If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Worcester, MA, you may be thinking about filing a personal injury claim to get compensated for your injuries and other losses. But before you start the process, it’s important to address some common myths that might be holding you back from pursuing the compensation you deserve. These misconceptions can confuse victims into either thinking they don’t have a case or believing they’ll automatically win one.
So, let’s clear the air and debunk six common myths about pedestrian accidents in Worcester.
1. You Can’t Be at Fault for Your Injuries
Some people believe that if you’re a pedestrian, you can’t be blamed for an accident. This simply isn’t true. Pedestrians must still follow traffic rules, like crossing at crosswalks or obeying traffic signals. If you dart into traffic or ignore a signal, you might be held partly or fully responsible for what happens.
Also, keep in mind that Massachusetts is a no-fault state for car accidents, which means your insurance may cover some of your injuries regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you’re filing a personal injury claim, determining fault can impact your case. This is why having a knowledgeable Worcester pedestrian accident lawyer on your side can help.
2. Smartphones Are the Leading Cause of Pedestrian Injuries
While smartphones have certainly led to distracted walking, they aren’t the top reason pedestrians get hurt. According to a study from the University of British Columbia, only about 20% of serious or fatal pedestrian accidents were linked to distracted walking. A mere 0.2% of these accidents were caused by electronic distractions, like texting.
Distraction can happen in many ways, not just through phone use. Things like talking with a friend or even zoning out can also lead to accidents. While it’s smart to avoid distractions, focusing solely on phones oversimplifies the issue.
3. It’s Your Fault if You Get Hurt
This myth blames the pedestrian for the accident in almost every case, but the reality is more nuanced. Sure, if you jaywalk or cross the street recklessly, you may be found at fault. For example, if you run into the path of an oncoming car, the driver may not have enough time to stop, and you could be held liable.
But drivers can also be at fault. If a driver runs a red light, speeds through a crosswalk, or doesn’t stop at a stop sign, they are likely responsible for the accident. In these situations, it’s important to prove the driver’s negligence, and this is where an experienced Worcester pedestrian accident lawyer comes in handy. They’ll help gather the evidence to show that you were careful and that the driver’s carelessness caused your injuries.
4. You Can Only Be Compensated if You Were Hit by a Car
Here’s a big one—people often think that if they weren’t physically hit by a car, they can’t file a claim. This is false. Let’s say a reckless driver swerves towards you, and you leap out of the way to avoid getting hit but end up injuring yourself in the process. Even though the car didn’t touch you, you still have a valid claim because the driver’s reckless behavior caused your injury.
The important thing here is proving that the driver’s actions directly led to your injury, which a Worcester pedestrian accident lawyer can help by gathering witness statements, video footage, or other crucial evidence.
5. Major Injuries Can’t Be Mistaken for Minor Ones
It’s easy to assume that if you were hit by a car, you’d immediately know if you had major injuries. But that’s not always true. Internal injuries, concussions, or even soft tissue damage might not show immediate symptoms. You might feel fine right after the accident but develop serious pain or complications later on.
Always get checked by a medical professional after any accident, no matter how minor you think your injuries are. Medical records will protect your health and strengthen your case if you need to seek compensation later.
6. A Slow-Moving Car Can’t Cause Serious Injuries
While a speeding car certainly has the potential to cause devastating injuries, don’t underestimate what a slow-moving vehicle can do. If you have pre-existing health conditions, brittle bones, or are elderly, even a low-speed impact can result in severe injuries or even permanent disabilities.
In any case, if you’ve been injured, it’s important to contact a lawyer right away. An experienced Worcester pedestrian accident lawyer will know how to handle cases involving slow-moving vehicles and can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Bonus Myth: Hiring a Lawyer Is Expensive
Many accident victims shy away from hiring a lawyer because they fear the cost, especially if they’re already dealing with medical bills and lost wages. But here’s the good news: most personal injury lawyers, including Worcester pedestrian accident lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. There are no hidden fees or retainers to worry about.
Pedestrian accidents can be life-changing, and understanding your rights is crucial. If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s important to know that myths and misinformation can prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Don’t let these common myths stop you from getting your needed help. Reach out to an experienced Worcester pedestrian accident lawyer who can guide you through the process, explain your rights, and help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you’re ready to talk, call us at 508-999-0800 to schedule a free initial consultation. Let us help you on your road to recovery.
