Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries and even death. These types of accidents are unfortunately all too common in Wilmington and throughout Ohio. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. Kruger & Hodges, with offices in Wilmington, OH, has extensive experience representing individuals injured in pedestrian accidents.
Injuries caused by Pedestrian Accidents in Ohio
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s most recent Traffic Crash Facts report, in 2020:
- There were 2,355 pedestrian-involved crashes in Ohio.
- 2,436 pedestrians were injured in those crashes.
- 170 pedestrians were killed in those crashes.
- 60% of pedestrian crashes occurred on urban roadways.
- 71% of pedestrian crashes occurred in daylight conditions.
- 45% of pedestrian crashes occurred at intersections.
- Alcohol or drugs were involved in 25% of pedestrian crashes.
- The most common contributing factor to pedestrian crashes was a failure to yield.
- The most common types of pedestrian injuries were non-incapacitating and incapacitating.
It’s important to note that these statistics may not include all pedestrian accidents, as some may go unreported or not result in a crash report.
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Ohio Law and Pedestrian Rights
- Ohio law recognizes that pedestrians have the right of way in certain situations, such as at marked crosswalks and intersections with traffic signals.
- Drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle, including keeping a proper lookout for pedestrians and obeying traffic signals and signs.
- If a driver breaches this duty and causes harm to a pedestrian, they may be held liable for the victim’s injuries and damages.
- Pedestrian accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Victims may also be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses and lost earning capacity if their injuries are severe and long-lasting.
- It’s important for pedestrian accident victims to seek medical attention as soon as possible and document their injuries and damages.
- Victims should also consider seeking the advice of an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can help protect their rights and guide them through the legal process of pursuing compensation.
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. Therefore, it is important for pedestrian accident victims to seek the advice of an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure their rights are protected and they have the best chance of recovering the compensation to which they are entitled. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the victim.
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Common Causes and Effects of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can happen in various settings, including crosswalks, intersections, and parking lots. Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, driving under the influence, and poor visibility.
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even death.
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If You’re Injured in an Accident
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Ohio, there are several essential steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should always be your top priority. Even if you feel fine immediately following the accident, it’s important to get a medical evaluation to ensure no hidden injuries or delayed symptoms.
- Contact the police: Call 911 to report the accident and get a police report filed. The police report can be important evidence if you need to pursue legal action later.
- Collect information: Get the contact and insurance information from the vehicle’s driver involved in the accident and any witnesses who saw what happened. Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer: Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and pursue compensation for your injuries.
- Notify your insurance company: Contact your auto insurance company to report the accident, even if you weren’t driving a vehicle at the time. Your insurance policy may cover medical expenses or lost wages related to the accident.
It’s important to act quickly after a pedestrian accident, as there are deadlines for filing claims and pursuing legal action. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process and protect your legal rights.
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The Claims Process
If you’re injured in a pedestrian accident in Ohio, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. You may need to file a legal claim against the at-fault driver to recover this compensation.
Here’s a general overview of the legal claims process:
- Seek Medical Attention: The first step is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, seeking medical attention immediately after the accident creates a record of your injuries that can be used in your claim.
- Gather Evidence: To support your claim, you’ll need to gather evidence that proves the driver’s negligence caused your injuries. This can include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and the police report.
- Consult with an Attorney: It’s highly recommended that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process. An attorney can also help you gather evidence and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- File a Claim: Your attorney will help you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The claim will detail your injuries and damages, as well as the evidence you’ve gathered.
- Negotiate a Settlement: The insurance company will investigate your claim and may offer a settlement to compensate you for your injuries. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement that covers all of your damages.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit. This will involve going to court and presenting your case to a judge and/or jury.
It’s important to note that Ohio has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that you have a limited amount of time to file a claim after the accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation. It’s important to speak with an attorney after the accident as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Choosing the Right Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Wilmington
Choosing the right attorney to represent you in a pedestrian accident case is crucial. You want an attorney with experience in this area of law who can help you navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Look for an attorney with deep experience handling pedestrian accident cases and who is committed to fighting for your rights.
Kruger & Hodges Will Help
First and foremost, you should focus on your health after a pedestrian accident. Working with the team at Kruger & Hodges means you can rest easy that your rights are protected and that you have a partner actively working to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us at our Wilmington, OH law offices today for a free consultation.
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