Sturgis Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Sturgis?
Sturgis can become a bustling city, particularly during the annual famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. As pedestrians, we trust that other motorists are paying attention and obeying road rules when we walk down the street or use pedestrian crossings. However, this unfortunately isn’t always the case.
If you or a loved one have been hit by a motorist as a pedestrian in Sturgis, justice and compensation are more important than ever. The team at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. has years of experience in personal injury cases and fighting for the maximum compensation for our clients.
Call us now at (307) 257-7800.
Legal Framework for Motorist vs. Pedestrian Accidents
There are many causes of collisions between drivers and pedestrians. Common errors made by drivers include going over the speed limit, driving distracted, failing to give the right-of-way, not stopping at crosswalks, and driving under the influence.
Unfortunately, when a driver collides with a pedestrian, given the lack of protection a pedestrian has, the consequences for the pedestrian can be life-changing and sometimes fatal.
Compensation
When the driver is at fault for the accident, the pedestrian is legally entitled to seek compensation from the driver. Compensation can be for economic losses (medical expenses or lost wages) or non-economic losses (pain, suffering, or trauma). In the unfortunate instance that the collision leads to the death of the pedestrian, the family is able to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one.
Determining Fault
It is crucial that the pedestrian seeking compensation prove fault by the driver. In some cases such as when a driver has veered off the road and hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk, establishing fault solely for the driver is simple. However, most cases are slightly more complicated such as when the driver may have been going over the speed limit but the pedestrian crossed the road illegally.
When both the driver and the pedestrian contributed to the collision, South Dakota uses a unique version of the “comparative negligence” rule. If the pedestrian’s negligence (their failure to take reasonable care) is measured as more than “slight,” they are prevented from getting compensation from the driver. If the pedestrian’s negligence is only “slight,” the compensation they are entitled to is reduced by the percentage their actions contributed to the collision.
Statute of Limitations
In South Dakota, the statute of limitations means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury caused to you as a pedestrian hit by a motorist.
How a Sturgis Pedestrian Injury Lawyer at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. Can Help
The legal framework for determining fault and getting compensation in a Sturgis pedestrian-motorist accident can get very complicated. The driver’s insurance company will likely offer you a settlement that is less than you are entitled to, and it may not even cover your ongoing expenses as a result of the accident.
Don’t agree to anything before calling an experienced Sturgis injury attorney at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. at (307) 257-7800 for a free consultation. We will fight to ensure you receive the compensation and justice you or your loved one deserves. We know how life-altering this type of accident can be, and we want to take the added stress of compensation and legal matters off your plate.
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