Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating types of traffic collisions, often leading to serious or even fatal injuries. In Urbana, Ohio, where pedestrians share the road with cars, trucks, and other vehicles, the risk of accidents is ever-present. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to understand your rights and seek legal representation to get compensated for injuries and damages. At Kruger & Hodges, our experienced Urbana pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to helping Urbana residents recover from the physical, emotional, and financial impact of these life-altering events.
Pedestrian Accidents: A Growing Concern in Urbana
Despite efforts to improve pedestrian safety, accidents involving pedestrians continue to rise across Ohio. Urbana, with its mix of busy streets, intersections, and crosswalks, is not immune to these dangers. Whether it’s a distracted driver failing to yield at a crosswalk or a speeding vehicle ignoring traffic signals, pedestrians are at risk of serious harm whenever they share the road with vehicles.
Remember that pedestrian accidents often occur in areas with high foot traffic, including school zones, residential neighborhoods, and downtown districts like those in Urbana. These accidents can be particularly dangerous for children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to severe injuries when struck by a vehicle.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Urbana
Pedestrian accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. While pedestrians must be aware of their surroundings, the majority of accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Urbana include:
Distracted Driving
With the rise of in-vehicle technologies, distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents, including those involving pedestrians. Drivers who are texting, checking content on their dashboard with a big screen, or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the street, leading to serious collisions.
Speeding
Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the likelihood of severe injury or death in a pedestrian accident. Drivers traveling above the speed limit may be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian, especially in residential areas or school zones where pedestrians are more common.
Failure to Yield
Ohio law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Unfortunately, some drivers in Urbana disregard these rules, putting pedestrians at risk. Whether a driver fails to yield at a marked crosswalk or ignores a pedestrian crossing sign, this negligence can lead to serious accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to everyone on the road, especially pedestrians. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced coordination, making it more difficult for them to avoid accidents.
Poor Visibility and Weather Conditions
Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur at night or in poor weather conditions when visibility is reduced. Drivers who fail to use proper lighting or adjust their speed for the weather may be unable to see pedestrians crossing the street, leading to tragic accidents.
Reckless and Aggressive Driving
Drivers who engage in reckless behavior, such as running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or making illegal turns, put pedestrians in danger. Aggressive driving, such as road rage or tailgating, can also lead to accidents when drivers take unnecessary risks near crosswalks or intersections.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians are completely unprotected, they are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries in accidents involving motor vehicles. The impact of a vehicle can cause severe trauma, even at relatively low speeds. Some of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in pedestrian accidents, with victims often suffering from concussions, skull fractures, or more severe brain damage. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairments and may require extensive medical treatment.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a vehicle can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require lifelong care and can significantly affect a victim’s quality of life.
Broken Bones and Fractures: Pedestrian accidents frequently result in broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Fractures may require surgery and rehabilitation to heal properly.
Internal Injuries: The force of being hit by a vehicle can cause damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys. Internal injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, bruises, and damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common in pedestrian accidents. While some soft tissue injuries may heal with time, others can cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
Amputations: In some cases, the severity of the injuries may result in the loss of a limb, either at the scene of the accident or later due to medical complications.
Fatal Injuries: Tragically, pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities, especially when a vehicle is traveling at high speeds. If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
Ohio Laws Regarding Pedestrian Accidents
Ohio law protects pedestrians and holds negligent drivers accountable for accidents. According to Ohio Revised Code 4511.46, drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks when they are lawfully crossing the street. Additionally, pedestrians must also exercise caution and avoid stepping into the path of a vehicle when it is too close to stop safely.
However, even when a pedestrian is partially at fault for an accident, they may still be able to recover compensation under Ohio’s comparative negligence laws. Under this legal principle, a pedestrian’s recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault, but as long as they are less than 50% at fault, they can still recover damages.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. We can help victims pursue compensation for:
Medical Expenses: This includes all medical costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical treatment.
Lost Wages: If your injuries have prevented you from returning to work, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages, as well as any future earnings you are unable to make due to permanent disabilities.
Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by a pedestrian accident can have a lasting impact on your life. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses these non-economic damages.
Disfigurement and Scarring: Pedestrian accidents can result in permanent scars or disfigurement. Compensation may be awarded to help cover the costs of reconstructive surgery or to address the emotional impact of visible scars.
Property Damage: If your personal property, such as clothing or electronic devices, was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation to replace these items.
Wrongful Death: If a pedestrian accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Pedestrian accident cases can be difficult to deal with, particularly when dealing with insurance companies and navigating the process alone. At Kruger & Hodges, we have extensive experience representing pedestrian accident victims in Urbana, Ohio, and understand the local laws and regulations that apply to these cases. Our legal team will help you investigate the accident, collect evidence and testimonies, and much more to create a robust case so you can get the best possible outcome
We know that after an accident the least you want to do is go into a legal battle. That’s why our Urbana pedestrian accident lawyers will take care of all the paperwork on your behalf so you can rest and recover. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, our goal is to secure justice and the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Urbana Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Urbana, Ohio, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Kruger & Hodges today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery!
