Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Maine

Being involved in a pedestrian accident is frightening and often leaves the pedestrian hurt, scared, and confused. The following is a list of questions frequently asked by individuals who have been in a pedestrian accident. It is our hope that the answers to these questions can help steer you towards a full physical and financial recovery from your injuries.

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, the following is a list of steps you should take to protect both your physical condition and legal rights:

1. Call 911
2. Obtain the driver’s information and insurance information
3. Write down witness information
4. Do not discuss fault, negligence, or attempt to negotiate with the driver
5. Seek medical care immediately
6. Write down what happened
7. Document your injuries
8. Report the accident to your insurance
9. Contact a qualified Maine pedestrian accident attorney

Adherence to these guidelines will help preserve your claim and ensure you receive the medical treatment necessary.

It is always best to consult with a licensed and qualified Maine pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. Crucial evidence may be lost forever if not immediately gathered by your experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney can set about obtaining witness statements while the incident is still fresh, photographing the scene, documenting your injuries, and subpoenaing any available evidence, such as traffic or security videos.

Motor safety groups and accident researchers have posed numerous reasons for the rise in pedestrian accidents and fatalities in recent years. Two main possible causes are:

1. Distracted driving—a new study published by the journal of U.S. Public Health Service and the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General found that distracted driving is the most prominent reason for the surging death toll among pedestrians. The study examined police officer citations written following accidents involving pedestrians. It found that in 18.6% of all these accidents, officer issued distracted driving citations. According to this and other studies, it is estimated that one out of every ten traffic fatalities is caused by a distracted driver. Distracted driving continues to become more and more prevalent as the mobile telephone market grows and develops.
2. Distracted walking—distraction can be dangerous for pedestrians as well as drivers. Distracted walkers have been reported to walk into traffic, walk off roadways and bridges, and fall into oncoming motor vehicles.

Each pedestrian accident is unique, and the validity as well as the value of your case will depend largely on your individual circumstances. To prevail in a personal injury claim, the pedestrian must establish the driver acted negligently. Often, when drivers violate pedestrian safety laws, this can be proven.

Injured pedestrians can seek compensation for negligent motorists for their: past medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment and more.

It is important to note that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, your recovery will not be barred under Maine’s comparative negligence statute.

The Maine law firm of Peter Thompson & Associates is renowned for our dedication to helping injured pedestrians obtain a full and complete recovery from the negligent motorists who harmed them. Peter Thompson & Associates offers three convenient office locations Falmouth, Bangor, and Portland. Call us today at 1 800.804.2004 to schedule an initial consultation.