In general, pedestrians have the right-of-way when attempting to cross a roadway. When traffic control signals are not in place or in operation the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. KRS 189.570 (4). Given Kentucky’s protection under the laws, pedestrians should not have to fear being hit every time they enter a crosswalk or walk across a parking lot, or on college campuses. Unfortunately, motor vehicles strike pedestrians with alarming frequency. Sadly, many of these accidents result in life-changing or fatal injuries.
When a car strikes you while walking, you will likely face a long recovery as you fight your way back to good health. The best pedestrian accident lawyers could help you seek justice by bringing a personal injury lawsuit against the people responsible for hurting you. Our hardworking personal injury attorneys at Maze Law Offices can fight to get you a positive case outcome.
When a vehicle hits someone on foot, the pedestrian often faces devastating injuries. Pedestrians lack even the most basic protections. Unlike bicyclists, they do not even have a helmet to protect their heads. Unlike occupants in a car accident, they do not have the car’s steel frame, bumper, airbag, or seat belt to shield them from the impact of another vehicle.
With nothing protecting them from the force of a multi-ton vehicle, pedestrians often experience the most severe kinds of injuries. Some pedestrians experience such severely broken bones that they are permanently impaired. Others sustain head injuries ranging from minor concussions to traumatic brain damage, otherwise known as a TBI.
In addition to experiencing physical injuries, pedestrian crashes also often result in serious emotional challenges, especially since these accidents often cause disfigurement. Sometimes, injured pedestrians find it impossible to sleep at night because of fear of waking up with nightmares as they relive the trauma of the accident. Due to this PTSD, they might not be able to get into a car or even go for a walk due to debilitating fear.
Financial struggles are also a reality of pedestrian accidents. People might need to take time away from their jobs to work on their emotional and physical rehabilitation. Even having a few weeks or months off from work can really set someone back financially, causing stress with paying rent, mortgage, and utility bills.
A top rated Mt. Sterling pedestrian accident attorney could fight for a settlement award that would ultimately relieve your stress and make a world of difference in someone’s life after a pedestrian accident and help compensate them for their losses and struggles.
Most pedestrian accidents happen because of driver negligence. Although motorists are usually diligent about checking for other cars on the road, they are not as apt to look around for pedestrians before they merge onto a road or make a turn. While people on foot are harder to spot than cars, that is not an excuse for negligence or carelessness.
Often, negligent drivers strike people on foot because of one of the following:
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Mt. Sterling would search for relevant evidence to build a claim following a pedestrian or bicyclist being struck by a car. They would further review police reports, traffic videos, eyewitness testimony, and other helpful information to present a strong argument on the plaintiff’s behalf to help them recover the maximum settlement necessary to cover their expenses, medical costs, and damages they have suffered.
Recovering physically, mentally, and financially after being struck by a car takes time and great effort. You should not have to waste valuable time worrying about how you will pay your bills during this challenging period. Let a top rated attorney help you deal with the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.
For a free and confidential consultation, contact your local Mt. Sterling pedestrian accident lawyer today at Maze Law Offices to have your questions answered and discover what our dedicated team can do to assist you.