Fishers, IN Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

When pedestrians are injured in Fishers, whether because of car accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, or other incidents, they can typically recover compensatory damages for their injuries.

Although negligent drivers often cause pedestrian accidents, other types of incidents might cause injury to pedestrians in Fishers. These include accidents involving bicyclists, motorcyclists, and even construction sites. If you are ever hurt as a pedestrian, regardless of the cause, you should alert the Fishers Police Department immediately. Once law enforcement officers arrive and begin an accident report, you can go to the hospital and get the necessary medical care for your injuries. Depending on your case, you might receive either a lump sum or a structured settlement in Fishers. Both types of settlements offer perks to victims, and both will result in victims receiving compensatory damages.

To get a free analysis of your case from our Fishers, IN pedestrian accident lawyers, call Wruck Paupore now at (219) 322-1166.

Common Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents in Fishers, IN

Unfortunately, pedestrians walking the street are at risk of being injured in various types of accidents in Fishers. The most common type of incident that causes injury to pedestrians is auto accidents.

Motor vehicle accidents involving and injuring pedestrians typically happen when drivers act recklessly or without care for others on the road. When pedestrians cross the street at crosswalks, they typically have the right of way. People making illegal turns or speeding might be unable to avoid hitting a pedestrian crossing the street. Pedestrians might even be struck by negligent drivers while walking on sidewalks in Fishers. This type of accident might be more likely to involve an intoxicated driver. Although drivers tend to be at fault in incidents involving pedestrians, recovery is never guaranteed. Our pedestrian accident lawyers can investigate the circumstances of your incident to gather evidence of a driver’s fault so that you have a greater chance of claiming the compensation you need.

Other types of accidents, such as those involving bicyclists or motorcyclists, might also injure pedestrians. Homeowners who fail to maintain their sidewalks might be responsible for injuries pedestrians sustain in trip and fall accidents. Pedestrians might also be injured when passing by a construction site. Other incidents could cause injury to pedestrians as well.

While pedestrian accidents are less common than car accidents, they happen frequently. According to recent data compiled by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, there were 1,331 auto accidents involving pedestrians throughout the state in 2020. Furthermore, the percentage of pedestrians who died in auto accidents in 2020 rose to 7%.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Fishers, IN

When pedestrians are injured, especially if they are hurt in accidents involving cars, it is crucial that they properly document their damages and get medical attention for their injuries in Fishers.

Calling the police following a pedestrian accident is crucial. Law enforcement officers can ensure that the necessary information is included in an incident report. This includes information such as a negligent driver’s insurance, both parties’ accounts of the accident, apparent property damage or injuries, road and weather conditions, eyewitnesses’ contact information, and other pertinent details about the event.

Victims should also go to the hospital after being injured as pedestrians in Fishers. Pedestrian accident injuries are often severe, especially when incidents involve motor vehicles. Your medical records from the moments after an incident can allow our attorneys to strengthen your compensation claim. In addition to seeking immediate medical attention, victims should maintain regular visits with specialists to continue healing from their injuries.

If your injuries permit you, speak to eyewitnesses following an incident. They might have seen the other involved party acting negligently and possibly provide statements that could be helpful to your case. If you are unable to speak with eyewitnesses because of your injuries, our attorneys can contact them in the future using information from the police report for your pedestrian accident. Taking pictures of your immediate injuries can also benefit your claim.

Types of Settlements in Fishers, IN Pedestrian Accident Claims

When a claim is successful, victims in Fishers might receive either lump sum or structured settlements. Either will enable you to get all the compensation you are entitled to, albeit at different times. Both types of settlements have features that can benefit victims of pedestrian accidents.

Lump Sum Settlements

A lump sum settlement is given to a victim all at once. This means that victims will receive the entire settlement amount in one payment. Sometimes, lump sum settlements can be overwhelming for pedestrian victims, as they are typically large sums of money. In other circumstances, victims prefer lump sum settlements so that they can immediately pay off all medical bills or other expenses related to their injuries and have funds available to them. Fortunately, settlements for personal injury are typically not subject to income tax, so the lump sum settlement is usually not taxable. However, subsequent investment returns on such a settlement are taxable, which should be considered in how to negotiate a settlement. Insurance companies sometimes prefer giving lump sum settlements, depending on the case, and this is how injury cases which are less serious are typically handled. However, in more serious cases, especially those involving permanent injury, another option is often available.

Structured Settlements

The other common settlement type in pedestrian accident claims is known as a structured settlement. Instead of receiving the entirety of your compensatory damages at once, you would receive it in weekly or monthly installments. For some victims, this type of settlement is preferable, as it helps to stretch out compensation over a longer period and can help ensure that funds are available throughout a victim’s lifetime. These types of settlements can also have tax advantages which may make them desirable.

Call Our Fishers, IN Attorneys About Your Pedestrian Accident Case Today

For help with your case from Wruck Paupore, call our pedestrian accident lawyers today at (219) 322-1166.