While walking is an excellent form of exercise, being a pedestrian on the roads of Bakersfield has its risks. Unfortunately, the number of pedestrian accidents in California is on a constant rise. If you ever get injured in a pedestrian accident in the state, you need to know your rights and take action to recover compensation from the at-fault party. Working with one of Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers can help your case in many ways. In this post, we are sharing the key reasons why hiring an attorney is important to get a fair settlement. 

Get advice

People are often unsure of the next steps to take after a pedestrian accident. Your immediate concern should be your recovery. If you have endured injuries, get medical treatment immediately, even when the injuries don’t seem severe right away. Meeting an attorney is important to get advice on the case. The right lawyer can guide you on your legal rights and the next steps you need to take. Just because you were injured doesn’t always mean a big settlement. Your lawyer will ensure that you have a realistic understanding of the circumstances. 

Proving fault and liability

Filing a claim is easy, but you have to prove liability and fault. You have to prove three things to win a pedestrian accident claim. Firstly, the other party owed a “duty of care”. Secondly, they were reckless or negligent, which caused the accident. In other words, their action should be the direct cause of the accident. Thirdly, you have suffered losses and damages because of the accident. When you hire an attorney, they will do what it takes to find evidence and gather information to strengthen your case. They will also get details that can come in handy to prove liability, such as witness statements. 

Dealing with the insurance company

Insurance companies and their representatives are not here to help you. The insurance claims adjuster may adhere to tactics to prove that you were negligent to deny the claim. Get an attorney so that you don’t have to deal with the claims process on your own. Your lawyer can ensure that you have the necessary support, and more importantly, they wouldn’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. If the offered settlement is too less than what you have endured and suffered, your lawyer can even file a lawsuit. 

Check for top-rated pedestrian accident attorneys in Bakersfield now.