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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney Talks about Night Time Motorcycle Safety

A man who was critically injured in a nighttime motorcycle accident in Pass Christian later died in the hospital from the injuries that he sustained in the wreck. The crash happened when the motorcycle struck the curb and left the roadway, where it flipped over and ejected the rider.

Riding a motorcycle always requires a lot of skill and concentration, and riding at night presents greater challenges and requires an even higher level of skill. One challenge of nighttime riding is that it is more difficult for other vehicles to see you. Also, at night, your ability to see important things like curbs, signs and pavement markings is reduced, as is your ability to see pedestrians and wildlife. Riding a motorcycle at night is certainly more challenging than it is during the day, and it is more dangerous, too. Sixty percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents happen during the night.

Nighttime riding can be a little safer if you ride more slowly than you would during the day. Riding slower gives you more time to react to anything that you might see on the road, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or wildlife. Riding at night is harder on your eyes than riding during the day is. Did you know that your eyes can get tired, even when the rest of your body is well rested? If your eyes start to feel tired, find a safe location to take a rest break.

You can also keep yourself safe at night by making it easier for other drivers to see you. Other motorists should be looking out for motorcycles as they drive along, but all too often, they do not see motorcycles that are nearby and they collide with them.  Increase the chance that you will be seen by placing reflective or fluorescent accents on your clothing, your helmet, and even on your bike. Good lighting on your bike also increases your visibility. If your motorcycle has a small rear brake light, consider replacing it with a bigger, brighter one. Running lights can add both style and visibility to the front of your bike You can also maximize the brightness of your headlight, Use a DOT-approved super bright headlight bulb and check the angle of your headlight. Check the state motorcycle laws, and then raise your headlight to the maximum angle that the law allows, increasing your ability to see and be seen.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Support for Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Victims

Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, and, all too often, they result in death. If you were hurt or someone that you love died in a motorcycle accident, you might be able to file an insurance claim to recover the damages associated with your injury or loss. To learn more about how we might be able to help you to pursue a claim for damages, please call the compassionate and knowledgeable Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney at Barrett Law PLLC today, at 1 (601) 790-1505 to arrange your free, initial consultation.

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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney Explains How There is No Such Thing as a Minor Rear End Collision

The initial image most people conjure up when talking about auto accidents is a mangled wreck of a vehicle. Metal is smashed, windows are shattered and all that’s left is a tow truck taking the car to its final resting place. The truth is that many auto accidents look far different from that image.  If fact, even minor auto accidents without much damage can inflict a great deal of pain.

Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of auto accident in the United States. A crumbled bumper and a sudden jolt may seem like the only effects. But some symptoms take a little more time to show themselves. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in rear end collisions.  Specifically, whiplash does not always show immediate signs of injury. It is also referred to neck strain. Whiplash is the actual tearing of tendons in your neck. Sometimes, it takes several hours for the pain to set in. The effects of whiplash can be ongoing and its symptoms can include the following:

  • Numbness in neck area
  • Constant headaches
  • Dizziness and back pain
  • Lack of neck mobility

Other injuries that are the result of  a rear end collision could be more severe. That severity usually depends upon the speed of the driver at fault. More severe injuries are head injuries, nerve damage to the bag of legs, back sprains, and blunt trauma that comes from hitting the steering wheel or windshield. However minor they may seem at the time, injuries resulting from a rear end collision could turn out to be major issues.

The thing about rear end collisions is that they are preventable. And since they are preventable, someone is always at fault. More than half the time, it is usually a male’s fault. In a study conducted by the National Traffics Highway Safety Administration, the likelihood of involvement of young male drivers in rear-end striking crashes was 1.5 times greater than that of young female drivers. The reason for that is aggressive driving is more prevalent among male drivers.

However, the main cause of rear end collisions is not aggressive driving, but distracted driving. Talking on the phone and texting while driving are two forms of distracted driving. There are other forms as well. When you are hit in a rear end collision, it is pretty much a guarantee that the other driver is at fault. There are exceptions, such a person jamming on their brakes for no apparent reason. But that is often a failed defense.

Looking for a settlement in a rear- end collision comes with a bit of calculation. The first part of the settlement comes from the actual dollar amount of damage caused to the vehicle. The second part comes in the form of lost income. Time off work is factored in and your lost wages expand the settlement figure.  These are considered general damages, which consists mainly of pain and suffering. Add up all those figures and therein lies the amount of your rear end collision settlement.

