Radcliff Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Kentucky does not have the best record when it comes to pedestrian safety. According to state statistics, Kentucky saw 92 pedestrian fatalities in 2020, along with 656 pedestrian injuries. These accidents leave behind painful injuries and scars that can last a lifetime.

Please call Tate Meagher if you are hurt in this type of crash. Kentucky law allows many victims to hold drivers or other parties responsible, which can lead to financial compensation and some measure of justice. Because the legal process is complicated, please contact us for assistance.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

State statistics show that more older people are killed as pedestrians than younger people. In fact, about 2.2% of pedestrians killed were 14 or young, but 16.3% were 65 or older.

Many different factors contribute to collisions:

1. Walking in the roadway was the most common pedestrian factor.
2. The second most common was wearing dark clothing or being insufficiently visible, usually in the evening.
3. Darting into the road was also the third most common contributing factor for a pedestrian crash.

When focusing on motorists, we see that most pedestrian accidents occur when the vehicle is traveling straight. After that, left-hand turns were much more likely to result in a crash than right-hand turns.

Can You Receive Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident?

Your success at receiving financial compensation will depend on whether you can prove fault. Most pedestrians are injured by careless drivers. These motorists are often distracted or engage in risky behavior behind the wheel, like speeding or texting while driving.

Our cases begin by reviewing what you know and then building out from there. We construct a case by finding all relevant available evidence. For example, someone might have seen a motorist make a right-hand turn to red without fully stopping. This witness could prove critical in a lawsuit claim for compensation.

Other evidence includes nearby surveillance video, if available, and even medical records that establish where you were hit on your body.

Kentucky’s comparative negligence law also comes into play. However, Kentucky’s law is a “pure” comparative negligence scheme, which means you can sue anyone who is at least partially responsible for your injuries.

Pedestrian Injuries & Medical Care

Some of the worst injuries a pedestrian can suffer include:

• Head injuries. Pedestrians can crack their skulls on the road or a fire hydrant after being hit. Head injuries often lead to bleeding in the brain, which could be fatal.
• Concussions. Even a violent shock to the body can lead to concussions. You might experience dizziness, memory loss, impaired coordination, and other issues.
• Fractures. Many pedestrians suffer rib or leg fractures, depending on the height of the vehicle that struck them.
• Back injuries. Collisions can lead to spinal column injuries and paralysis, which might be permanent.

Negotiating a Fair Settlement

Injured pedestrians should reach out to a pedestrian accident attorney quickly. There are many important steps to take after a crash, and you might be in too much pain to begin building a case on your own. Let an attorney do the necessary legwork to get a claim going.

For example, a lawyer can help gather evidence to prove fault for the crash. Your lawyer should also help you document your injuries, including keeping medical records and proof of lost income.

We see many motorists claim a pedestrian ran into the road. Whether that is true or not, you must respond to the allegation. This is an attempt to put some of the blame for the accident on your shoulders. We can use our skills to argue that your contributory negligence was minor, possibly even non-existent.

Settlement negotiations usually take months. We might even participate in mediation to help move the process along. When successful, your settlement should provide fair compensation for your medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Pedestrian Regulations

Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.570 is a long list of regulations regarding pedestrians. Some of the most important rules include:

• Pedestrians who are crossing somewhere other than in a crosswalk or intersection should yield to all vehicles on the road.
• Pedestrians must obey traffic control devices.
• All motor vehicle operators should use due care to avoid collision with pedestrians and must use the horn if necessary to signal their presence.
• Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians on sidewalks.
• Pedestrians cannot jump into the road and become an imminent hazard to a motorist.
• People cannot stand on the road to solicit a job or a ride.

Call Our Radcliff Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Pedestrian accidents exact a toll on public safety. We believe that our clients can receive compensation and protect the public at the same time with a personal injury claim. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at (502) 309-9213 to schedule a free consultation.