The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be both physically and emotionally taxing, especially if you were hit by a vehicle while crossing the street or walking around your neighborhood. While an attorney may not be able to erase your injuries or bring back lost loved ones, he or she can help you fight for the compensation you need to move on from this tragic accident. Before you hire an attorney, however, it’s important to know how to find the best one for your case. Here are several steps you can take to find the right lawyer today and put the pieces of your life back together again as soon as possible.



    Know what you need

    If you are looking for a pedestrian accident lawyer, you must know what type of case you need before you start your search. This will help make it easier to find the right person or business to take your case. Here are some of the types of cases that a pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to represent:

    -The driver who hit someone while they were walking on a sidewalk or crossing the street 

    -A person who was injured while using public transportation like trains, buses, and trams 

    -The family members of someone who was killed by someone's negligence while they were walking on a sidewalk or crossing 

    -A cyclist who got hit by a car while they were riding their bike near or on public roads. A pedestrian injury lawyer can also represent someone who has been involved in an automobile accident with an animal on the side of the road 

    -Someone who was hit by another pedestrian while they were walking.

    Know how much it will cost

    A pedestrian accident lawyer can be difficult to find, but there are a few basic questions you should ask before you hire one. The most important question is how much will it cost? It's not just about how much they charge per hour, but also how many hours they anticipate your case will take. 

    For example, if you need a lawyer who can come on-site with you and help recover damages, they'll charge more than someone who just prepares paperwork and writes letters. 

    To get an idea of what your costs might be, do some research on hourly rates in your area and compare that with what the lawyers charge.

    Ask friends/family for recommendations

    When you're looking for a lawyer, it's important to ask friends and family members for recommendations. Why? Simply put, people who know you are more likely to know what type of legal help you need. Don't be shy about asking around either - even if you don't want their name specifically, take down their contact information in case they have any referrals. 

    If you can't find any leads, search on social media: 

    If no one has been recommended by friends or family members, search for lawyers on Facebook or LinkedIn. These sites make it easy to find lawyers near your area who handle cases similar to yours. 

    Find out how long the lawyer has been practicing: 

    You may also want to inquire about how long the person has practiced law as well as whether he or she specializes in your particular field of expertise (i.e., pedestrian accidents). 

    Ask them questions: 

    If you've done enough research and found someone that looks promising, give him or her a call (or shoot them an email) with some questions specific to your needs - this is often the best way to get an idea of how qualified they really are.

    Prepare a questionnaire

    1. What is your experience level with pedestrian accident cases?

    2. What are some types of personal injury cases that you are licensed to handle?

    3. How much will my case cost? 

    4. Do you offer a free consultation meeting with a client? 

    5. How do you feel about taking my case on contingency, meaning that I don't have to pay any fees or costs upfront, and instead I will get reimbursed if I win my case? 

    6. What is your success rate in pedestrian accident cases?

    Know how long it will take to recover from your injuries

    While each injury is different, you can expect that it will take an average of one year from the time of your accident for your body to heal and you will be back to normal. This healing period may vary depending on your age, your general health, and the severity of your injuries. In some cases, recovery may take longer than one year. For example, if you have sustained a severe head injury or broken bones that need surgical repair, then it might take more than one year for you to fully recover. If this is the case, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer before you agree to settle with insurance companies. Knowing what you are getting into when negotiating settlement offers with insurers is important because not all settlements are created equal. If your settlement includes payments for future medical expenses or lost wages, then this is especially important because those payments are taxable and they may even include interest payments that add up over time. You want to make sure that any money received in settlement reflects what’s been lost as well as any additional money needed going forward to cover ongoing costs associated with your injuries.

    Ask how many cases they have handled before yours

    There's nothing worse than being in a car accident, but if you were hit by a car while walking on the street, your injuries are likely even more severe. You will need a lawyer who has handled this type of case before. 

    That's why it is so important to find an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Here are some questions you should ask when interviewing potential candidates: 

    -What percentage of their practice is devoted to pedestrian accidents?

    -What percentage of their time is spent on cases that involve pedestrians getting hit by cars? 

    -What percentage of their cases have they won? 

    -How much do they charge per hour and what are their fees if they lose your case? 

    -Where do they see themselves in five years?

    Get recommendations from lawyers you spoke with previously

    When it comes to finding a pedestrian accident lawyer, you must take time to research all of your options. We recommend speaking with at least five different attorneys, but this number can fluctuate depending on your situation and personal preferences. The key is getting an understanding of what each attorney has done in the past and how they would work with you if you hired them as your lawyer. Don't forget to ask about their fees, too!

    Consider working with multiple lawyers at once

    Of course, this can be quite a time-consuming process, but it may be worth it if you feel that you need multiple perspectives on your case. You might also want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in cases similar to yours. For instance, if you were injured in a pedestrian accident, seek out an accident lawyer who is experienced in this area. When selecting lawyers for your case, consider whether they are willing or able to work together on your case (perhaps as part of a larger team).