Reno pedestrians hit by vehicles often face serious injuries, long recoveries, and mounting bills. If you were injured while walking, Maier Gutierrez & Associates is ready to help. Our firm will connect you with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer who will evaluate your case and fight for maximum compensation. Drivers have a duty to share the road safely—and when they fail, we hold them accountable. You don’t have to face this alone. Call 775-406-8981 for a free consultation and speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer who will advocate for your recovery.
How to File a Personal Injury Claim as an Injured Pedestrian
Being hit as a pedestrian is a frightening experience. You are vulnerable on the road, and an accident with a vehicle can cause serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt while walking in Reno, you might wonder how to protect your rights and seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
Filing a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming. The process involves several important steps, but understanding them can help you take control of your situation.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Your health and safety come first. Even if you feel okay after the accident, get checked by a medical professional right away. Some injuries may not be obvious but can worsen over time. A prompt medical evaluation creates a record that links your injuries to the accident, which is essential for your claim.
Keep copies of all medical reports, treatments, and bills. These documents will help prove your damages.
Report the Accident to Authorities
Call the police to report the crash, even if the injuries seem minor. The responding officers will create an official accident report. This report includes important details such as the location, time, conditions, statements from involved parties, and any citations issued.
Request a copy of the police report for your records. It serves as an official account of the accident and can support your claim.
Gather Evidence at the Scene if Possible
If you are able, collect information and evidence before leaving the scene or as soon as you can afterward. Important details include:
- Contact and insurance information of the driver involved
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
- Photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any traffic signals or signs
- Notes about weather and lighting conditions
This evidence helps reconstruct the accident and shows what happened.
Avoid Making Statements That Could Hurt Your Case
Be cautious about what you say to the other driver, witnesses, or insurance adjusters. Do not admit fault or apologize, as these statements can be used against you later.
When speaking to insurance companies, give only basic facts and avoid speculation. It’s often wise to consult with a lawyer before providing detailed statements or signing any documents.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
Pedestrian injury cases can be complicated. Laws about fault and damages vary, and insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts. An experienced Reno personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the process.
Attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win compensation for you. Seeking legal advice early can improve your chances of a successful claim.
Determine Who Was at Fault
Fault is central to a personal injury claim. In pedestrian accidents, drivers often have a duty to yield or exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians. However, fault can be shared if the pedestrian was partially responsible, for example by crossing against a signal or outside a crosswalk.
Nevada uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but if you are 51% or more responsible, you may be barred from recovering damages.
Your attorney can help investigate and establish fault by collecting evidence and working with experts.
File a Claim With the Driver’s Insurance Company
Once fault is clear, you or your attorney can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. The claim requests payment for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and other damages.
The insurance company will review your evidence and may offer a settlement. Negotiations are common, and an attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Consider Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. This involves submitting a formal complaint to the court and proceeding through the legal process.
Your lawyer will handle filings, discovery, negotiations, and if required, represent you at trial. Most pedestrian injury cases settle before trial, but having an attorney experienced in litigation strengthens your position.
Keep Track of All Your Expenses and Losses
Document all costs related to your injury. This includes medical bills, prescriptions, transportation to appointments, property damage, and lost wages. Also keep records of how your injuries affect your daily life and mental health.
This documentation helps demonstrate the full impact of the accident and supports your claim for compensation.
Be Aware of Time Limits
Nevada law sets a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, usually two years from the date of the accident. Filing after this deadline can result in losing your right to sue.
Starting your claim promptly ensures you meet all legal deadlines.
Stay Patient and Focused on Recovery
Personal injury claims can take time. Insurance investigations, negotiations, and medical treatments often stretch over months. Patience is important, but so is staying proactive by cooperating with your attorney and keeping records updated.
Your priority should be recovering from your injuries while your legal team works to secure compensation.
Protect Your Rights with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences. At Maier Gutierrez & Associates, our Reno team is committed to helping victims pursue justice. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney will investigate your case, determine liability, and work to recover fair compensation for your injuries. We understand the long road to recovery and are ready to help you every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, we encourage you to take action today. Call 775-406-8981 to schedule your free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney who cares.