Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Indianapolis, IN

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believes that fatal traffic accidents which involve pedestrians are on the rise. In 2018 these numbers saw a 3% increase; these numbers don’t include bicycles or scooters.

If a vehicle hits a pedestrian at high speeds, the injuries can be fatal or otherwise serious. But did you know that a driver could injure a pedestrian going just ten miles per hour? It’s very important that drivers watch for pedestrians and mind the law of the road—but furthermore, knowing what to do if you are involved in or witness a pedestrian accident, can help you when you get called to court, because you’ll most definitely be involved in a suit if you’re involved in this type of accident.

As a driver, it’s important that you learn the basic rules of fault and how injuries or damages may be compensated. It’s also important that a driver involved in a pedestrian accident reach out to a pedestrian accident lawyer

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Indianapolis, IN

Pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality that occurs in bustling cities like Indianapolis, IN. Despite various safety measures in place, pedestrians remain vulnerable on the city’s busy streets. At Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families. In this article, we delve into the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Indianapolis, the associated legal implications, and the importance of seeking legal representation to protect the rights of those affected.

1. Distracted Driving:

One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Indianapolis is distracted driving. With the widespread use of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers often find themselves looking away from the road, increasing the risk of striking pedestrians. The legal team at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers has handled numerous cases where distracted driving resulted in severe injuries and fatalities.

2. Failure to Yield:

Pedestrians have the right of way in designated crosswalks and intersections. However, drivers failing to yield or obeying traffic signals and signs can lead to catastrophic accidents. Our experienced attorneys have seen many instances where pedestrians were injured due to a driver’s failure to yield properly.

3. Speeding:

Excessive speed is a significant factor in pedestrian accidents. When drivers exceed the posted speed limits, their ability to react to unexpected situations is compromised. Pedestrians are particularly susceptible to severe injuries in high-speed collisions, and our lawyers have successfully represented victims who suffered due to reckless driving.

4. Impaired Driving:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a prevalent issue in Indianapolis. Impaired drivers often have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to hit pedestrians. Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers advocates for victims harmed by drivers operating their vehicles while intoxicated.

5. Poor Road Conditions:

Inadequate road maintenance and poor lighting can also contribute to pedestrian accidents. Broken sidewalks, lack of proper signage, and inadequate pedestrian crossings can create hazardous situations for those on foot. Our legal team thoroughly investigates such cases to identify responsible parties and pursue just compensation for our clients.

6. Vehicle Defects:

Sometimes, pedestrian accidents occur due to vehicle defects or malfunctions. Defective brakes, steering systems, or faulty safety features can lead to life-threatening collisions. Our lawyers work closely with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability and seek compensation from manufacturers or other responsible parties.

Legal Implications:

When a pedestrian accident occurs, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, pursuing a personal injury claim can be complex, requiring extensive knowledge of Indiana’s laws and legal procedures.

Seeking Compensation in Indianapolis, IN After a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident in Indianapolis, IN, victims may face significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. At Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the impact of these accidents on individuals and their families. In this article, we explore the various types of compensation available to pedestrians injured in accidents caused by negligence and how our skilled legal team can help navigate the complex process of seeking compensation.

Medical Expenses:

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, requiring immediate medical attention and ongoing treatment. Compensation may cover hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical care related to the accident.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings:

Injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents may lead to time off work, resulting in lost wages. Moreover, if the injuries are severe, victims may suffer a reduced capacity to work in the future. Compensation can address both current lost income and potential future earnings that have been affected by the accident.

Pain and Suffering:

Pedestrian accidents can cause immense physical pain and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide monetary relief for the mental anguish, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life experienced by the victim.

Disability and Disfigurement:

In cases where the accident results in permanent disabilities or disfigurement, victims may be entitled to compensation to account for the impact of these life-altering changes on their personal and professional life.

Property Damage:

If personal belongings, such as clothing, electronics, or other items, are damaged in the accident, compensation can be sought to repair or replace them.

Loss of Consortium:

In cases where a pedestrian’s injuries have significantly affected their relationship with their spouse, compensation may be available for the loss of consortium, which refers to the loss of companionship, affection, and support.

