If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you might be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps. It’s normal to feel confused or anxious after such an event. Whether you’ve suffered injuries or lost a loved one, the consequences can be serious, and you may be wondering about the compensation you can seek. At Smith & Green, Attorneys at Law, we understand that you are facing difficult circumstances and want to help guide you through this challenging time. This blog will explain what damages you might be able to pursue after a pedestrian accident in Arizona and how we can assist in achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Understanding the Types of Damages in Pedestrian Accidents
After a pedestrian accident, the first thing you’ll want to know is what kind of compensation you may be entitled to. In Arizona, like other states, there are two main types of damages that a victim may seek: economic and non-economic. These two categories cover a broad range of losses, from financial burdens to emotional distress. As you consider your options, it’s crucial to understand the nature of these damages so you can be prepared for what lies ahead.
Economic damages are the measurable financial losses you have incurred because of the accident. This includes medical bills for the treatment of your injuries, which may range from hospital stays to ongoing physical therapy. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can also seek compensation for lost wages. In cases where the injuries are particularly severe, this may extend to future lost earnings, especially if you are no longer able to return to your previous job or continue working in the same capacity.
Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify but are no less important. These damages address the pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life you experience as a result of the accident. You may be dealing with mental anguish, depression, or anxiety due to your injuries, and these losses deserve compensation. Non-economic damages can also cover permanent disfigurement or disabilities caused by the accident, which may affect how you interact with the world around you.
What Medical Expenses Can You Claim After a Pedestrian Accident
One of the most pressing concerns for victims of pedestrian accidents is the medical expenses they incur. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, the cost of medical care can quickly pile up. In Arizona, you may be able to claim compensation for both immediate and future medical needs. This can include emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and any prescription medications you need for recovery.
If your injuries are severe or long-lasting, you may require ongoing medical treatment. In cases where you have sustained permanent injuries, such as brain damage or spinal cord injury, the cost of medical care can be substantial. You could be entitled to compensation for these future medical expenses as well. An attorney can help you estimate these costs and ensure that they are included in your claim.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
When you’re recovering from an accident, it’s common to miss work, and in some cases, you might not be able to return to your job at all. Whether it’s due to physical limitations or the need for long-term recovery, the loss of income can have a serious financial impact. Arizona law allows victims of pedestrian accidents to seek compensation for lost wages. This includes the wages you lost during your recovery period and any wages you may lose in the future if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
In addition to lost wages, if you’ve sustained an injury that prevents you from performing the same type of work or requires a career change, you may also be entitled to compensation for future loss of earning potential. An experienced lawyer can help gather evidence and present a compelling case for these damages, ensuring you are compensated for the financial impact of the accident.
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Pain and Suffering in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Pain and suffering is a category of non-economic damages that addresses the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on you. This type of damage compensates for the pain you feel from your injuries, both immediate and long-lasting. It can also include the emotional distress caused by the trauma of the accident itself, as well as any fear, anxiety, or depression you may experience afterward.
For example, if you’ve been severely injured and need ongoing medical treatment, your life may be affected in ways you never expected. You may no longer be able to do the things you once enjoyed, and your relationships with friends and family might change as you adjust to your new circumstances. These emotional losses can be just as significant as the physical injuries you have sustained, and they deserve recognition and compensation.
Disfigurement and Disability Compensation
In some pedestrian accidents, the injuries can be so severe that they result in permanent disfigurement or disability. This could involve scarring, amputation, paralysis, or other life-altering injuries that change the way you look or function. In Arizona, victims of such accidents may be entitled to compensation for these lasting effects.
Disfigurement and disability compensation can help cover the emotional pain and physical limitations caused by these injuries. It can also provide for the ongoing needs of someone who will require assistance or accommodations in daily life. For example, if you’ve lost a limb or have become permanently disabled, you may need to make changes to your home, use mobility aids, or rely on caregivers to help with daily activities. These changes can be costly, and compensation can help offset some of these expenses.
Punitive Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
While most damages in pedestrian accident cases are compensatory, meaning they are intended to reimburse the victim for their losses, there are also punitive damages in certain situations. Punitive damages are awarded not to compensate for losses but to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or harmful behavior. For example, if the driver who hit you was intoxicated, driving under the influence, or engaged in reckless behavior like speeding or running a red light, the court may decide to award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, and they depend on the circumstances of the accident. However, if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious, this may be something worth pursuing. Our firm can help investigate the details of your case to determine whether punitive damages might be applicable.
The Role of a Lawyer in Pursuing Damages
Navigating the legal process after a pedestrian accident can be daunting, and you may be unsure about how to proceed. This is where a skilled attorney can make a significant difference. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and work with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can also represent you in court if needed, advocating on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome.
At Smith & Green, Attorneys at Law, we are committed to helping victims of pedestrian accidents in Arizona. Our team will listen to your story, provide you with the guidance you need, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. We understand that your injuries have had a profound impact on your life, and we are here to ensure that you are not left to deal with the consequences alone.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Arizona, it’s important to know that you don’t have to face this process by yourself. At Smith & Green, Attorneys at Law, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of pedestrians who have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence. We understand how overwhelming it can be to manage your recovery while dealing with legal matters, and we are here to help. Our team has the experience and resources to pursue your case and ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing justice and compensation for your injuries.