If you are the victim of a rear end collision, you can look to the seasoned Mississippi Car Accident Attorney at Barrett Law PLLC for assistance. You might be deserving of more compensation than you realize. The help of one of our specialists can go a long way in getting you compensation for your pain and suffering. Experience will be on your side with a team of qualified attorneys that can lead you to legal success. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation at (601) 790-1505.

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What Are “Specials” in Mississippi Personal Injury Cases?

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in an automobile accident, you are likely dealing with many different, yet challenging issues.  These typically range from your injuries and recovery, to whether your insurance will cover your medical expenses, to your future employment prospects (depending upon the nature of your injuries), and the necessity to file a lawsuit to recover damages to which you are entitled.  If you have talked to anyone who has ever been through a similar experience, or read anything about such matters on the web, you many have run across the term “specials” in the discussion of damages to which you might be entitled.

The law firm of Barrett Law PLLC has been representing individuals injured as a result of automobile accidents for decades.  We are, therefore, very familiar with what the term “specials” means and have written this short article to help you understand the concept.

Generally speaking, there are two major types of damages awarded in an automobile accident, both of which are forms of compensatory damages.  Compensatory damages are designed to compensate someone for actual losses, as opposed to punitive damages, which are designed to deter similar future conduct by both the defendant in question and other individuals or companies in society.  The two types of compensatory damages are general damages and special damages. Despite the use of the term, special damages are not really “special”.  That is, “specials” are standard damages awarded in personal injury lawsuits, including motor vehicle accident cases.

“Specials” include three main components:  medical expenses; property damage; and loss of earnings.  Given high deductibles, co-pays, out-of-network concerns, and the like, medical costs are soaring.  Medical bills can quickly amount to tens of thousands of dollars and can easily climb in excess of $1 million.  These costs are, quite simply, insurmountable for most individuals.  Luckily, your medical expenses are one key portion of “specials” that are recoverable.  Navigating the maze of dealing with insurance companies, both yours, including your health insurance and automobile insurance, and the other driver’s insurance in such matters is difficult.  You need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the process in order to maximize the amount of your medical expenses that you recover for.  The professionals at Barrett Law PLLC have been working for individuals injured in automobile accidents for decades, and we can help you understand the ins and outs of recovering for your medical expenses.

Undoubtedly, if you were involved in an automobile accident, your vehicle was damaged.  You are also entitled to recover these damages.  As with your medical expenses, dealing with the various insurance companies in order to maximize your recovery for damage to your vehicle can be difficult.  Again, having an experienced attorney represent you through this process is important.  Having an attorney in your corner allows you to focus on your personal recovery, while your attorney focuses on your financial recovery.

Finally, you are entitled to recover for lost wages.  This includes past and future lost wages.  Figuring out the amount of future lost wages that you may be entitled to is difficult and includes considerations of age, wage increases, and number of years of future work.  To maximize your ability to recover, you should retain an experienced attorney who understands when experts are necessary for determining these damages and who knows what experts to hire.

Barrett Law PLLC has been representing the rights of individuals injured in automobile accidents for decades, and will continue to do so for decades into the future.  If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile, please contact our firm today.   We can be reached at (601) 790-1505 to schedule an initial, no-cost consultation.

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What Types of Damages Can I Recover for My Personal Injuries?

Individuals experiencing injuries related to a car or truck accident often have questions about the nature and extent of damages to which they may be entitled.  Although the exact nature and extent of your injuries will largely determine the amount of damages you are awarded, there are several broad categories of damages to which most injured individuals are entitled.  These categories are discussed in more detail below.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident in Mississippi, Barrett Law PLLC, can help answer any of your questions about damages or other questions you might have.  We can be reached at (601) 790-1505.

There are two major types of damages—actual damages and general damages.  Actual damages include expenses and other costs that you incur as a result of a motor vehicle accident.  General damages include all other types of damages.

One of the most common categories of damages awarded to an individual injured in a car or truck accident is damages for medical expenses.  Even in a relatively minor accident, medical bills can quickly amount to thousands of dollars.  If you do not have medical insurance, or have high deductibles or co-pay rates, the expenses associated with your injury can be staggering.  Depending upon the limits of the policy of the individual at fault, as well as your policy, you are entitled to reimbursement for all of the medical expenses you incurred as a result of the accident.