Wrongful Death:

Tragically, some pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities. In such cases, surviving family members may be eligible to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim to cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

How Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

Navigating the legal complexities of a pedestrian accident claim in Indianapolis requires experienced and knowledgeable representation. The attorneys at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers have a proven track record of advocating for accident victims and securing fair compensation for their losses. Our services include:

1. Thorough Investigation:

Our legal team conducts a comprehensive investigation of the accident, collecting crucial evidence, analyzing police reports, and consulting with experts when needed to establish liability and strengthen your case.

2. Expert Negotiation:

We skillfully negotiate with insurance companies and at-fault parties to secure a fair settlement that adequately covers your damages, sparing you from the stress and inconvenience of handling negotiations on your own.

3. Litigation:

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, our trial-ready lawyers are prepared to take your case to court and present a compelling argument to a jury.

4. Compassionate Support:

We understand the emotional toll of a pedestrian accident. Our team offers compassionate support, guiding you through the legal process with care and empathy.

Recovering from a pedestrian accident in Indianapolis, IN, can be a challenging journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping victims seek the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing top-notch legal representation and support throughout the entire process. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to explore your legal options and protect your rights.

The Most Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

As a child, you are told to look both ways before crossing the street. Even though you might do so, some people speed down the road, lose control of their vehicle, and strike a pedestrian. If you are a pedestrian, you do not have any protection between yourself and the pavement. Therefore, even if you are struck by a motor vehicle at low speed, you could still end up with serious injuries. You should rely on a pedestrian accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN, such as a lawyer from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, to help you. What are some of the most common examples of pedestrian accident injuries? 

A Broken Leg

One of the most common injuries pedestrians suffer if they are hit by a motor vehicle is a broken leg. In a lot of cases, people are struck from the side because they are trying to cross the street perpendicular to the direction of traffic. Went to motor vehicle hits you, you could break your tibia, fibula, or femur. In some cases, these bone fractures could require surgery.

A Traumatic Brain Injury

You might also suffer a traumatic brain injury. If you are struck by a motor vehicle, you could hit your head on the hood of the car. Then, you could fall off the hood of the car, striking your head on the pavement. This could lead to a skull fracture, a concussion, a cerebral contusion, or a brain bleed. This could require emergency surgery as well. After seeking medical care, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN. 

A Hip Injury

The grill of a car is generally at the height of the hip of an adult. Therefore, you could also suffer a hip injury. This could lead to a variety of complications, depriving your leg of important blood flow. You need to seek medical care as quickly as possible, as many hip injuries will require surgery. Then, you should reach out to a lawyer for more information. 

Trust a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

In the end, there are a lot of injuries that you could suffer if you are struck by a motor vehicle. Pedestrians always have the right of way, and you need to seek medical care as quickly as possible. Then, trust a pedestrian accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN, such as an attorney from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers to vigorously defend your right. You could be entitled to a settlement.

Reaching out to a pedestrian accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN, such as the ones available at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, is your best bet to finding out who’s at fault and being prepared for any claims filed against you.

Common Causes for Accidents With Pedestrians

In order to stay safe on the road, drivers need to be vigilant about watching out for other vehicles that are not doing the right thing. Failing to follow traffic laws or traffic signals can send another vehicle on a collision course with your own and force you to react very quickly. To keep other people safe when you’re on the road, you need to keep an equally close eye out for pedestrians. When a pedestrian does something unexpected or you do not see someone until he or she is mere feet from your vehicle, it may be difficult to react quickly. There are a variety of causal conditions that can lead to pedestrian accidents that drivers need to be aware of.

Inattention

The leading cause of all motor vehicle accidents is driver inattention. Taking your eyes off the road for just a moment because you are distracted by something such as your phone or passengers can have dire repercussions. Inattention on behalf of pedestrians may also have serious consequences. There has been a notable increase in pedestrian accidents involving people who are looking at their smartphones while they are walking. If you experience this type of accident, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IL can advise you about the applicable law regarding claims in which a pedestrian was largely or wholly at fault for an accident. Experienced personal injury counsel such as Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can help you defend yourself in a claim initiated by a pedestrian who caused an accident.

