4 Things You Didn’t Know about Pedestrian Accidents



Whenever anyone is involved in an accident, whether as a bicyclist - a driver or passenger of a personal vehicle, of a commercial vehicle, or as a pedestrian - there are several important matters that you must know. The following are some things you may not have realized about pedestrian accidents.
An Insurance Company May Not Have Your Best Interests In Mind

Insurance companies represent their insured and are always interested in their profits and bottom line. Insurance companies hire accountants, adjusters, and actuaries, all of whom are bean counters in some degree or another, to determine how to save more money and how to charge more money. They keep rates low not to save money but to be competitive and they keep their settlements low in an effort to rake in more money for their shareholders.

If you are contacted by an insurance adjuster, you must be wary of what their true interests are. Just because they send you medical release forms so you do not have to collect and forward the medical records does not mean that they want to help you. They are simply looking to settle your case for as minimal amount as possible, despite what your medical and life needs are. They will tell you what is covered and not covered, but that does not mean that they are accurate, honest, or forthright. To be certain, the only person who both has the training and acumen to know what is covered and what is not covered AND has your best interest in mind is an experienced personal injury attorney.
Collect Evidence in the Form of Eyewitness Statements and Videos

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it is critical you speak with an experienced, aggressive attorney as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for pedestrian accidents to be recorded on videos by local business owners. Often, these business owners have recordings that they may use again in several days or weeks time unless someone contacts them and asks them to preserve the video of the events. Likewise, dash cameras by a police officer or someone else who happened to be in the area may have also captured the event. Without someone contacting them, these recordings may end up being recorded over and destroyed unless they are asked otherwise.

Eyewitness statements are also time sensitive. Perhaps the eyewitness is not from the area and will travel home and can be difficult to reach at a later time. In addition, memories fade. It is important for the eyewitness to write and otherwise record their recollection of events.
Who Will Pay Your Medical Bills Until the Matter is Resolved?

If you have a valid legal claim against a driver, the driver’s insurance company should pay your medical bills during the negotiation and litigation of your case. But what if they do not? What if  

the insurance company acts in bad faith and denies coverage? Insurance companies are interested in the bottom line and not always interested in paying for what your doctor says is medically necessary. Only a trained attorney looking out for your best interest can guide you on how to proceed to ensure you get the treatment you need.
Cases Do Not Always Settle

Sometimes the insurance company will not settle with an injured pedestrian. Even the most seemingly simple and clear-cut case can be bogged down in endless and fruitless negotiations if the insurance company is simply recalcitrant. What do you do then? Again, only a trained, aggressive attorney can help you in situations like this.
Contact a Clearwater, Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

The attorneys of the Dolman Law Group are experienced and dedicated, and they know how to protect your best interest to make sure that you are made whole for your loss. We know the toll that these injuries have on you and your family. If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, or any other accident, you must contact the Dolman Law Group now. We can be reached online or by calling us directly at (727) 451-6900 for your free initial consultation.

Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-451-6900

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