Another common actual expense is loss of wages.  If you suffered any kind of injury that prevented you from working for a period of time, you can recover for this lost income.  Additionally, if your injuries are such that they will affect your ability to work into the future, you can seek damages for future lost wages.  Determining the amount of future lost wages you may be entitled to is not as simple and determining your current wages and calculating your current wages over a future period.  Considerations such as wage increases, number of years of future work, and the present cash value of those wages must be taken into consideration.  Often times, these calculations require hiring an expert.  If you are an individual facing significant future lost wages, you should retain an attorney.  You want to maximize your ability to recover, and knowing the right experts to rely on will help you do that.  After all, the insurance company will have plenty of experts in its corner.  You want the best ones it your corner.

You are also entitled to compensation for any property damages you incurred, which includes your vehicle and other items that may have been in your vehicle and were damaged or destroyed due to the accident.

With regard to general damages, one of the most common categories of damages awarded is for pain and suffering.  Obviously, the more severe and long-lasting your injury, the more damages you are likely to be awarded.  Severe injuries such as loss of limbs, paralysis, burns, and disfigurement will give rise to more significant awards.

Damages related to emotional distress and anguish as a result of the accident are another category of compensable damages.  Individuals frequently suffer psychological symptoms after an accident; the more severe the accident, the more severe the psychological symptoms usually are.  Common occurrences are depression and anxiety.  If you have suffered such symptoms, or other emotional or psychological distress, you may be able to recover damages related to this distress.  Damages related to treating such conditions, however, are recoverable as actual medical expenses.

Loss of consortium is another compensable loss.  Loss of consortium refers to any individual’s inability to engage in relationships with his or her loved one as before the accident.  If you have been or will be unable to engage in activities with your family that were a part of your life before the accident, you may be able to recover for the loss of this enjoyment of activity.  Loss of consortium damages typically encompass relationships with both a spouse and with children.

Barrett Law PLLC, represents individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents in the Lexington, Mississippi, area.  Jonathan Barrett has been fighting for the rights of the injured for years—let him fight for yours if you have been injured.   We can be reached at (601) 790-1505.

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Mother and Daughter Killed by Runaway Truck in Tupelo Mississippi

Tragedy struck the town of Tupelo, Mississippi, on September 6, 2013, when Olidia Acosta and her daughter Vianett Castillo were killed by a runaway truck.  Ms. Acosta, just twenty years old, and her daughter, a child of only two, were sitting in the vehicle waiting for a family member to emerge from Acceptance Auto Insurance.  Sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., a semitrailer crashed into the vehicle.  The vehicle was then thrust into the Acceptance Auto Insurance building.  Reports indicate that the vehicle, a Chevy HHR, was crushed by the semitrailer.  Crews had to work in excess of an hour to lift the semitrailer off of the Chevy HHR.  Both Ms. Acosta and her daughter were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

No one was driving the semitrailer.  It had been parked on Mitchell Road Extended, but somehow rolled down Mitchell Street Extended, across South Gloster Street, and into the vehicle in which Ms. Acosta and her daughter were sitting.  Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.

Given the nature of the accident, it could be that the brakes were not engaged by the driver or that the brakes failed.  Of course, there may be other causes of the accident, as well, and the authorities will continue to investigate what happened, as indicated above.

Truck accidents involving failed brakes are of two main types, and both can have a variety of causes.  One type of braking problem is the complete failure of the brakes.  Despite the infrequency of such an occurrence, the effects are absolutely devastating.  Total brake failure can result from in the air brake system of a semi-truck, which prevents proper operation of the air brakes.  Complete failure of an air brake or other braking system can also be caused by leaks in any of the multitude of hoses, pumps, and other components of the braking system.

Aside from total brake failure, inadequate braking capacity can cause accidents such as the one that killed Ms. Acosta and her daughter.   In incidents involving inadequate braking capacity, the brakes function but do not function properly or sufficiently. Many causes of inadequate braking capacity exist, including worn or missing brake components; worn tires; overheated brakes; improperly loaded trucks; or unequal pressure in tires.

