How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get Compensation

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the consequences are often life-changing. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no physical protection in a collision. Even a vehicle moving at relatively low speeds can cause serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, and more. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, you may be facing not only physical pain but also medical bills, time away from work, and emotional stress.  

In these difficult moments, you don’t have to go through the process alone. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, build a strong case, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Pedestrian Accidents Are More Common Than You Think

Pedestrian accidents are tragically common across the United States, and Hawaii is no exception. According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, pedestrian fatalities accounted for a significant portion of the state’s traffic-related deaths in recent years. Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 7,000 pedestrian fatalities in a single year, the highest number in decades.

Many of these accidents are preventable, often occurring due to driver negligence, such as speeding, failing to yield at crosswalks, or distracted driving. In busy urban areas like Honolulu, tourists who are unfamiliar with local traffic laws and congested roads add another layer of risk for pedestrians.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Understanding what led to your accident is an important first step. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Distracted driving, including texting, eating, or adjusting the GPS
• Speeding, which reduces a driver’s reaction time
• Failure to yield, especially at marked or unmarked crosswalks
• Driving under the influence, alcohol and drugs impair judgment and coordination
• Poor visibility, nighttime, or bad weather conditions can make it harder for pedestrians to see the road and obstacles ahead
• Unsafe road design, such as a lack of crosswalks or pedestrian signals

An experienced attorney will investigate the specific circumstances of your case to determine who was at fault and what legal strategies are most effective.

What a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

When you hire a lawyer after a pedestrian accident, you’re gaining an advocate who understands the law, the insurance system, and the real-world impact of your injuries. Here’s how an attorney can help:

1. Investigate the Accident Thoroughly

Lawyers gather critical evidence to support your claim, including:

• Police reports
• Traffic camera or surveillance footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Driver history and phone records
• Accident reconstruction expert input (if needed)

This information can help establish liability and counter any claims that you were at fault.

2. Handle All Communication with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. They may question the extent of your injuries or shift blame onto you. Your lawyer will handle all communication and negotiations, protecting you from pressure and ensuring your rights are respected.

3. Calculate the Full Value of Your Damages

After an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Disfigurement or permanent disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Your attorney will consider both the immediate and long-term impact of your injuries when calculating what your claim is worth.

4. File a Lawsuit if Necessary

While many cases are settled outside of court, some require litigation. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court. Their experience will be key in presenting your case clearly and effectively.

What If You Were Partially at Fault?

Hawaii follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you were jaywalking and a driver hit you while speeding, a court might assign 20% of the blame to you and 80% to the driver. If your total damages were $100,000, you would still be eligible to receive $80,000.

Insurance companies may try to use this law to reduce their liability, so having an experienced pedestrian accident attorney by your side is especially important.

We Understand This Is a Difficult Time

After a serious accident, you may be struggling with physical pain, anxiety, and financial uncertainty. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You shouldn’t have to navigate this situation on your own, especially while trying to recover. At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we treat every client with the care and attention they deserve. We’re here to make the process easier, so you can focus on healing.

You Deserve Experienced Legal Support

Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner has been serving injury victims across Hawaii for decades. Our firm is known for its skill, dedication, and successful results. We understand the unique legal landscape of pedestrian accident cases in Hawaii and how to build strong claims that stand up to insurance companies and in court.

We’ve helped countless clients get the compensation they needed after devastating accidents. We are ready to help you. 

Call for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to get legal advice. The sooner we begin working on your case, the stronger your position will be.

Call Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner today at 808-746-7729 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s talk about what happened and how we can help you move forward with confidence.