There is no better way to be prepared than to be filled with knowledge. Continue reading to learn the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Washington D.C, what you should do after being involved in an accident, and the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington D.C.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Washington D.C.?
Unfortunately, there is a lot of negligence on the road. Most of the common causes of pedestrian accidents are caused simply by drivers not paying attention to the road. Some of the most common causes of negligent driving include the following:
- Reckless driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Use of electronic devices
- Irresponsible speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving while tired or fatigued
Other factors may also come into play when a pedestrian accident occurs. Some of these factors include road and weather conditions:
- Poor visibility
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Potholes
- Uneven surfaces
- Closed sidewalks
- Construction
If you believe that road conditions are a prominent factor in your accident, you may want to file a personal injury claim against a municipality for its failure to keep up with road maintenance.
What should I do after being involved in an accident?
Having a plan for a situation as dire as a pedestrian accident is a great way to be prepared. If you follow these steps after getting into an accident, you can better protect yourself and your future:
- Call 911. The police and an ambulance should arrive on the scene immediately after the accident occurs. Do not leave the spot and do not move any vehicles if possible. The police will conduct a police report while the ambulance can treat any injuries sustained. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention directly following the incident.
- After you have been treated for your injuries, be sure to collect any medical documentation.
- You and the other party involved should have a short conversation to exchange contact and insurance information.
- Speak with any witnesses to collect their contact information
- Take photos or videos of the scene. Photos should include any damages and injuries.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you to recover the compensation you deserve.
What is the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims in Washington D.C.?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington D.C. is three years. This means that you will have three years from the date of your accident to file a claim against the negligent party to collect your compensation. It is important to take legal action as soon as you can because if you fail to do so within the allotted window of time, you will most likely lose your right to file a lawsuit. Reach out to an experienced Washington D.C. personal injury attorney today to get started as soon as possible.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED WASHINGTON D.C. FIRM
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
