Low-Speed Pedestrian Accidents
Imagine you are visiting Las Vegas on vacation or just enjoying the day as a local and you’re walking along like a lot of people do.
Then suddenly you’re involved in an accident with a vehicle or someone maybe on a bicycle.
What should you do and how should you handle this accident?
Even if the vehicle or bike was slow moving and you might even be able to get up and not think that you’re injured you could have serious injuries that you’re not aware of at the time.
Even slow moving pedestrian accidents can cause devastating injuries that can last a long time and require months of recovery.
Regardless of how slow or small you think the accident is, it should be treated like any other accident involving a vehicle of any kind. There are some steps that you need to take to make sure you are protected no matter how minor you think the incident is. Even in a slow moving pedestrian accident you might be eligible for a settlement based on the severity of your injuries especially if the other person was more at fault than you were.
Never dismiss an accident no matter how minor it may seem, always seek medical attention as you might have injuries that may not be noticeable immediately and could be severe.
Walking alone should never end up with trips to the ER and insurance companies but it does happen and you need to be prepared to make sure your rights are protected and you get the settlement you deserve.
Low Speed Pedestrian Accident Settlements
What most people don’t realize is that even the smallest accident involving a pedestrian and a vehicle can end up with large settlements and this is based on the injuries suffered by the victim.
Some injuries are superficial like bruises and lacerations but there are other injuries that are more severe that might not even show up immediately after a slow moving pedestrian accident.
Some of the more severe pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI- Because pedestrians are generally not wearing protective headgear when walking (who does that) they are more susceptible to jolts or impact of hitting the pavement or from the car or bike. These injuries can be mild like a concussion to life altering DAI or Diffuse Axonal Injuries where there is severe tearing of the brain’s connecting fibers caused by violent shaking. A TBI can be life altering and require life long medical care with injuries that you may never recover from. TBI’s might not be noticeable right away and without proper medical treatment. Some common symptoms include persistent headaches , confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, or nausea and vomiting. Some of these symptoms might not show up until later after the accident and that’s why medical attention after an accident no matter how small is important.
- Internal bleeding and injuries– Other injuries that are not easily noticeable from a slow moving pedestrian accident are internal injuries and internal bleeding. These injuries can be deadly if not treated and lead to long term medical issues if not treated immediately. Most internal injuries are caused by blunt force trauma to the body when either hit by a vehicle or hitting the ground very hard. These injuries are particularly dangerous because adrenaline can mask symptoms leading to life threatening complications because of the delayed reaction. Some common internal injuries include organ damage to the liver, spleen and kidneys can rupture from blunt office trauma. Chest trauma with punctured lungs and broken ribs are common in pedestrian accidents. Even traumatic brain injuries can be considered internal if not noticed immediately.
- Chronic Pain– When you’re injured in an accident, slow moving or not, the injuries can leave you with chronic pain and medical issues that can last for a significant period of time if not forever. Broken bones , torn ligaments, and sprains and strains even when treated can cause pain that lasts much longer than the injury itself. Chronic pain requires continuous medical treatment like physical therapy, injections, and surgeries that can take years to heal if at all.
Since these injuries may not be immediately noticeable even with a slow moving accident getting medical attention immediately after any accident is important.
Having severe injuries like internal bleeding or a TBI can result in a six-figure settlement because of the nature of the injuries, the future medical treatment that might be needed, and the negligence of the other parties involved.
Your Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and how these injuries can translate into a settlement you deserve.
Low-speed Accidents Require a Lawyer?
If you’re walking on the Las Vegas strip and Flamingo Road and walking in the crosswalk during your right of way traffic signal and a slow rolling car runs into you, should you get a lawyer?
Most people think that if an accident is slow moving or what we consider “ not that bad” then you should just go home and forget it. However, that is the last thing you should do.
You first need to seek medical attention. You may not think that you are injured but you could have injuries that you’re unaware of or that could show up later.
Next you need to make a consultation appointment with a local lawyer that specializes in personal injury and accidents. The Richard Harris Law Firm should be your first call if you’re injured in a slow-moving pedestrian accident.
Richard Harris has been representing accident victims for over 4 decades and has recovered billions of dollars for our clients.
We will thoroughly investigate your case to determine the best course of action to get you the six figure settlement you deserve.
Just because the accident was a slow moving pedestrian accident doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve a settlement for your injuries or deserve medical treatment and for the at-fault party to be held responsible for their negligence.
You need someone in your corner to help work with the insurance companies to get you the coverage you’re entitled to.
Call Richard Harris Law today for a consultation appointment.
Should my lawyer speak with the insurance company?
Regardless of how slow the accident was at some point you will have to deal with the insurance company after an accident. The first thing you should know about insurance companies is that they first and foremost try to be a profitable business. Even though you have paid into your insurance for years and never used it, the first reaction from any insurance company is to try and deny a claim altogether and if that isn’t possible to submit to you a lowball offer. Most insurance companies will try and settle a claim quickly while paying out as little as possible. They will use anything they can against you including statements that you give them. Never give a written or recorded statement without legal representation. Your personal injury attorney can help with all aspects of dealing with the insurance company after a slow moving pedestrian accident. Your lawyer will help with answering questions and any statements that need to be given to the insurance company to make sure your rights are protected after a slow moving pedestrian crash.
When you’re strolling along Tropicana and Decatur and suddenly hit by a bike rider going too fast you will have to deal with an insurance company at some point. You need a lawyer that knows Nevada insurance law and can negotiate with the insurance company to get you the settlement you deserve. Never speak with the insurance adjuster alone let The Richard Harris Law Firm represent you with the insurance company.
FAQ’s
Q: Who is at fault in a slow moving pedestrian accident in Nevada?
A:Under Nevada law both parties may be at fault. Under Nevada’s comparative negligence law allows the pedestrian to recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault. Although the damages will be reduced based on the percentage of negligence that the pedestrian is responsible for.
Q:What if the accident involved someone on a mobility device?
A:Drivers must exercise specific caution to avoid collisions with visibly impaired, elderly, or physically challenged individuals. Failing to do so can heavily weigh in favor of the pedestrian in a liability dispute, often pointing to driver negligence or distracted driving.
Q:What if the pedestrian is moving slowly and the light changes at the intersection?
A:Under state law, if a pedestrian begins crossing a street with a “Walk” signal, they have the right-of-way to continue across the entire roadway or to a safety island, even if the traffic light changes to “Don’t Walk” while they are still in the crosswalk. Drivers must wait for them to clear the street safely.
Q:How long do I have to file a claim for a pedestrian accident in Nevada?
A: Generally you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Nevada. Failing to file by the date can result in your forfeiting any chance of recovering damages.
