There are different types of pedestrian accidents. Some accidents are major, and some are minor. Either way, an injury can change your life and may require help from an attorney. If you're unsure whether your situation warrants hiring legal representation, here are four times when a pedestrian accident lawyer can help.

1) You Were Hit by a Car While in a Crosswalk

If you were hit by a car while in a crosswalk, you might have a case against the driver. Drivers are supposed to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and if they don't and you're injured, they may be held liable.

You can verify whether the driver yielded by looking for skid marks at the scene of the accident. If there are no skid marks, it's likely that the driver didn't even attempt to brake. Video surveillance may also be available if the accident occurred in front of a store or you had a dash cam in your car. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will know how to investigate your case and build a strong argument against the driver.

2) You Were Hit by a Car in a Parking Lot

Even if you weren't in a crosswalk, the driver may still be held liable if they were not paying attention or if they were driving recklessly. If you can prove that the driver was at fault, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries.

To do this, you'll need witnesses who saw the accident or video footage of the accident. Once again, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney will know how to investigate your case and find evidence to support your claim.

3) The Driver Didn't Stop After Hitting You

If the driver hits you and doesn't stop, they may be charged with a hit-and-run. In some states, hit-and-run accidents are automatically considered to be the fault of the driver. This means that even if you weren't in a crosswalk or couldn't prove that the driver was at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries.

Of course, it can be difficult to track down a hit-and-run driver. If you have any information about the driver or the car, an experienced lawyer will know how to find them and hold them liable. You should also report this accident to the police, even if the driver left quickly.

4) You Were Injured in an Accident Involving a Government Vehicle

There are special rules that apply when you're hit by a government vehicle. If you were injured in an accident involving a government vehicle, you may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will know how to navigate these complicated cases and help you get the compensation you deserve.

No matter what type of pedestrian accident you were involved in, an experienced lawyer can help. If you're not sure whether you have a case, the best thing to do is schedule a consultation with an attorney who handles pedestrian cases. They'll be able to review the details of your accident and let you know what recommendations they have for your situation. For more information, contact a service provider like Stawicki Anderson & Sinclair.