Elderly Man Dies in Pedestrian-Auto Accident

In Las Vegas, an 82-year-old man died after being hit by an automobile.  Witnesses said the victim was watching for traffic before attempting to cross the street, but was looking the wrong way when he stepped into the path of the oncoming vehicle.  A crosswalk was 100 yards away from the accident site.  It does not appear that the driver was impaired or otherwise distracted.

Pedestrian accidents may be the most devastating of all automobile related accidents, because they involve at least one person on foot, unprotected by a vehicle, seat belts, and airbags. When a car collides with a pedestrian, there is an extremely high potential for serious injury, even death. It is imperative that pedestrians

• Cross the street only at intersections or marked crosswalks

• Do not cross in the middle of a street or between cars

• Continuously watch for traffic while crossing the street

• Avoid walking on roads without sidewalks and crosswalks

• Always look both ways before crossing the street – even if it is not a busy intersection

• Do not assume that cars are driving slowly enough for you to cross or for them to stop

• Do not run or dash into the street

If you are seriously injured or lose a loved one in a pedestrian-auto accident that was not your fault (or, was only partially your fault), you may be able to recover damages for medical bills, loss wages, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and funeral expenses. Contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in handling pedestrian accidents. Determining fault can sometimes be a complicated process.  

Insurance companies will sometimes try to reach a quick settlement and limit recovery to the lowest possible amount, before you retain an attorney. Avoid the trap of agreeing to settle too early for too little; always consult with an attorney before considering any offer of settlement from an insurance company.

Even if you consider everything, sometimes, despite the fact that your case is worth more than the insurance company is offering, despite the fact that you have retained an attorney and he/she is recommending against taking the offer, you, simply, need the money. You want to fight for your rights; you want to follow your attorney's advice.

A service called lawsuit funding can help you in your financial time of need.  A litigation funding company will provide the legal financial assistance you need to get through the litigation process without having to settle under severe financial distress. Ask your attorney for advice on whether auto accident lawsuit funding would be the right move for your situation.