No matter the superficial cause of brake failure, the actual cause is nearly always improper care in maintaining or loading a truck.  Accidents involving failed or inadequate braking capacity can be complicated to litigate.  Generally, experts are required to reconstruct the crash scene, to analyze the vehicles in question, and to analyze the maintenance history of the vehicle that caused the accident.  Additional experts may also be necessary to provide testimony about the nature of the victim’s injuries, his or her potential for recovery, and the economic damages the victim has faced and will fact as a result of the accident.

Determining who may be at fault for the accident can also be more difficult than it may seem.  For example, was it the driver, the company for which the driver was working or contracting, the maintenance worker servicing the truck, or the company that loaded the truck improperly?  In order to ensure complete recovery of all damages to which an injured individual is entitled, all avenues of liability must be explored.

These complexities necessitate retaining a law firm experienced in representing individuals injured as a result of trucking accidents.  Barrett Law, PLLC is that law firm.  Our firm has been representing the rights of individuals injured in trucking accidents for decades, and will continue to do so for decades into the future.  If you or someone you love has been injured as a resulting of a trucking accident, please contact our firm today at reached at (601) 790-1505 to schedule an initial, no-cost consultation.

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Catastrophic Burn Injuries in Mississippi

Burns that are inflicted upon car accident victims can be devastating, as they typically result in serious and sometimes disfiguring injuries. In the event that you sustained burns arising from a Mississippi car accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think that your injuries are minor, failing to obtain treatment may have severe consequences, including chronic pain, infection and permanent scarring.

Generally speaking, fires that erupt from vehicles occur more frequently than you think. According to national statistics, engines that overheat, leaking fuel tanks and tires that become overly worn account for thousands of burn related injuries across the U.S. As experienced Mississippi personal injury attorneys, we have also represented auto accident victims who were seriously burned due to defective and poorly designed car parts, such as its engine, transmission and brake systems. In other words, many car fires erupt as a result of faulty wiring and improperly designed fuel tanks that ignite during a collision.

In light of the above, it is important to understand why car fires start so that you can mitigate the risks should you be involved an accident. Most often, a significant amount of friction and heat are caused when a car is struck by another vehicle or object. When sparks start flying as a result of the collision, it is not surprising that fires erupt. Cars contain numerous flammable liquids as well as solids, including various interior parts of the vehicle (i.e. fabrics, etc.). To illustrate, when fuel, battery or brake fluid become overheated, they can cause explosions to occur that can engulf an entire car within minutes. Additionally, when the weather hits triple digits, the amount of excessive heat can also make car fires more likely.

Overall, the cause of related accidents can be extremely difficult to prove in a court of law, hence why it is important to work with an attorney that has previously handled these types of catastrophic cases. Generally speaking, there may be several reasons why a car fire started, which can present significant challenges for even the most seasoned personal injury attorney. That is why it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney who has the skills necessary to prove your case, no matter how difficult or complex.

If you or a loved one suffered burns in a Mississippi automobile accident, give us a call now to find out more about how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. We have the skills, experience and expertise necessary to prove your case, regardless of how challenging or complex. We look forward to providing you with superior legal representation.

 

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What You Should Consider When Hiring a Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney

 If you have been seriously injured in a car accident in Mississippi, you likely have conducted some research online in order to find an attorney to assist you.  Although sustaining injuries in a car accident is difficult enough, sometimes finding the right Mississippi auto accident attorney can become a rather formidable task.   In the Yellow Pages and on numerous law firm websites, many attorneys promise to deliver a multitude of results however, there is no way to tell whether they are being honest about their level of experience or not.  Additionally, many personal injury attorneys often state that they are “experienced” or “highly skilled” however, they have in fact only handled relatively few auto accident cases.

Overall, there are several important qualifications that an attorney should possess when representing clients in personal injury matters.  The following are some useful tips that you should consider when hiring a Mississippi auto accident lawyer:

