Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Have You Been Hit by a Car in the Road?

When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the injuries are often serious and life-altering. When the accident is caused by a negligent driver, the injured pedestrian has the right to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation. The question is, how does one go about filing a claim? That’s where a pedestrian accident lawyer at Mike Slocumb Law Firm comes in. We are committed to protecting your health, rights, and best interests throughout the legal process and ensure you recover your entitled compensation.

Call (888) 302-3669 or contact us online today to set up a free, initial case evaluation with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person walking on foot is struck by a vehicle, cyclist, or other moving object. These accidents can happen on sidewalks, crosswalks, parking lots, or any place where pedestrians and vehicles share space. Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protection for the person on foot.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice pedestrians.
• Speeding: High-speed driving reduces the driver's reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers not yielding the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
• Running Red Lights: Ignoring traffic signals can lead to collisions with pedestrians crossing the street.
• Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, leading to accidents.
• Jaywalking: Pedestrians crossing streets outside of designated crosswalks can be hit by drivers not expecting them.
• Poor Visibility: Low visibility due to bad weather, nighttime, or poor street lighting can lead to accidents.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers turning left may not see pedestrians crossing the street, especially if they are focusing on oncoming traffic.
• Backing-Up Accidents: Drivers reversing their vehicles in parking lots or driveways may not notice pedestrians behind them.
• Unmarked Crosswalks: Areas without clearly marked crosswalks can confuse both drivers and pedestrians, leading to accidents.
• Driver Inexperience: Inexperienced drivers may not be as aware of pedestrian right-of-way laws and behaviors.

Potentially Liable Parties in a Pedestrian Accident

• Drivers: The most common liable party in pedestrian accidents is the driver of the vehicle involved. If the driver was negligent, such as by speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield the right of way, they can be held responsible for the accident.
• Pedestrians: In some cases, the pedestrian themselves may be partially or fully liable if they were jaywalking, crossing against a traffic signal, or acting unpredictably and without caution.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a vehicle defect, such as brake failure or a malfunctioning steering system, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts could be held liable.
• Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic signals, or lack of proper signage can contribute to pedestrian accidents. In such cases, local or state government entities responsible for road maintenance and safety may be liable.
• Property Owners: If the accident occurs in a private parking lot or on a property where the owner has failed to maintain safe conditions, the property owner could be held liable.
• Employers: If the driver involved in the accident was operating a vehicle as part of their job, the employer could be held liable under the principle of vicarious liability.
• Bicyclists: If a bicyclist hits a pedestrian, they can be held liable for any injuries caused, especially if they were riding recklessly or not following traffic laws.
• Public Transportation Entities: If a pedestrian is hit by a bus or another public transit vehicle, the public transportation authority may be liable, especially if the driver was negligent or improperly trained.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

The moments, hours, and days following a pedestrian accident can be extremely difficult. Victims are often left with numerous questions and concerns. However, there are a few important steps you can take to help protect yourself and your rights.

After a pedestrian accident, you should:

• Get to safety
• Call 911
• Get medical attention
• Identify the driver
• File a police report
• Document the scene
• Call your insurance company
• Contact an attorney

These steps can help you build a strong case against the at-fault party. If your case is successful, you could recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Why Choose Mike Slocumb Law Firm?

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, we know that the days, weeks, and months following a pedestrian accident can be extremely difficult. That’s why we’re here to help. Our pedestrian accident lawyers have years of experience representing injured pedestrians and their families. We know how to get results, and we’re not afraid to fight for you.

Contact us today at (888) 302-3669 to request a free case evaluation.