Cincinnati Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyers Serving All of Ohio
Many people take the ability to walk safely from one location to another for granted. Sadly, pedestrian injuries and fatalities are on the rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018 there were 6,283 pedestrian fatalities, the highest number in any year since 1990. On average, a pedestrian is killed every 88 minutes in the U.S. In fact, pedestrian fatalities account for approximately 15 percent of all traffic deaths. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, call Burg Simpson’s Cincinnati pedestrian accident lawyers for help.
Pedestrian collisions occur in both urban and rural settings. In urban settings, there is often higher foot and motor vehicle traffic. Therefore it is little surprise that there is a higher rate of pedestrian accidents in urban areas. While pedestrian accidents may be more frequent in urban settings, often rural pedestrian injuries are more serious and likely to be fatal. Higher vehicle speeds, a lack of proper walkways, and farther distances to medical treatment all lead to high mortality rates in rural settings.
When a driver’s negligent or reckless conduct results in serious injury or wrongful death, Burg Simpson’s lawyers can help victims and their families rebuild from tragic losses. Call Burg Simpson’s experienced Cincinnati pedestrian accident lawyers at (513) 852-5600 or fill out our FREE Case Evaluation form right now.
WHAT PEDESTRIANS CAN DO
The NHTSA lists several things pedestrians can do to stay alive when they are sharing the road with drivers, such as:
- Use the sidewalk or a designated path whenever possible.
- If one is not available, walk along the shoulder, facing traffic.
- Stay alert; do not get distracted with electronic devices.
- Never assume a driver can see you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach.
- Be predictable. Use crosswalks or intersections.
- If a crosswalk or intersection isn’t available, find a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.
- Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night. It’s also a good idea to use a flashlight after dark.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs while walking. They impair judgment and coordination just like for drivers.
If you have been hit by a vehicle while walking along the road call one of our Ohio and Kentucky personal injury lawyers at (513) 852-5600 or fill out a case evaluation form to discuss your claim with us for free.
WHAT DRIVERS CAN DO
There are a number of steps drivers can take to avoid hitting a pedestrian, including:
- Look for pedestrians everywhere. They may not be walking where they should be, and they can be hard to see – especially after dark or during bad weather.
- Always stop at crosswalks or crosswalk signs.
- Never pass vehicles at a crosswalk. They may be stopped for pedestrians.
- Slow down and look for pedestrians. Be prepared to stop while turning.
- Never drive drunk or under the influence.
- Obey the speed limit and slow down if you do see pedestrians.
- Stay focused and slow down in places where children are often around, such as school zones and residential neighborhoods.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN BE RECOVERED AFTER A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT?
Injured pedestrians may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party or their insurance company for the following:
- Economic losses, including past and future medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-economic losses, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, mental and emotional distress, and inconvenience.
- Permanent impairment or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium by an affected spouse
The families of pedestrians killed by the negligence of drivers may also be able to recover economic damages (e.g. wages and other income the deceased would have earned, emergency and hospital care, funeral and burial expenses) and non-economic damages (loss of comfort, care, affection, love, and companionship suffered by the survivors of the deceased).
In some circumstances, including when a driver is impaired, using a cell phone, or speeding, a jury may choose to award punitive damages to the injured pedestrian. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer. Sometimes a company that employs a commercial driver can be held responsible for damages, including punitive damages, when the company fails to properly hire, train, or supervise their drivers, or entrusts a driver to drive its vehicles, knowing the driver is a danger to the public.
CONTACT A CINCINNATI PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYER NOW
The experienced personal injury lawyers at Burg Simpson can discuss the details of your case with you and help you understand your claims and potential damages following a pedestrian collision. Call a Cincinnati pedestrian accident attorney at Burg Simpson today at (513) 852-5600 or fill out our case evaluation form to receive a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
