Reno
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The attorneys at Sweet James have been helping injured accident victims for more than 25 years. If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, a Reno pedestrian accident lawyer from our team can deal with the insurance company and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Role of a Reno Pedestrian Accident Attorney

A pedestrian accident lawyer serving Reno does more than just file paperwork. Some of the key ways a lawyer can help include:

• Investigating the accident: We can collect evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements to determine exactly how the collision occurred.
• Calculating all of your damages: Pedestrian accidents often result in long-term injuries. We can help ensure that your claim accounts for all of your medical costs, lost income, rehabilitation expenses, and future financial needs.
• Handling insurance company communication: Insurance adjusters may try to coerce you into saying something that hurts your claim. We can manage these conversations and work to secure a fair settlement offer.
• Preparing for litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we can file a lawsuit and present your case in court.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Accident?

Since every case is unique, there is no average pedestrian accident settlement. Cases involving relatively minor injuries may settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while cases involving severe or permanent injuries may settle for hundreds of thousands or even millions. 

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the total cost of your medical treatment, lost income, and the overall impact the accident has on your quality of life. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help pursue the maximum possible settlement available to you.

What Types of Damages Are Available?

Victims of pedestrian accidents are entitled to seek compensation for a variety of losses, including:

• Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any ongoing medical treatment related to the accident.
• Lost income: You can pursue compensation for wages you lost while recovering, as well as income you may lose in the future if your injuries affect your ability to work.
• Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma caused by the accident and its aftermath.
• Rehabilitation costs: You can recover compensation for rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other treatments needed to regain mobility or basic functions.
• Property damage: You can recover compensation for personal belongings that were damaged in the accident, such as phones, clothing, or other items you were carrying at the time.
• Punitive damages: You can seek punitive damages in cases where the driver’s actions were especially reckless or intentional.

A personal injury lawyer can help make sure your settlement covers your losses.

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Nevada?

According to NRS 11.190(4)(e), you generally have two years from the date of a pedestrian accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation, even if your case has merit. 

An attorney can help you file your claim as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Reno

Pedestrian accidents can occur for many reasons. Common causes in Reno include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who are distracted by their phones, GPS systems, or other passengers in the vehicle may fail to notice pedestrians.
• Speeding: Higher speeds reduce drivers’ reaction time and increase the severity of injuries in the event of a collision.
• Failure to yield at crosswalks: Nevada law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, yet many drivers don’t.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment slows a driver’s reaction time and affects their judgment, greatly increasing their likelihood of hitting a pedestrian.
• Poor visibility conditions: Nighttime driving, bad weather, and poorly lit streets can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
• Left-hand turns at intersections: Drivers turning left often focus on oncoming traffic and fail to check for pedestrians crossing the street.

A Reno personal injury lawyer can investigate your accident and identify the cause.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Reno?

After a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to:

1. Call law enforcement: A police report will document the incident for your claim.
2. Collect evidence: Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries can help establish what happened.
3. Obtain witness information: Statements from bystanders can provide valuable independent accounts of the accident.
4. Seek medical help: Be sure to get evaluated by a doctor, even if your injuries don’t seem serious.
5. Avoid discussing fault: Statements made at the scene or to insurance companies may later be used against you.
6. Talk to an attorney: Reach out to a lawyer right away to get help with your case.

Consult a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Reno

Recovering from a pedestrian accident can be a long and difficult journey. A Reno pedestrian accident attorney from Sweet James can handle every aspect of your case and work tirelessly to obtain fair compensation so you can focus on your health.

Schedule a free case review to discuss your case with an attorney.