Have you been in a pedestrian accident in Charleston, WV? You might be eligible for compensation. Our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers at Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC, can help you with your legal case. Call us today at (304) 346-5990.
Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to catastrophic injuries when hit by a motor vehicle. They suffer life-altering injuries when a negligent driver collides with them.
Our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers have over 315 years of combined experience handling personal injury matters. We are highly rated, well-respected lawyers with an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest peer rating. Our legal team has an impressive track record of success.
Contact our personal injury law office to schedule a free consultation with our Charleston pedestrian accident attorneys. We are available to discuss your case 24 hours a day. You pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
How Our Charleston Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Pedestrian Accident Case
Walking has many benefits. You improve your health and protect the environment. You can also save money on transportation costs.
However, if you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you could incur substantial medical bills. You may sustain permanent impairments that change your life forever.
Pedestrians injured in an accident could be entitled to compensation for their damages in Charleston, WV. Hiring an attorney can improve your chances of recovering a fair settlement for your pedestrian accident claim.
When you hire our Charleston pedestrian accident attorneys, you can expect us to:
- Thoroughly investigate the cause of the pedestrian accident to determine how the crash occurred and identify all parties responsible for your injuries
- File insurance claims and handle all matters with the insurance company
- Gather evidence proving fault and liability, including working with leading expert witnesses as necessary
- Assess how much your pedestrian accident claim is worth by carefully documenting your damages
- Negotiate fair settlements for insurance claims and personal injury claims
- File a lawsuit and argue your case to a jury if the other parties refuse to agree to a fair settlement amount
At Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC, we have extensive experience successfully negotiating top settlement awards. Our Charleston pedestrian accident attorneys are skilled and resourceful negotiators.
However, they do not hesitate to use aggressive tactics and take cases to court if necessary. Our seasoned trial lawyers are equipped to battle against the largest corporations and massive insurance companies.
Contact us for a free case evaluation with an experienced Charleston, WV personal injury lawyer.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?
In 2021, a pedestrian died in an accident once every 66 minutes. The GHSA estimates just over 7,500 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2022. That was the highest number of pedestrian deaths since 1981.
Pedestrians are dying at a rate that is much higher than other individuals in traffic accidents. The increase in the number of pedestrian deaths between 2010 and 2021 was 77 percent, compared to a 25% increase in all other traffic deaths. Many factors could contribute to the increase in pedestrian deaths, including more motorists on the road, more pedestrians, more SUVs and trucks, and quieter electric vehicles.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Charleston, WV
There are many reasons why a motor vehicle might hit a pedestrian in Charleston. Sadly, most of those reasons are avoidable. They are the result of negligence and recklessness.
Common reasons for pedestrian accidents in Charleston include:
- Failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian
- Speeding
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Impaired driving
Other factors could contribute to the cause of pedestrian accidents in Charleston, WV. Road conditions and poor weather could contribute to an accident. Defectively designed intersections, malfunctioning traffic signals, and defective auto parts are potential factors in a pedestrian accident.
The cause of the accident determines who is at fault for damages. A party that contributes to the cause of the pedestrian accident could be liable for the victim’s injuries and damages.
Pedestrian Accidents in West Virginia Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Pedestrians have no protection from being injured when a car strikes them. Their body receives the entire force of the collision. In addition to the injuries caused by the collision with the vehicle, the pedestrian may be thrown into something or crushed by a vehicle.
Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Fractured, crushed, and broken bones
- Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries and nerve damage
- Loss of limbs and amputations
Catastrophic injuries from pedestrian accidents can result in life-threatening conditions and life-altering impairments. A pedestrian may sustain a traumatic injury that results in a lifelong disability.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
How much your claim is worth depends on many factors. The severity of your injuries and whether you sustain permanent impairments are significant factors. Our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers diligently work to maximize the value of all damages in your case.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Charleston, WV?
Damages are the harm you suffer because of the pedestrian accident. They are divided into two categories. Economic damages are financial losses you incur. Non-economic damages compensate you for the suffering you experience.
Examples of damages in a pedestrian accident claim include:
- The cost of medical treatment, including surgeries, hospitalizations, doctors’ bills, rehabilitative therapies, etc.
- The loss of income, including wages, salaries, benefits, and future earning capacity
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Long-term nursing and/or personal care
A skilled personal injury attorney can help you pursue the full extent of your damages after a pedestrian accident.
What Should I Do After a Charleston Pedestrian Accident?
We realize that injuries may prevent you from following all of these steps. For example, your injuries may prevent you from taking photographs of the accident scene. Don’t worry; our Charleston pedestrian accident attorneys will handle the investigation and evidence gathering for you.
Steps to take after a pedestrian accident include:
- Call 911 for police and emergency medical services
- Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information
- Do not discuss the accident details with anyone other than the police officers
- Take pictures of the accident scene and make a video
- Seek immediate medical treatment regardless of how you feel after the accident
- Document damages by keeping copies of all medical records, accident reports, bills, receipts, and other documentation related to the accident
- Contact our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers as soon as possible
The steps you take after a pedestrian accident can impact the outcome of your personal injury claim. For example, posting online and on social media accounts could hurt your case. Nothing you post online is truly private. Following your doctor’s treatment plan is important to avoid allegations that you made your condition worse or that you are not really injured.
Our legal team will help you through each aspect of your case by providing sound legal advice, support, and compassionate guidance.
Can I Receive Money for a Pedestrian Accident if I’m Partially to Blame for Causing the Accident?
Some states use contributory fault to bar victims from receiving any money for damages if they are even 1% at fault for causing their injuries. West Virginia is not one of those states. Instead, West Virginia uses a modified comparative fault standard.
An injured party is not barred from receiving money for damages unless the victim is 51% or more at fault. If they are less than 51% to blame, they can receive compensation for their damages. However, their compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them for causing the accident.
Our Charleston pedestrian accident lawyers advise against discussing your case with an insurance adjuster without legal advice.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Charleston, WV?
A statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. The court can dismiss your lawsuit for missing the filing deadline. The judge does not have to consider whether you have a valid claim.
Most personal injury claims in West Virginia have a two-year statute of limitations. However, your case could be an exception. It is strongly recommended that you seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing a deadline.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Charleston, WV?
Our lawyers use a contingency fee at Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC. Instead of charging you a retainer fee when you hire the firm, our fees are deducted from the money we recover from your case. The amount of our attorneys’ fees is a percentage of the amount we recover for your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Charleston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Were you hit by a car in Charleston, West Virginia? If so, our Charleston pedestrian accident attorneys can help. Call Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC, to request a free case review to discuss how we can help you recover money for your injuries and damages.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Charleston, WV
Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC
746 Myrtle Rd, Charleston
WV 25314
Open 24 hours
(304) 346-5990
What Our Charleston Clients Say About Us
Read more of our Google Reviews.
Emergency Rooms Nearby
- Thomas Hospitals Emergency Department at Thomas Memorial Hospital – 4605 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25309
- CAMC Memorial Hospital: Emergency Room – 3200 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
- Charleston Area Medical Center: Emergency Room – 501 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301
- CAMC Memorial Hospital – 3200 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.