5 Things You Must Know if Involved in a Burbank Pedestrian Auto Accident
Many people in Burbank prefer walking around, thanks to the beautiful weather, tree-lined streets, and walkable neighborhoods. However, with this influx of pedestrians is an increase in the number of serious pedestrian accidents.
What Are Pedestrian Accidents?
It’s not just vehicles that get involved in accidents. Furthermore, pedestrians are equally vulnerable to suffering from a disabling injury because of a careless driver.
Consequently, accidents where a vehicle strikes someone on foot, are called pedestrian auto accidents.
The pedestrian may be someone:
- Walking
- Running
- On skates
- Sitting on the road
- On a skateboard
- On a wheelchair
So, whatever the pedestrian may be doing, a pedestrian auto accident can lead to fatal injuries like:
- Cuts and bruises
- Soft tissue injuries like whiplash
- Internal injuries
- Brain trauma
- Fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Possible death
However, there is hope for those involved in pedestrian accidents. So, here are a few things you should know if you or your loved one were involved in one:
1. You Can Receive Benefits to Pay Accident-Related Expenses
Did you know that injured parties in an accident can receive accident benefits no matter who’s at fault?
However, you receive your accident benefits applications only after notifying the insurance company about the accident. And most importantly, you have only thirty days to complete and submit the application.
Furthermore, don’t waste time to avail benefits like:
- Medical and rehabilitation benefits if you suffer from fatal injuries like paralysis, amputation, or brain injury,
- Monthly benefits for attendant care if you are permanently impaired
- Lost wages if you had a job at the time of the accident
- Non-earner benefits if you were unemployed at the time of the accident
- Other benefits for accident and injury-related losses
Yes, you stand to receive lots of benefits if you are involved in a Burbank pedestrian accident.
However, remember that you have to act quickly. Missing deadlines only restrict your rights and benefits.
2. You Can Dispute Any Claim Denials
Most insurance companies don’t pay upfront.
They may try to deny your application for your accident benefits, citing various reasons like failing a medical examination.
However, don’t worry if this happens.
You have all the rights to hire a Burbank auto accident lawyer to help you dispute their denials.
3. Restricted Time to Inform Your Insurance Company
Though you weren’t in the car or driving during the accident, your automotive insurance most likely covers your injuries. You, however, have to act quickly if you want to claim compensation from your insurer.
So, most insurance companies give you seven days to inform them about the accident. You only end up risking compromising on your rights to compensation if you miss the deadline. However, end up limiting your rights to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
4. Surviving Family Members Can Claim Too
Thus, collect death and funeral payments if your parent, child, or spouse dies in a pedestrian accident. Furthermore, you can also file a lawsuit for the consequent loss of care, family income, guidance, and companionship.
5. You Can Sue the Negligent Driver
It’s not just the benefits that you stand to receive.
Thus, you can file a lawsuit against the negligent driver. With a case, you stand a chance of seeking compensation for:
- Loss of income
- Lost earning capacity
- Medical bills
- All the pain and suffering endured
- Any future and continual medical treatment
Furthermore, your attorney will explain how a lawsuit affects your available accident benefits.
Consult Your Expert Burbank Auto Accident Attorney
In short, first, seek medical treatment if you or someone you know is involved in a pedestrian accident. Next, consult an experienced auto accident attorney in Burbank as soon as possible. Finally, the quicker you work, the more benefits you stand to receive.