From drunk drivers to reckless motorcycle riders, there are all kinds of traffic hazards that can seriously hurt—or even kill—people on foot. Across the United States, roughly one pedestrian is killed every 88 minutes. An additional 137,000 pedestrians need emergency care for non-fatal accident-related injuries annually.
If you were seriously hurt in a pedestrian accident, it’s imperative that you turn to the right attorney for legal counsel. Not all personal injury firms are equipped to handle the many complexities that come with car accident claims, let alone those involving pedestrians.
Should you be wondering what to look for in a lawyer, prioritize the following qualities. As long as you find someone who possesses all of them, your claim will be in good hands:
1. Applicable Experience
You deserve counsel from someone who knows what they’re doing and has actually achieved success with claims like your own in the past. While you don’t necessarily have to hire someone who specializes solely in pedestrian accidents, it’s wise to enlist help from a knowledgeable professional who’s at least well-versed in all the nuances of such scenarios.
2. A Tenacious Spirit
Attorneys who lack tenacity tend to leave money on the table. Instead of pursuing every dollar their clients deserve, they accept lesser settlements so they can avoid the hassle of going to trial.
You want to work with someone who recognizes the extent of the damages you’ve incurred and is determined to make things right, even if that means commencing litigation and taking the case to trial if necessary. Although most valid tort claims are settled, you should beware of otherwise seasoned lawyers who don’t have any trial experience. That’s a clear sign that they lack a fighting spirit.
3. Honesty
Sadly, not all personal injury firms practice with integrity. Some are just out for a payday, and they take advantage of accident victims to further their own interests.
You can gauge an attorney’s integrity by asking strategic questions and evaluating their responses. For example, when you inquire about their fee structure, they should be both transparent and precise about what you’ll be responsible for covering. Likewise, if you ask about the most likely outcome to your claim, they shouldn’t make any guarantees since legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable.
4. Compassion
When recovering from serious injuries, you need a little compassion. You’re facing a long road, and your legal team—whom you’ll be working with closely—needs to be sensitive to the highs and lows that lie ahead.
Discuss Your Claim with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Long Beach
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
If you’re looking for a pedestrian accident lawyer in California who possesses all of the above and more, you’ll find him at the Law Office of Michael D. Waks. Backed by more than 38 years of experience in the legal field, Michael D. Waks is devoted to helping injured, ill, and disabled parties recover the funds needed to make their lives whole again. To set up a free case review with this pedestrian accident attorney in Long Beach, call (562) 206-1939 or fill out our Contact Form.