  1. Hire an attorney who has significant experience in personal injury representation.  Only a qualified personal injury attorney has the skills necessary to handle your case, regardless of how challenging or complex.   To illustrate, an experienced attorney is in the best position to maximize your chances of recovering since they are familiar with the laws, the local courts and the judges.
  2. Ask family and friends whether they can recommend a qualified personal injury attorney.  Oftentimes, the best attorneys are those that build their businesses and their reputations by word of mouth.
  3. Only work with an attorney who will take the time necessary to explain everything about your case in a clear and concise manner.  It is never recommended that a person hire an attorney who cannot explain things in layman’s terms.  Essentially, the failure to understand various aspects of your case may affect your ability to make informed decisions throughout the pendency of your lawsuit.
  4. Do not hire an attorney who is not forthcoming about his or her fees. When working with an attorney, you should always be familiar with all of the court costs and associated expenses of your case.
  5. Do not work with an attorney that makes you feel uncomfortable or who seems impatient.  In other words, it is important to hire an attorney that is compassionate, patient, and aggressive – only when necessary. Sometimes, overzealous attorneys are just as ineffective as inexperienced ones.  Moreover, do not hire an attorney that fails to listen to you or to respect your decisions.  In other words, you, not your attorney, must make all of the final decisions in your case.

For more information, contact our Mississippi law firm to find out more about how we can help you.  We will take the time necessary to advise you of your legal options and help you make informed decisions about your case.  We look forward to providing you with superior legal representation.

 

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Motorcycle Wrongful Death Suits

Any time a person is killed by the wrongful or negligent conduct of another it is known as a wrongful death. These cases are always tragic and happen too often when motorcyclists are involved in an accident. When a person is killed through the negligence of another, the law allows the next of kin to act as plaintiff and bring a lawsuit against the negligent party to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Next of kin are family members such as a spouse, domestic partner, children, parents or siblings—in order of priority. In other words, if a man with a wife and children was killed in a motorcycle accident, his brother would not be able to bring a wrongful death suit as the spouse, then the children, then the parents have priority. If none of those existed, then the brother would be able to file a wrongful death suit.

Compensation from a Wrongful Death Suit

Even if the deceased family member happened to be partly at fault for the accident the family may still be able to instigate a lawsuit for damages. Should the death be directly related to an impaired driver punitive damages may also be awarded. The wrongful death plaintiff may be able to be compensated for funeral or burial expenses, loss of future income of the deceased, loss of household or childrearing support, loss of medical and retirement benefits or non-economic damages including the loss of support, companionship and affection. A surviving spouse will also have a separate right to recover damages known as loss of consortium under a separate civil action.

Statute of Limitations

Family members who are considering filing a wrongful death suit after their loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident should remember that prompt action is essential. There are time limits known as statute of limitations which gives a narrow window of time in which the plaintiffs must bring suit or lose their right to seek recovery. The purpose of the statute of limitations law is to allow the plaintiff sufficient time to hire an attorney while also giving the defendant some sort of assurance that after a specific length of time, should no suit be instigated, they are free from threat of a lawsuit. In some instances the statute of limitations could be as little as six months—in the case of a governmental agency causing the injury—or two to three years in some states.

How Often Motorcycle Accidents Occur

Some 5,000 people are killed in motorcycle accidents every year in the United States. Motorcycle accidents and subsequent deaths are on the rise due to the increasing number of people using motorcycles as a means of commuting to and from work. Motorcyclists are 26 times as likely to die in a crash as the driver of a passenger car and as many as 65% of all motorcycle accidents are the fault of another driver.

The Necessity of a Personal Injury Attorney

In order to win a wrongful death suit following a tragic motorcycle accident, negligence on the part of the other driver must be proven. Traffic laws, eyewitness testimony and forensic evidence from the scene of the accident may all be used in order to prove the case against the defendant. These cases can be extremely complex and it is imperative that the family members who are filing a wrongful death suit have an extremely knowledgeable, experienced personal injury attorney by their side who will fight on their behalf for and equitable settlement.

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Common Myths Regarding Personal Injury Claims

Frivolous Lawsuits are the Exception Rather than the Rule

Many people view personal injury claims very negatively, believing that people who file such lawsuits are nothing more than frivolous money-grubbers. The belief that people will claim compensation regardless of the ethical or moral implications of the case is one of the primary myths surrounding personal injury cases. In fact most personal injury cases are filed by those who have suffered legitimate accidents and injuries and frivolous lawsuits are actually few and far between. The cases which are frivolous tend to get so much attention from the media that it can seem like most personal injury cases are without merit. The insurance lobby has perpetrated the idea that personal injury attorneys are getting rich on the average citizen’s dime. They make people think that personal injury lawsuits are costing the public thousands each year in insurance premium and the necessary taxes which support the judicial system.

