Maumee Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Pedestrian accidents tend to result in especially serious injuries, many of which leave victims permanently disabled or in chronic pain. In fact, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 140 pedestrians tragically lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2016 alone. While collecting compensation from the at-fault individual is often the best way for an injured pedestrian to obtain the medical care that is necessary to begin the long process of recovery, filing a claim in court can be time-consuming and complicated. If you sustained an injury in a pedestrian accident, it is critical to retain an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you seek compensation for your losses.

Common Causes

Like most traffic collisions, pedestrian accidents can happen almost anywhere and at anytime. However, most pedestrian accidents involve:

• A motorist who was driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• A motorist’s failure to yield the right of way;
• A defective traffic signal;
• Reckless driving;
• Distracted driving;
• Falling asleep at the wheel; or
• Poor visibility.

Pedestrian Laws

To help prevent these types of accidents, the Ohio Legislature enacted specific laws regarding when pedestrians have the right of way. For instance, when there are no traffic control signals or the signals are not working, motorists must yield the right of way by slowing down or stopping when:

• There is a pedestrian within a crosswalk upon the half of the roadway where the motorist is traveling; or
• A pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the road that he or she is in danger.

Furthermore, whenever a car is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at an intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross the road, any driver approaching from the rear is prohibited from attempting to overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. Violating these laws is considered a minor misdemeanor, which is punishable by fines and a possible license suspension.

Pedestrians must also comply with specific traffic laws. For instance, any pedestrian who crosses a road where there is no crosswalk, must yield the right of way to passing vehicles. Pedestrians are also prohibited from crossing an intersection diagonally unless authorized by traffic signals. However, even in light of these rules, motorists are still required to exercise due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians regardless of the circumstances.

Pedestrian Injuries

Collecting compensation for injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident is especially important because the injuries involved tend to be particularly severe and include:

• Amputations;
• Crushed bones;
• Organ damage;
• Partial or total paralysis;
• Severe lacerations; and
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI).

These types of catastrophic injuries are not only painful, but also prohibitively expensive to treat. However, a victim who is able to demonstrate that another party was at fault may be able to collect enough damages to cover these and other costs, including:

• Medical bills for emergency treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications;
• Lost wages for the days that the injured party was forced to take time off from work in order to obtain treatment;
• Loss of future income suffered by those who are so disabled by their injuries that they are unable to return to work or must accept lower paying employment;
• Repair or replacement of damaged property; and
• The pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident.

Those who lose a loved one as a result of a pedestrian accident may also be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Call Today to Speak to an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Please call a member of the legal team at Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC  by calling 419-241-5500 to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate and knowledge pedestrian accident attorney to discuss your case.