3 Steps to Justice After a Pedestrian Accident

Being involved in an accident as a pedestrian can be both traumatizing and stressful. It can feel overwhelming to even think about taking legal action while dealing with the physical and psychological trauma you have suffered.

James H. Brown and Associates understand and are here to help take the stress out of pursuing justice. With over 200 years’ experience advocating for serious injury victims, we take pride in protecting our clients’ rights and securing the compensation they deserve. To help get you started, here are three steps to take to ensure that you are treated fairly and have everything you need for the road to recovery.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention (Even If Your Injuries Are “Minor”)

Your health should be your #1 priority after an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the first step is to get medical treatment for your injuries.

Even if your injuries appear relatively “minor,” it is still essential to see your family doctor or another healthcare provider as soon as possible. Why? Even if you are not in severe pain, you may have suffered a severe injury that requires immediate medical treatment or one that will worsen over time without treatment. Additionally, insurance companies have often claimed that if an individual didn’t take an ambulance or immediately seek treatment, their injuries aren’t that severe, or even completely made-up. Seeking immediate medical treatment is the best way to cover your bases, both from a healthcare and legal standpoint.

While receiving medical attention, be sure to describe your injuries as completely as possible. Your medical provider will be documenting your injuries in their records, which will be used later to evaluate your injury claims. No detail is too minor to leave out; the more documentation available on your injuries, the easier it will be to prove the accident caused them.

Finally, make sure you receive any relevant diagnostic tests during your treatment. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other tests will allow your doctor to thoroughly diagnose and document your injuries. Again, this information is vital both for treatment and your legal case.

Step 2: Keep a Journal of Damages and Changes to Your Life

Just as your healthcare provider will document your physical injuries, you should also keep track of any other damages and changes resulting from the accident.

“What counts as ‘damages?'” is a question we hear from our clients frequently. They can be anything from lost days of work and out-of-pocket expenses to recurring nightmares and other psychological trauma. Specifics vary from case to case; for that reason, it is essential to document any and all changes to your life after your accident.

Serious accidents can take a long time to be resolved; instead of relying on memory, be sure to save receipts and keep a journal, including any changes or expenses resulting from the accident. Again, no detail is too minor; the more information you have, the stronger your case will be, and the more likely you are to receive the compensation you deserve.

Step 3: Speak With an Experienced Injury Lawyer

As soon as the driver’s insurance company finds out you were in an accident, their agents will likely try to contact you and obtain a statement. While you can notify insurance companies that an accident has occurred, never give an insurance company (even your own) a statement without speaking with an injury lawyer first. When you seek compensation for your injuries later, the company will look for information in your statement they can use against you to minimize their payout.

Instead, contact an injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Whereas an insurance company has an obligation to its shareholders to make a profit (and pay out as little as possible), an injury lawyer has a responsibility to you and your family to give the best advice possible. Coming to a team of experienced attornies with a well-documented case is the best way to ensure you receive justice and the compensation you deserve after your accident.

James H. Brown and Associates: YOUR Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyers

Since 1993, James H. Brown and Associates have set precedents for injury settlements in Alberta. Today, we continue to stand up for the rights of injured persons, working to attain justice for accident victims and their families across Canada. Our team knows firsthand what it’s like to be seriously injured, are ready to fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.

No two accidents are the same; that’s why we offer a complete range of services for our clients, including:

An experienced team of injury lawyers with a proven record of success.
Investigation and evidence preservation services, including accident reconstruction.
Strong relationships with organizations ready to assist with rehabilitation and recovery.
And much more!