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Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Dedicated Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Proudly Serving Injured Clients

Managing the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be as disorienting and overwhelming as the collision itself. The right pedestrian accident lawyers can make all the difference in these times of rising accidents and deaths. Burg Simpson Law Firm shines as a beacon of advocacy for victims and their loved ones, steering them through the legal system and allowing them to channel their energies toward recovery.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) estimates around 7,500 pedestrian fatalities in 2022. That is the highest number of tragedies since 1981, with an average of 20 lives lost each day. This spike in pedestrian deaths is shocking, rising by 19% in just the last three years. Sadly, these tragic losses are frequently avoidable.

When a peaceful walk turns into a nightmare of injuries and medical bills or heartache and funeral costs, knowing that experienced pedestrian accident attorneys are on your side can offer a semblance of solace. At the core of the services provided by our dedicated legal team is a steadfast commitment to advocate for those injured on our streets.

For more than 45 years, we have been dedicated to making our clients’ voices heard. We are Good Lawyers. Changing Lives.®, and we provide unmatched legal representation. With the influence of a nationwide firm and the consideration of a trusted confidante, we will ensure that every opportunity to seek justice is taken.

It is essential to reveal the foundations of pedestrian accidents and champion preventative measures. Only through an understanding of the problem can we work to fortify the safety of our neighbors. It is equally crucial to illuminate the legal paths open to those seeking redress and rightful compensation after being hit by a car.

If you have suffered a pedestrian accident injury or a loved one has been lost due to the negligence of another, our pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to help. Contact us online or call 888-895-2080 for a FREE and confidential case review. You should not be fighting alone. With Burg Simpson, you are not just hiring a lawyer; you are gaining a partner who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrians Facing a Daily Danger

Each step taken on bustling city sidewalks or quiet suburban crosswalks carries unseen risks as drivers and pedestrians navigate a shared space fraught with potential danger. The streets we traverse daily have become increasingly dangerous for pedestrians.

The GHSA reports a worrying increase in pedestrian fatalities across the U.S. in recent years, signaling a grim trend that demands attention. Shockingly, there has been a 77% increase in pedestrian traffic deaths between 2010 and 2021.

This rise in incidents is not just a statistic; it represents lives disrupted, dreams deferred, and families thrust into mourning. As pedestrian accident lawyers attuned to this alarming increase, we at Burg Simpson understand the severity of the issue at hand. Distracted driving, speeding, and other negligent behaviors on our roads contribute significantly to these tragedies.

Car stopped at a crosswalk with pedestrians crossing | Burg Simpson

What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents often stem from a combination of dangerous behaviors and inadequate infrastructure. Despite the rules of the road designed to protect us, lapses in judgment and breaches in duty can have catastrophic consequences. Some of the common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Speeding

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of an impact. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding has played a role in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities over the last two decades.

Driving or Walking While Alcohol Impaired

The NHTSA reports that almost half of crashes that resulted in a pedestrian death involved alcohol consumption either by the driver or the pedestrian.

Distracted Driving

With the advent of smartphones, distracted driving has surged as a leading cause of auto accidents. NHTSA notes that, in a recent year, 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Aggressive maneuvers, like improper lane changes and failing to adhere to traffic signs, are hazardous. The American Automobile Association (AAA) indicates that aggressive driving is a factor in more than half of all fatal crashes.

Lack of Infrastructure

Many areas lack proper crosswalks, sidewalks, lighting, and traffic calming measures. Pedestrians are forced to navigate these spaces at their peril, often leading to increased incidents.

Failure to Slow or Yield

Drivers who ignore crosswalks or fail to yield when turning often place pedestrians at risk. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) emphasizes the need for driver vigilance to prevent these accidents.

Failure to Follow Traffic Laws

Whether running a red light, making an illegal U-turn, failing to pay attention when making a left turn, or running through a stop sign, breaking traffic laws significantly contributes to pedestrians being hit by cars. The enforcement of these laws is vital to pedestrian safety.

Pedestrian accident lawyers - What causes most pedestrian accidents? | Burg Simpson

Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians in Traffic Accidents

Pedestrians involved in auto accidents often suffer devastating injuries which can range from mild to life-altering to fatal. Due to the unprotected nature of pedestrians, their injuries are typically more severe than those suffered by vehicle occupants. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:

Dedicated lawyers understand that pedestrian accident injuries can disrupt lives and result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. As pedestrian accident attorneys with decades of experience and a strong track record, we advocate for just compensation to cover the extent of your losses.

What Types of Damages Can Be Sought After a Pedestrian Accident?

In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, the types of damages that the injured party can seek are intended to provide fair recompense for the various losses incurred. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can help victims pursue compensation for damages, which may include:

Economic Damages

These are quantifiable costs resulting from the accident, such as:

  • Medical bills (hospital & emergency room bills, prescriptions, surgery costs, etc.)
  • Rehabilitation & physical therapy
  • Future medical needs
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

These are more subjective and not easily quantifiable, including:

  • Pain & suffering
  • Disfigurement & disability
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Emotional distress

Punitive Damages

In rare cases where the defendant’s behavior was deemed particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded as a form of punishment and to deter similar conduct by others in the future.

Wrongful Death Damages

If the pedestrian accident leads to fatal injuries, the victim’s family may be entitled to seek damages for wrongful death. These may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Pain & suffering before death
  • Funeral & burial expenses
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of companionship & guidance
  • Loss of earnings & benefits
  • Loss of value of household services

Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize payouts. Having a pedestrian accident attorney on your side ensures someone is fighting for your best interests, whether that means negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a pedestrian accident lawsuit.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining who can be held responsible when a pedestrian is hit by a car involves a careful investigation into the events leading up to the incident. Liability is not always straightforward and may involve multiple parties. A proficient pedestrian accident lawyer will scrutinize the details of the case to establish accountability.

