you up to potential accidents and injuries–especially when there’s a car or other vehicle involved. If you’ve been injured by a driver while running, contact us today to set up a free consultation to discuss your options.
Should You Hire a Lawyer in a Pedestrian Accident?
As a runner, the last thing you probably expect is getting into an accident with a car. With that said, these incidents happen quite frequently, especially in higher-traffic areas that lack proper infrastructure. While there isn’t a legal requirement that says you need a lawyer to represent you, working with our experienced team can make the confusing legal process a bit easier on you. Here’s how we typically approach pedestrian accident cases like yours:
- Investigating the accident – Our initial step is to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, which involves reviewing your account of the event. This will help us establish who is responsible and what the next steps are.
- Gathering and reviewing evidence – Another large part of these cases is gathering crucial evidence, like medical records, reports, photos, or videos. From there, we’ll review it and put together a timeline of what happened.
- Legal support – In terms of legal guidance, you have two primary options: filing an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Our team is well-versed in both approaches and can counsel you on the most suitable option for your specific needs.
Damages That are Available in a Claim
With our experience and dedication, you can have confidence that we’ll give you a legal strategy that puts together a strong case on your behalf. A key part of any claim, though, is the damages that you can recover from the responsible party. These include things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care – This includes the economic recovery related to your medical costs resulting from the accident, covering treatment, therapy needs, and any ongoing care or necessary medical devices.
- Lost income – If the accident leaves you unable to work or leads to significant work absences, these damages aim to compensate for the loss of income.
- Pain and suffering – These damages account for the physical pain and mental suffering you endure due to the accident.
- Emotional distress – Similar to pain and suffering, this category relates to the emotional trauma and anxiety caused by the accident.
- Loss of quality of life or companionship – Considering how the accident affects your quality of life and ability to contribute to personal relationships, these damages vary based on the severity of injuries and life changes.
It’s important to note that to receive these damages, you must file your claim before the statute of limitations expires. This deadline is currently three years from the date of your accident. If you miss this deadline, you can’t recover these damages.
Figuring Out Liability After an Accident
Another huge factor in these claims is known as “liability.” This simply refers to the legal responsibility of covering your injuries and damages. Liability falls on whoever:
- Acted negligently, which resulted in an accident
- The accident caused your injuries
Every driver has a duty to operate their car safely at all times, forming the basis for establishing negligence. However, in a pedestrian-car accident, there are other potentially liable parties, including:
- Other drivers
- Other runners or pedestrians
- Passengers
- Maintenance workers
- Car parts manufacturers
- Government agencies responsible for street light maintenance
There are also situations where you might share some blame, legally termed as “comparative negligence.” If you dart onto the road or run without paying attention, and an accident occurs, your percentage of fault can influence the outcome of your claim.
Ultimately, the specifics of your accident will determine who is fully responsible for your injuries. It’s crucial to understand the steps you need to take after the accident to protect yourself.
Steps to Take After Being Injured By a Car While Running
What really sets these types of injury claims apart from other accidents is how damaging they can be to you. It’s not hard to see why: you have virtually zero protection as a pedestrian/runner against a moving vehicle. However, there are specific actions you should take to safeguard your health and legal rights after the accident:
- Get to safety and check your injuries – If you’re in a car accident as a runner, chances are you’ll be injured. If possible, move to a safe place off the road or sidewalk and assess the situation. If seriously injured, seek help from a bystander.
- Get medical attention – It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention to address your injuries. This can be done at the scene with emergency responders or, if feasible, by going to an emergency room or urgent care for less severe injuries. This step is essential for documenting the accident and your medical needs.
- Speak to witnesses and gather evidence – If you can, talk to any witnesses and collect their account of the accident. Additionally, gather evidence by taking pictures of the scene with your phone. If your phone is unavailable, broken, or you don’t have it, call the police for assistance. They’ll create an accident report and may gather some evidence on your behalf.
Nobody wants to be injured while going for a run, but you may find yourself in that situation. So, taking these steps is crucial to your overall health and your legal options. That said, another thing you need to think about is what could potentially happen to you.
Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident as a Runner
Even though you’re running, the typical injuries that result in these types of accidents mirror those of other pedestrian accidents. That said, because every accident has its own unique circumstances, you can expect to face one or multiple of the following injuries:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – A collision with a car can lead to severe head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures.
- Spinal injuries – When the car strikes you in the back or neck may experience spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
- Fractures – These types of accidents often result in broken arms, legs, or hips for pedestrians, often requiring surgery and other specialized treatment.
- Internal injuries – Due to the lack of protection, these accidents can harm internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Cuts and bruises – When hit by a vehicle, you may suffer cuts, bruises, and scrapes upon impact, posing an increased risk of infection.
- Emotional and mental trauma – Beyond physical harm, these accidents can cause emotional distress, leading to feelings of anxiety, sadness, or ongoing stress for those involved. Emotional injuries are as significant as physical ones and can have a lasting impact.
In the most severe cases, injuries from these accidents can be fatal, with runners being more susceptible to fatalities than drivers or passengers.
Rely on CCD Law Following a Pedestrian Accident in Spokane
Experiencing a pedestrian accident while running is challenging and stressful, whether in Spokane or anywhere else. CCD Law’s team of skilled lawyers will be there to stand up for your rights and support your claim for damages. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation.
