Over 7,000 pedestrians lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2020. Also, over 100,000 pedestrians visited the emergency room for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2020. These numbers are a frightening reminder of how unsafe the streets are for pedestrians.
The moments after a pedestrian accident are quite confusing. You have to focus on getting yourself out of harm’s way. Then there’s the need to receive medical assistance. While all this happens, you also have to make sure you have some information about the at-fault party, in case they give you the slip.
As a victim of a pedestrian accident, you should put in the effort to bring the at-fault party to justice. But doing it alone is difficult. You have to focus on your recovery, find ways to meet medical expenses, inform loved ones about the accident, and the list goes on.
This is why you need an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. They possess the skill to navigate the legal maze and ensure you get just compensation for your losses.
Economic damages are among the losses your lawyer will help recover. But what are economic damages?
Economic Damages
These are the financial losses you incur due to the pedestrian accident. Economic damages are also known as special damages. They are easier to calculate when compared to non-economic damages. The following losses fall under the category of economic damages.
- Medical Bills
- Lost Income
- Property Damage
- Assistive Services
We’ll discuss each loss in detail.
Medical Bills
Medical bills are the most common type of loss you’d suffer after a pedestrian accident. Your injuries can range from minor scratches to something as serious as a fracture. You can recover the costs incurred to treat the injuries you suffered in a pedestrian accident, no matter how minor they are. The following damages come under medical bills.
- Emergency room bills
- Diagnostic tests
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Prescription costs
- Therapy
- Surgery costs
Lost Income
Some injuries require rest for a couple of days. Some require hospitalization. You will miss work in such situations. This leads to a loss of income and adds stress when you’re recovering.
You can recover the wages you lost while you were injured. To prove lost income, you have to prove
- The number of days you missed work
- The amount of money you’d have earned during the aforementioned period
The ways to prove it can differ for those who are regularly employed and those who are irregularly employed or self-employed.
Regularly Employed
Request your employer (usually your supervisor or HR) to offer a letter or an email. The letter/email should include details of your employment and the number of days you missed work due to the accident.
Irregular/Self-Employed
Pedestrian accident victims who are irregularly employed or self-employed can prove lost income by providing invoices. If you don’t have any invoices, the following documents will be considered evidence of lost income.
- A sudden drop in billing and invoices
- A copy of the calendar that shows the appointments you canceled because of the accident
- Copies of documents that show the meetings and conferences you had to cancel
Property Damage
As a victim of a pedestrian accident, you may suffer property damage as well. Property damage, in the context of pedestrian accidents, includes the things that were damaged during the accident. The compensation received under property damage will help repair or replace the items that were damaged or destroyed in a pedestrian accident. This can be anything, like your smartphone, jewelry, or even a new electronic device that was damaged due to the accident.
Assistive Services
This damage is applicable to severe injuries like fractures or disabilities. These victims need help, either from a professional or a device, to perform everyday tasks. Damages under this category help recover the money you spend on mobility aids like crutches and wheelchairs, hiring professional help, and other similar assistive services.
The costs incurred to make modifications to your home (like a wheelchair ramp) will also be considered assistive services.
Final Thoughts
Pedestrian accidents have disastrous consequences for the victims. Some run the risk of permanent disability or even death. Victims of pedestrian accidents need to be aware of their rights and file a case to recover the losses they have suffered. You have an increased chance of receiving more compensation when you hire an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to handle your case.
Read Also: What Personal Injuries Can You Claim Compensation For
