Automobile and Pedestrian Collisions
Overview
Automobile and pedestrian collisions are often caused by negligence – speeding, inattention, improper use of a cell phone, failure to follow traffic signals, or failure to drive the way the traffic conditions at the time require. We at Bekman, Marder, Hopper, Malarkey & Perlin, L.L.C. have been helping clients regroup after automobile collisions for decades.
If you are injured because another driver was negligent, the other driver or his/her employer or insurance company is responsible for paying you for your medical bills, lost wages, and the value of the pain and suffering you endured. Communicating with the other driver’s insurance company can be very stressful, especially since their goal is to pay you as little as possible.
Our lawyers will help you navigate the claims process, communicate with insurance representatives, and try to resolve your case in a way that truly compensates you for your injuries. If the insurance company is not being reasonable, we will bring a lawsuit and take the case to court.
In order to maximize your recovery and ensure that the litigation process goes smoothly, you should do the following if you are involved in an auto collision:
Record the name and badge number of the police officer who responds to the accident scene, and ask them to provide you the report number. The report is the official record of the collision, and should include the date and time, the weather conditions, information about all the drivers, insurance information, details about how the accident occurred, and other important information.
Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first. It is important to have an official record of your symptoms right after the accident, and as they progress. Most importantly, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about follow-up. Do what you can to avoid missing appointments.
Once your vehicle is in a place of safety, take photographs of your car. If you can, also take photos of the other vehicle(s) involved in the collision, your physical injuries, and the scene of the accident. Be sure to save the photographs in a place other than on your cell phone, so that they are not lost.
Document the time you miss from work and all out-of-pocket expenses. Out-of-pocket expenses may include the cost of co-pays for medical appointments, prescriptions drugs, rental car expenses, over-the-counter medications you purchase, medical supplies that you need, or personal property that was destroyed in the collision.
Make a claim for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) through your own insurance company. PIP is no-fault insurance coverage that helps you pay for medical expenses and lost wages. The lawyers at BMHMP can help you make this claim and coordinate with your doctors, because the paperwork can be confusing.
If you live in the District of Columbia, make sure to contact the lawyers at BMHMP before making a PIP claim, because making such a claim could have an effect on your ability to file a claim against the negligent driver.
Contact the lawyers at Bekman, Marder, Hopper, Malarkey & Perlin if you or a family member has been hurt in an automobile collision. We will do our best to help make you whole.
