Being struck by a vehicle can result in truly catastrophic, life-altering injuries. The aftermath is not just physical pain, it’s also a rollercoaster of medical emergencies, rehabilitation, and overwhelming financial burdens. 

You might be facing a future irrevocably changed, wondering if there’s any recourse for the devastating harm you’ve suffered. At Ryan Orsatti Law, we understand the immense suffering and injustice that comes with being run over by a negligent driver. 

We see beyond the legal terms to the human being grappling with unimaginable pain and the loss of their former life. Attorney Ryan Orsatti and his dedicated team are here to fight tirelessly for your rights and for full compensation.

If another person’s negligence caused you to be struck and injured by a vehicle, you have strong legal grounds to pursue a personal injury claim and seek justice. 

When you choose pedestrian accident lawyer at Ryan Orsatti Law, you’ll have the privilege of working directly with Attorney Ryan Orsatti himself. He is a dedicated partner who genuinely cares about you and your case, providing unwavering support and seasoned legal guidance throughout your journey.

Crucial Actions to Protect Yourself After Being Run Over

The moments, hours, and days following an incident where you’ve been run over are critical. While your top priority must always be your health and safety, certain immediate actions can significantly protect your legal right to seek compensation and strengthen your future claim.

Prioritize Emergency Medical Attention

Call 911 Immediately: Even if you feel you are not severely injured, or are in shock, call for an ambulance. Internal injuries, head trauma, and spinal damage may not show immediate symptoms.

Accept All Medical Care: Allow paramedics to assess you and transport you to the nearest emergency room. Follow all medical advice, attend every follow-up appointment, and complete all prescribed treatments. Medical records are the backbone of your personal injury claim, definitively linking your injuries to the incident.

Be Thorough with Medical Professionals: Clearly describe all your symptoms, pain, and discomfort to doctors, no matter how minor they seem. This ensures accurate documentation.

Ensure Law Enforcement is Called and a Report is Filed

Wait for Police to Arrive: Do not leave the scene until law enforcement has responded. They will secure the area, gather initial facts, and create an official police report.

Provide Factual Information: Give a concise, factual account of what happened. Do not speculate, apologize, or admit fault. Stick only to what you know. If you are unsure of a detail, state that you do not recall.

Get the Report Number: Obtain the report number and the contact information for the investigating officer. This report is a crucial piece of evidence.

Document the Scene and Gather Evidence (If Safe and Physically Able)

Take Photos and Videos: Use your cell phone to extensively document the scene. Capture:

• The position of the vehicle that struck you, and its damage.
• Your injuries.
• Damage to your bicycle, personal belongings, or clothing.
• The surrounding area.
• The weather conditions.

Identify and Collect Witness Information: Eyewitness testimony is invaluable, especially in “he said, she said” situations. Ask anyone who saw the incident for their name, phone number, and email address. Do not rely on police to do this exclusively.

Exchange Information with the Driver: Get the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, vehicle license plate number, and insurance company name. Provide them with yours.

Do Not Discuss Your Accident or Injuries with Anyone

Avoid Social Media: Do not post about your accident or injuries on social media platforms. Anything you post can be used by the defense to undermine your claim.

Decline Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies: The at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster may contact you quickly. They are not on your side and are looking for reasons to minimize or deny your claim. Politely decline to give any recorded statement until you have consulted with an attorney. You are not legally required to give one.

Limit Conversations: Do not discuss details of the accident with anyone other than your attorney and medical providers.

Keep Meticulous Records:

Start a dedicated file or folder for everything related to your accident. Keep all medical bills, medical records, physical therapy notes, and prescription receipts. Document all lost wages, including pay stubs, employment records, and a log of missed workdays.

Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses and maintain a pain journal, noting your daily pain levels, limitations, and how your injuries impact your life. Save all communications with insurance companies, including dates, times, and the names of the people you spoke with.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Immediately:

The difficulties of proving negligence, dealing with Texas’s comparative fault rules, handling aggressive insurance adjusters, and calculating comprehensive damages require professional legal experience.

An attorney can immediately take over communications with insurance companies, conduct an independent investigation, preserve critical evidence, and ensure you meet all legal deadlines, especially the strict statute of limitations.

Common Scenarios and Liable Parties

Being run over can occur in various devastating scenarios, and identifying all liable parties is crucial for maximizing your recovery.

Pedestrian Accidents

• Crosswalk Incidents: Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
• Dart-Out Accidents: Drivers failing to see pedestrians suddenly entering the roadway, though pedestrians also have a duty to exercise care.
• Sidewalk/Road Shoulder Accidents: Drivers veering off the road and striking individuals on sidewalks or shoulders.
• Parking Lot Incidents: Drivers failing to see pedestrians while backing up or maneuvering in parking lots.

Bicycle Accidents

• “Dooring” Incidents: Occupants opening car doors into the path of a cyclist.
• Right-Hook Accidents: Drivers turning right across a cyclist’s path.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers turning left directly into an oncoming cyclist’s path.
• Rear-End Collisions: Drivers striking cyclists from behind.

