Pedestrian accidents can have catastrophic consequences, often leading to serious injuries or death. Unfortunately, these accidents are common in Ohio, including Circleville. If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. Kruger & Hodges is a personal injury law firm with extensive experience representing victims of pedestrian accidents throughout Ohio.
Ohio Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Ohio. Ohio consistently ranks among the top 10 states for pedestrian deaths. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, in 2019, there were 1,138 pedestrian accidents statewide, resulting in 117 deaths and 1,021 injuries. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Public Safety reports that in 2018, nearly 25% of all pedestrian accidents occurred at intersections.
What are Pedestrian Rights and Ohio Law?
Ohio law provides certain rights and protections for pedestrians. For example, pedestrians generally have the right-of-way when crossing at marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. If a pedestrian is crossing outside a crosswalk, they must yield to vehicles. However, drivers also have to exercise reasonable care and take steps to avoid hitting pedestrians.
Additionally, Ohio law requires drivers to take certain precautions when driving near pedestrians. For example, drivers are required to exercise reasonable care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian and must give audible warnings, such as sounding their horns, if necessary, to warn pedestrians of their presence. Ohio law also prohibits drivers from passing other vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
Risk Factors and Common Causes
Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents, including:
Driver distraction, such as texting or using a cell phone while driving
Driver impairment, such as drunk or drugged driving
Speeding or reckless driving
Failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians
Poor visibility, such as at night or during inclement weather
Poor road design or maintenance
Pedestrian accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may be severe or even life-threatening. Some common injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
Cuts and bruises
Internal injuries
If You Are an Injured Pedestrian
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, taking certain steps to protect your health and legal rights is important. These steps include:
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured
Contact the police and file a report
Gather information from the driver and any witnesses, including their names, contact information, and insurance information
Take photos of the accident scene, any damage to vehicles, and your injuries
Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options
What is the Pedestrian Injury Claims Process?
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to understand the legal claims process. The first step is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney with extensive experience in pedestrian accidents. At Kruger & Hodges, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the complex legal system and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Once you have contacted us, we will investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. We will gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case on your behalf.
If we determine that another party was responsible for the accident, we will then negotiate with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. We can often settle without going to court, saving time and money.
However, we will take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our attorneys are skilled litigators with deep experience representing clients in court. We will fight aggressively to obtain the compensation you deserve.
It is important to note that Ohio has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. This means that you must file your claim within a certain period after the accident. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Contact Kruger & Hodges for Experienced Legal Representation in Circleville, Ohio
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, the attorneys at Kruger & Hodges are here to help. We understand the devastating impact that these accidents can have on your life, and we are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
