Punitive Damages Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are highly vulnerable to accidents with moving vehicles and deserve to be fully compensated when a pedestrian accident directly results from a driver’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation.
If the vehicle-driver in the accident is found to be negligent, and legally liable as a result, you will be entitled to compensation for the damages you sustained. In some cases, this compensation includes “punitive damages.” Punitive damages, while rare in personal injury cases, are awarded in cases in which the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless and should be deterred not only directly, but also generally.
In Kelsay v. Motorola Inc. (72 Ill.2d 172, 186 (Ill. 1978)), the Illinois Supreme Court clarified these damages as such: “[P]unitive or exemplary damages may be awarded when torts are committed with fraud, malice, deliberate violence or oppression or when the defendant acts with such gross negligence as to indicate a wanton disregard of the rights of others.”
In a pedestrian accident, punitive damages may be awarded if, for example, a driver struck a pedestrian while intoxicated and also fled the scene, making him/her guilty of both intoxicated driving and a hit-and-run simultaneously. The driver in this scenario is indeed grossly negligent and the conduct was deliberate and reckless enough to warrant punitive damages in order to deter such actions in society in general. In some cases, intoxicated driving alone may be sufficient for punitive damages provided that it directly resulted in the accident and the victim’s injuries, so the help of an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to ensure that you earn all of the compensation for which you may be eligible.
We are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, including when you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident. We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at the work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
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