Foul Weather

Slick roads and poor visibility make it a lot more difficult to see a pedestrian in your path. When it is pouring rain or simply freezing cold, pedestrians may be in a rush to escape inclement weather.

Parking Lot Mishaps

Navigating a parking lot can involve a considerable risk of an accident with a pedestrian. Drivers let their guards down a little bit when they pull into a lot. Even though they have not parked yet, they have just exited a thoroughfare and do not have to be as wary of vehicles that are traveling at a high speed. Likewise, pedestrians may not look out for cars, or they may be preoccupied with wherever they are going to or coming from. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN such as Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can give you some insight about what evidence may be relevant to demonstrating whether a driver or a pedestrian is at fault for an accident in a parking lot.

Indianapolis Pedestrian Accident Law FAQs

How can a pedestrian accident lawyer help me with my claim?

Answer: A skilled Indianapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can provide invaluable assistance in various ways. They will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and fight for your rights in court if necessary. Their expertise ensures that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages while allowing you to focus on your recovery.

What if the pedestrian accident was partially my fault?

Answer: Indiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning compensation can still be recovered even if the pedestrian shares some fault in the accident. However, the amount of compensation awarded will be reduced proportionally to the pedestrian’s percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can help assess your case and determine how comparative fault may impact your claim.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Indianapolis?

Answer: In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to act promptly and consult with a lawyer at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable time frame.

Can I still recover compensation if the driver fled the scene of the accident?

Answer: Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation even if the driver responsible for the accident fled the scene (hit-and-run). In such cases, your attorney can explore other options for recovering damages, such as uninsured motorist coverage from your insurance policy or pursuing a claim against the responsible party once identified.

What if the insurance company offers me a settlement soon after the accident? Should I accept it?

Answer: It’s essential to be cautious when dealing with insurance companies shortly after an accident. They may offer quick settlements to save costs, but these offers are often insufficient to cover the full extent of your damages. It’s in your best interest to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer before accepting any settlement. A skilled attorney can evaluate the offer and negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair and comprehensive compensation package.

So What Do You Do?

Safety first! Ensure that anyone who is injured and can be safely moved are moved. Don’t administer medical treatment or medicines, but do CPR and other life-saving tactics if they’re required. Do everything you can to get everyone to safety. If someone cannot be moved, make sure they’re as safe as they can be and are visible to any incoming vehicles.

After ensuring the safety of everyone involved, get medical help. You’ll want the police, medical care providers like the paramedics, and auto insurance providers. You’ll want to have your insurance handy and start gathering names and insurance from everyone else involved that’s able to account for their insurance.

When exchanging contact information, make sure you give them your phone number, name, and email address along with your insurance information. Avoid talking about your family or letting the pedestrian talk about theirs. You don’t want to admit fault by accident—such as “I feel so guilty,” that seals the case and makes you guilty if a personal injury lawsuit is brought to court. Talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN before you reach out to exchange further information with the pedestrian.

Who’s At Fault?

A pedestrian accident lawyer Indianapolis, IN will be able to help you determine whether you’re at fault or not. However, most often the law of negligence which is a law stating that when a person fails to exercise reasonable care under circumstances specific to their accident, they are going to be considered negligent.

Does that mean the pedestrian is at fault or the driver?

It depends on the accident. Sometimes both people are at fault—other times, the pedestrian may have walked into the road without the go-ahead from a pedestrian signal at the crosswalk. Sometimes, the driver may have ignored a red light.

Contact Our Indianapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

At Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the intricacies of pedestrian accident cases and the challenges victims face. Our dedicated team of attorneys fights vigorously to protect the rights of those injured due to the negligence of others. We provide compassionate guidance and aggressive representation, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Pedestrian accidents in Indianapolis, IN, can lead to life-changing consequences for victims and their families. Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers stands ready to assist those affected, providing comprehensive legal support and advocacy. By addressing the common causes of pedestrian accidents and promoting safety measures, we strive to create a safer environment for pedestrians in our community. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced legal team for a free consultation. Your rights matter, and we are here to fight for them.