As you take a stroll, you naturally feel as though you do not have a care in the world. However, all of a sudden, a car comes from around the corner and strikes you, knocking you down. Suddenly, your whole world changes, with your carefree morning turning into a worrisome one.
Far too often, pedestrian accidents occur in Hawaii due to the negligence of drivers. Unfortunately, these types of accidents can lead to serious physical injuries as well as financial scars. However, if you have been hurt in a pedestrian crash, you have the right to seek justice.
What to do
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, writing down as much as possible about the incident itself may be helpful. Also important is writing down details about the injuries you suffered in the accident as well as any losses you sustained due to the accident, such as lost wages if you are unable to return to work for an extended period of time.
Making notes about conversations you have had with those involved in the collision may also be expedient. In addition, if you have any evidence of who was responsible for the crash, preserving this is paramount. You may even want to try to locate those who saw the accident and thus might be valuable in helping you to prove your case.
Determining fault
Pedestrians in general, have a duty to abide by traffic laws and to observe their surrounding traffic conditions in a reasonable manner. Thus, they are not allowed to begin crossing the street or to continue crossing the street if they see a motor vehicle approaching. If they end up being partially at fault for an accident and thus bear some of the responsibility for it, this may have an impact on any compensation they could eventually recover following the collision.
Seeking compensation
Following a pedestrian accident in which the driver acted in an apparent negligent or reckless manner, you have the right to seek recovery of damages for both future and past medical expenses. You might also receive compensation for both future and past wage losses as well as pain and suffering. The compensation cannot undo the events that led to your injuries, but it may help you to more easily move forward from the potentially life-altering accident.