Personal injury cases which are without merit will simply be dismissed by the judge and personal injury attorneys who file frivolous claims can be severely sanctioned by the court system. Most law firms that have successful businesses are far removed from the stereotype of an ambulance chaser. If you have been injured in an accident through the negligence or recklessness of another person, it is important that you have a personal injury attorney by your side who will act with integrity and will have the necessary experience to fight for what you deserve. That being said, not every personal injury victim will receive compensation for their claim. Some cases are simply too weak or inconclusive to merit a settlement.

Not Every Person Who Files a Personal Injury Claim Receives a Settlement

A second common myth regarding personal injury cases is that only those who take their case to court will receive compensation. In fact, most personal injury cases will never go to trial and will be settled outside of a courtroom. It is simply more time and cost-effective when cases are settled outside of a judge and jury. While some victims of injuries believe they can go it alone and not have to “share” their settlement with an attorney, this is one of the worst decisions a person injured in an accident can make. It is rare that the person who chooses to represent himself will receive the deserved amount of compensation. Personal injury attorneys are trained to represent injury cases in court before a judge and jury as well as to negotiate a reasonable settlement.

How Long Will it Take to Reach a Settlement?

Another common myth is that personal injury cases are so complex and time consuming that it can be years before a settlement is finally reached. In reality most personal injury cases will settle within eight to twelve months of the initial accident claim. While more complex cases which involve extremely serious or multiple injuries can take a bit longer to settle as can those in which liability is uncertain, the trial is usually the most time consuming part of the personal injury case.  If you have been injured by the negligence of another, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can advocate on your behalf to get the best settlement possible.

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What to Do When You Hit a Pedestrian

Over 5,000 pedestrians are killed each year after being struck by a vehicle with another 70,000 or so suffering serious injury. Pedestrians are simply no match for a several-thousand pound car made of metal and glass. Unfortunately, even the best driver can end up hitting a pedestrian and it is a frightening and potentially serious event for all those involved. While many pedestrians have been hit and survived, much more often they are killed or seriously injured. In some cases the driver is distracted for any number of reasons and simply don’t see the pedestrian, in other cases the pedestrian is at fault.

Pedestrians may be walking with headphones on and fail to see an oncoming car or, in many cases, it is children who dart across the street who end up victims of an accident. While pedestrians are generally considered to have the right of way, should they blatantly ignore traffic signals they can make it virtually impossible for an automobile driver to avoid hitting them. Drivers must, however, approach all pedestrian crossings with extra caution, and should slow down in areas where pedestrians are present. There are certain things a driver must absolutely do should they strike a pedestrian.

Stop Immediately and Call for Help

Even if the pedestrian seems to be all right and it was a relatively minor bump-in, you must still call for medical help then call the police. Internal injuries are always a possibility even when the pedestrian claims to be fine. After calling for help, call your insurance company. It can be much easier to sort through all the paperwork when the details are fresh in your mind. If you are able, take some photographs of the accident scene and jot down some notes regarding the time of day, the weather and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Always assume that you could potentially end up in court, and act accordingly with that thought.

Never, Ever, Leave the Scene of the Accident

While it may certainly seem self-evident, you should never leave the scene after you have hit a pedestrian even if the pedestrian leaves. Leaving the scene of an accident can come back to haunt you in the form of lawsuits and even criminal charges. Hit and run charges are by far worse than any charges you may incur which allege negligence. There may even be circumstances you are unaware of, and you may not be responsible at all. You will never know if you don’t stay until the police arrive and give your side of the story.

Never Leave the Pedestrian in Harm’s Way

It is a sure bet that you will be extremely rattled after hitting a pedestrian however if that person is still in harm’s way you need to take immediate action to get them out of the street. If a pedestrian could be hit by another car by virtue of where they landed after the accident then it is imperative that you get help and get them out of the way as well as getting your car out of the way in order to avoid a huge pile-up of car accidents.

Don’t Neglect Your Injuries

Depending on the circumstances of your accident you may also have injuries so don’t neglect your own rights as you tend to the pedestrian. You may also suffer a tremendous amount of guilt whether the accident was your fault or not, particularly if the victim suffered serious injuries. Many people who have hit a pedestrian become very anxious when driving. Should you eventually end up in court you will want to show that you did everything properly following the accident. Whether you are the victim of a pedestrian car accident or were the driver, you need an experienced personal injury attorney in your corner to protect your rights as well as your future.

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