Who Pays for My Medical Bills After a Pedestrian Accident?

According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, nearly 42,000 bikers and 60,000 pedestrians are injured in roadway crashes every year. That means that right now, hundreds of people across the country are lying in hospital beds, recovering from pedestrian accidents, and worrying about who’s going to cover their medical bills.

At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, we know how difficult life can be after an accident caused by someone else’s actions. For over 50 years, we’ve been helping victims secure justice and the compensation they deserve. If someone is responsible for your injuries, you don’t have to face this challenge alone—with the right evidence and strategy, we can help you hold them accountable and seek the financial support you need to move forward.

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Pedestrian Accident?

In most pedestrian accident cases, the liability for covering medical expenses falls on the at-fault party’s insurance. If the driver involved is found to be responsible for the accident, their auto insurance policy typically covers the victim’s medical bills, provided they have the required liability coverage. This process involves filing a claim with the driver’s insurance and, in some cases, negotiating for full compensation for medical costs.

Establishing Fault in a Pedestrian Accident

To successfully hold someone liable in an Ohio court, four elements must be satisfied:

• Duty of Care: Prove that the driver owed you a reasonable duty to act responsibly, such as obeying traffic signals and yielding to pedestrians.  
• Breach of Duty: Establish that the driver breached this duty, such as by speeding, texting, or recklessly failing to yield.  
• Causation: Prove that the driver’s actions directly led to your injuries.  
• Damages: Confirm that your injuries resulted in measurable losses like medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress.

This process can get highly technical and often requires thorough evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and professional analysis.

Factors Affecting Compensation

The final compensation you may receive in a pedestrian accident case depends on several factors. These include:

1. Severity of Injuries and Medical Expenses

The greater your injuries, the more expensive your medical bills will likely be. This includes both immediate costs, such as emergency care and surgeries, and long-term expenses, like physical therapy or future medical needs.

2. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If your injuries keep you from working, you can claim compensation for your lost income. Injuries that impact your ability to work long-term may also entitle you to compensation for reduced earning capacity.

3. Pain and Suffering

Accidents often have emotional and psychological impacts that go beyond physical injuries. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the emotional distress and anxiety you may experience.

4. Impact on Quality of Life

For those who suffer debilitating injuries, compensation may be awarded for permanent lifestyle changes, such as loss of mobility, inability to participate in hobbies or loss of independence.

Building a strong case requires gathering detailed evidence of how the accident has affected your health, income, and overall well-being.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be complex, especially when it comes to determining how to pay for medical bills and seek compensation from the at-fault party. A personal injury lawyer can streamline the process in the following ways:

• Legal Experience: They’ll help you understand your rights, identify all potential sources of compensation, and build a solid case.
• Negotiation Skills: Lawyers can work with insurance companies to help you receive a fair settlement.
• Evidence Collection: They’ll gather accident reports, witness statements, and professional opinions to strengthen your case.

Having an advocate in your corner ensures you don’t have to face the burden of mounting medical bills alone.

Turn to Our Team After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Ohio, knowing where to direct your next steps can be overwhelming. At Lafferty Gallagher & Scott, we have decades of experience serving accident victims in Ohio. Our compassionate and skilled attorneys will fight tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our team lead you through the legal process.