How We Help After A Pedestrian Crash

From the first call, we work to make things more manageable. When you reach out to us about a pedestrian crash in or around Bangor, we start by listening. We ask about what happened, your injuries, your medical care so far, and any contact you have already had with insurance companies. We explain in plain language how Maine law may apply and whether it makes sense to move forward together.

If we move ahead, our team begins by gathering the key information that can protect your claim. We typically obtain police reports, review available photographs or video, and identify potential witnesses. When crashes happen in busy areas, such as near downtown crosswalks or commercial centers, we look for surveillance footage before it is lost. Our attorneys also review medical records so we understand the full picture of your injuries and treatment.

In many pedestrian crashes, the driver’s insurance company will move quickly to shape the story in a way that benefits them. Adjusters may ask for recorded statements or push you to accept an early settlement before you know the total cost of your injuries. When you work with us, we handle communication with insurers so you do not have to manage those conversations on your own. We want you to have the time and space to focus on your recovery.

As the case develops, we continue to build proof. That can include working with appropriate professionals to analyze vehicle speed, stopping distance, and visibility, as well as consulting medical professionals about future treatment needs. We document not only medical bills, but also lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the impact on your daily life and family. Our attorneys prepare pedestrian cases as if they could be presented in a Maine civil trial, because careful preparation helps us pursue fair outcomes both in negotiations and, when needed, in court.

What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident

In the moments and days after a pedestrian crash, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Your health is always the priority, but certain steps can also protect your legal rights. Even if some time has already passed, many of these actions can still help.

If you are able, getting prompt medical attention is critical. Serious injuries are not always obvious at the scene, especially head injuries and internal trauma. Emergency medical services in Bangor or a local hospital visit can document your condition and start needed treatment. Follow up with your own providers as they recommend, and keep records of appointments and prescriptions.

Reporting the crash is also important. If police did not respond at the scene, you can still contact law enforcement to make a report so there is an official record of what happened. In the Bangor area, responding officers generally create a written report that can become an important piece of evidence in a later claim.

Evidence from the scene can quickly disappear. If it is safe, photographs of the location, vehicle position, traffic lights or signs, and your visible injuries can be useful later. Clothing and shoes worn at the time of impact may also matter, especially if the defense later argues about visibility. Witness names and contact information are extremely helpful if fault is disputed.

Insurance companies may reach out soon after the crash. You can notify your own auto insurer if there is coverage that might apply, such as medical payments coverage, but be cautious about giving recorded statements to any company before you understand your rights. You are generally not required to answer detailed questions from the driver’s insurer on the spot. Many people find it helpful to speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer Bangor before dealing in depth with adjusters.

We encourage you to reach out to our firm when your immediate medical needs are stable enough to allow a conversation. We can review what has happened so far, talk through your options, and help you decide on next steps. Taking early legal advice often makes it easier to preserve key evidence and avoid missteps that insurance companies might later use against you.

Liability & Common Pedestrian Injuries

One of the biggest worries we hear from pedestrians is, “Will they just say this was my fault?” Drivers and insurers sometimes try to blame the person on foot, especially if the impact occurred outside a marked crosswalk or at night. Maine law looks at the conduct of everyone involved, not just where someone was standing when the crash occurred.

Driver negligence is a frequent cause of pedestrian injuries. Common factors include speeding through neighborhoods, distracted driving while using a phone, failing to yield at crosswalks, backing out of driveways without checking, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In some situations, a driver may have been working at the time, which means an employer’s insurance could also be involved.

There are also cases where responsibility goes beyond the driver and employer. Poorly designed or maintained walkways, inadequate lighting, or unsafe crossing areas can contribute to a crash. In those situations, it may be necessary to examine whether a property owner or public entity played a role. Part of our job is to identify all potentially responsible parties so we can seek recovery from every appropriate source.

Because pedestrians have no physical protection, their injuries are often severe. We frequently see orthopedic injuries such as broken legs or arms, pelvic fractures, and complex joint damage. Head and brain injuries, including concussions and more serious traumatic brain injuries, can affect memory, mood, and the ability to work or manage daily tasks. Spinal injuries and nerve damage can lead to long term pain and mobility limitations.

These physical injuries often bring lasting financial and personal consequences. Time away from work, reduced ability to return to the same job, and the need for future surgery or therapy are common. Enjoyment of everyday activities, from walking in a Bangor neighborhood to spending time with family, may be limited or lost. Our attorneys work to document these changes carefully so that any settlement or verdict reflects not only current bills but also the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have a case if I crossed outside a crosswalk?

You may still have a case even if you were not in a marked crosswalk. Maine law considers the actions of both the driver and the pedestrian. We review details like speed, visibility, and driver attention to assess responsibility and explain how shared fault could affect a potential recovery.

Will I have to go to court in Bangor?

Many pedestrian cases resolve through settlement, although some do proceed in a Maine trial court that serves Bangor. We prepare every case as if it could go to trial, then discuss with you whether to accept any settlement offers. If court becomes necessary, we guide you through each step.

How long does a pedestrian accident case usually take?

The timing depends on factors such as medical recovery, how clearly fault is established, and the insurer’s response. Some cases resolve in several months, while more complex or disputed cases can take longer. We keep you informed about expected timelines and key milestones as your case progresses.

What can I expect when I contact your firm?

When you call, you can expect a respectful, focused conversation about what happened and how you are doing. We gather basic information, answer initial questions, and explain how we might be able to help. The consultation is free, and you choose whether to move forward with our team.

Talk With Our Team About Your Next Steps

If you were hurt as a pedestrian in Bangor or lost a family member in a crash, you do not have to navigate the legal and insurance process alone. Our attorneys at Berman & Simmons are built for high stakes cases, and we are committed to pursuing the compensation and accountability that can help you rebuild.

To talk with a pedestrian accident attorney Bangor about your situation, call (207) 307-0322 today.