Some potentially responsible entities include:

Motorists

In many cases, the driver of a vehicle involved in the accident may be held liable—especially if they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent.

Pedestrians

While less common, pedestrians themselves can sometimes be found at fault (e.g., if they were jaywalking or walking while impaired).

Employers

If the driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer might also be held liable under the legal doctrine known as respondeat superior, also known as vicarious liability.

Vehicle Manufacturers

If a vehicle defect caused the accident, the manufacturer could be responsible under product liability laws.

Government Entities

A local government or agency may be liable if poor road design, lack of proper signage, or poorly maintained crosswalks contributed to the accident.

Construction Companies

These entities may be held accountable if ongoing construction affected road safety and contributed to the accident.

Property Owners

The property owner may be responsible if the accident occurred due to obstacles or hazards stemming from improperly maintained private property leading onto the sidewalk.

Each case is unique. Sometimes, multiple parties may share responsibility. Each state will have its own statutes dealing with negligence and liability. A pedestrian accident lawyer with knowledge and experience can be instrumental in identifying all liable parties to ensure that victims receive fair compensation.

pedestrian accident lawyers - Walk signal for pedestrians on traffic light | Burg Simpson

How Can Pedestrians Stay Safe?

Ensuring pedestrian safety requires a multifaceted approach combining personal vigilance with broader safety measures. Here are some strategies and tips to enhance pedestrian safety:

For Pedestrians:

  • Stay Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing roads.
  • Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones when crossing streets.
  • Use Crosswalks: Always cross at marked crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians.
  • Obey Traffic Signals: Follow pedestrian signals, and do not start crossing if the signal is about to change.
  • Walk Sober: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time; walk sober to stay safe.

For Families:

  • Supervise Children: Children are less predictable and more difficult for drivers to see. Teach them road safety and supervise them closely.
  • Lead by Example: Adults should model safe pedestrian behaviors for children to emulate.

For Communities:

  • Traffic Calming Measures: Advocate for speed bumps, roundabouts, and other design features that slow traffic in residential and high pedestrian areas.
  • Improved Infrastructure: Press for better street lighting, more crosswalks, pedestrian overpasses, and wider sidewalks.

For Local Governments:

  • Enforce Traffic Laws: Consistent enforcement of speed limits and drunk driving laws protects pedestrians.
  • Urban Planning: Integrate pedestrian safety into urban planning, ensuring that new developments are designed with pedestrian traffic in mind.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness about pedestrian safety through campaigns reminding both drivers and pedestrians of their shared responsibility for road safety.

By implementing these safety measures, the risk of a pedestrian accident can be significantly reduced. When incidents do occur, having the support of a skilled pedestrian accident attorney can be invaluable. Burg Simpson has a reputation for using their local know-how and national might to assist their clients in seeking the compensation they deserve.

How Can Drivers Prevent Pedestrian Accidents?

Drivers play a crucial role in preventing pedestrian accidents. Here is how they can contribute to safer streets:

  • Remain Vigilant: Always look out for pedestrians, especially in high-traffic areas like school zones and neighborhoods. Be extra cautious when visibility is reduced, such as at night or in bad weather.
  • Yield to Pedestrians: Always stop and give pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks and intersections, and be prepared to stop when approaching areas where pedestrians are likely to cross.
  • Observe Speed Limits: Drive within the speed limit and reduce speed in pedestrian-heavy areas. Higher speeds increase both the likelihood of an accident and the severity of pedestrian accident injuries.
  • Avoid Distractions: Keep your full attention on the road. Distractions like texting or handling the GPS can prevent you from seeing pedestrians.
  • Never Drive Impaired: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, making it difficult to respond to pedestrians.
  • Be Patient: Show patience with elderly pedestrians and those with challenges, understanding they may require more time to cross the road.
  • Signal Intentions: Use turn signals to indicate your moves well in advance, allowing pedestrians to understand your intentions and react accordingly.
  • Adhere to School Zone Laws: Observe all school zone signals and markings, reducing speed and increasing alertness where children are present.

When drivers and pedestrians work together to promote safety, the number of tragic incidents on our roads can be reduced. When an accident does happen, however, the support of a pedestrian accident lawyer is important.

Why Choose Burg Simpson As Your Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Pedestrian safety remains a paramount concern across the United States. Countless people face the risk of being hit by a car annually. In such situations, the guidance of a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney becomes invaluable in safeguarding your rights.

Confronting legal complexities single-handedly, particularly when dealing with insurance companies and their lawyers, can be daunting. Physical, emotional, and financial strains only heighten the challenges. This is where Burg Simpson steps in to provide assistance. Our approach includes:

  • Conducting a detailed investigation to uncover the facts of each incident
  • Meticulously gathering essential evidence that strengthens your case
  • Negotiating with insurers to secure a fair settlement for you
  • Preparing to represent your interests passionately in court if litigation becomes necessary
  • Guiding you at every turn through the complex legal process with clarity and support

At Burg Simpson Law Firm, our role transcends that of typical legal representation. We are dedicated champions for those injured, believing everyone deserves access to experienced and compassionate legal support during their most challenging times.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a pedestrian accident, our team is committed to pursuing justice and the compensation you deserve. Contact Burg Simpson online or call 888-895-2080 for a FREE and confidential case review.

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