Truck Accidents

Being run over by a truck is particularly devastating due to the vehicle’s immense size. Liability in these cases often extends beyond the driver to the trucking company for issues like negligent hiring, improper training, or poor vehicle maintenance.

Drunk Driving Accidents (DWI/DUI Accidents) 

If an intoxicated driver runs you over, their extreme negligence can also open the door for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages, as allowed by Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.003.

We meticulously investigate every detail of your accident to identify every potentially liable party, whether it’s a careless driver, a negligent trucking company, or even an entity responsible for unsafe road conditions. We leave no stone unturned in our relentless pursuit of justice.

Texas-Specific Laws Affecting Your Claim

Handling a personal injury claim after being run over requires a deep understanding of Texas law:

• Texas is an “At-Fault” State: The negligent party is financially responsible for your damages. This means we will seek compensation from their insurance company or directly from them.
• Comparative Fault (Proportionate Responsibility): Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 dictates that if you are found partially at fault for the incident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are legally barred from recovering any damages. Insurance companies will often try to shift blame to the injured pedestrian or cyclist, making a strong legal defense crucial.

• Statute of Limitations: This is perhaps the most critical deadline. For most personal injury claims in Texas, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit according to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. 

While two years may seem like a long time, building a robust case, investigating thoroughly, and engaging in negotiations takes time. Delaying can jeopardize your ability to seek justice. Exceptions are rare and typically involve very specific circumstances.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

Given the severity of injuries from being run over, the damages sought are typically substantial and comprehensive, including:

Economic Damages

Extensive Medical Expenses: This can include emergency care, prolonged hospital stays, multiple surgeries, intensive care, long-term rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, prescription medications, adaptive equipment, home health care, and future medical needs for the remainder of your life.

Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: All income lost due to your inability to work, and crucially, compensation for your loss of future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous profession or working at all.

Cost of Home Modifications: If your home needs modifications to accommodate your new physical limitations.

Cost of Assisted Living or Long-Term Care: If your injuries necessitate ongoing personal or medical assistance.

Property Damage: Cost to repair or replace your personal belongings, or any other property damaged in the incident.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the profound physical pain and mental anguish endured.

Mental Anguish: Addressing the deep emotional distress, psychological trauma, and emotional consequences of catastrophic injuries.

Disfigurement: For permanent scarring, burns, or loss of body parts that alter your appearance.

Physical Impairment/Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For the permanent loss of bodily function, mobility, and the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, and aspects of life you once enjoyed. This also includes “loss of consortium” for your spouse, compensating for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.

We don’t settle for less than you deserve. We work with a network of experts to meticulously calculate the full scope of your damages, ensuring that your future needs are accounted for. We relentlessly advocate for your best interests, presenting a compelling case to secure the maximum financial compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Why We are Your Champion After Being Run Over

When you’ve suffered devastating injuries, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a powerful advocate who genuinely cares. We are prepared to fight tirelessly against well-funded insurance companies and corporate legal teams.

Direct Attorney Involvement & Personalized Care

You’ll have the privilege of working directly with Attorney Ryan Orsatti himself. This isn’t just a promise; it’s our commitment. Ryan is deeply involved in every catastrophic injury case, providing unwavering support, empathy, and transparent communication. 

We will be by your side, guiding you through every step of your legal journey, treating you like a person, not just a case file.

Experience Counts, Results Matter

With many years of focused experience in personal injury law, Attorney Ryan Orsatti has a proven track record of successfully handling complex and severe injury claims, including those involving pedestrians, cyclists, and construction workers. 

He understands the unique challenges of proving liability and valuing catastrophic damages in Texas. Legal Excellence is our driving force.

Relentless Advocacy & Trial Readiness 

We are tenacious in our pursuit of justice. Our firm prepares every case with the expectation of going to trial, which positions us strongly in negotiations. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. 

We have the resources, skill, and determination to present a compelling case to a judge and jury, fighting for the full compensation you need.

Accessibility & No Upfront Costs 

We offer a free case evaluation to discuss your unique situation without any financial burden. We work on a contingency fee basis – meaning you pay no fees unless we secure a victory for your case, making your pursuit of justice accessible. 

Our team is available 24/7, providing immediate support and answering your urgent questions. We can also help arrange transportation to doctors and assist with medical costs/deductibles by getting clients into doctors without upfront costs.

Don’t Suffer in Silence, Take Action for Your Future

Being run over by a vehicle is a traumatic experience that can lead to permanent changes in your life. You deserve compensation for extensive medical needs, lost income, and the profound impact on your quality of life. The legal process is nuanced, and the stakes are incredibly high. Don’t risk your future by trying to navigate this alone.

If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries after being run over by a vehicle in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, or anywhere in Texas, your time to seek justice is limited. Protect your rights and secure your future.

We will be by your side, providing unwavering support and guidance through every step of your legal journey. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win. Se habla español. Let us put our experience and relentless advocacy to work for you. 

Contact San Antonio personal injury law firm today at (210) 525-1200 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.