Shelbyville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
At Meagher Injury Lawyers, we provide legal representation to injured pedestrians seeking compensation for their injuries. We strongly encourage you to reach out to our law firm at the first opportunity. A Shelbyville pedestrian accident lawyer will review your case, offer advice, and begin building a claim on your behalf.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers In Shelbyville, KY
Shelbyville has seen its population almost double in 20 years. With so many more people moving in, the roads are jammed with vehicles, and pedestrians face even greater risks. Sadly, many pedestrians end up injured when careless motorists clip them or pull directly in their way.
Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable in a collision. When two cars collide, occupants in both vehicles are well protected with seat belts and airbags, not to mention the steel skeleton of the vehicle itself. But a pedestrian is completely exposed. Even worse, some pedestrians are thrown into the road, where another vehicle can strike them or even run them over.
Pedestrians can end up in the back of an ambulance with some of the worst injuries:
- Fractures, especially in the legs or pelvis
- Head injuries, including skull fractures and intracranial bleeding
- Concussions
- Neck injuries, including cervical fracture
- Nerve damage
- Back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Abrasions, like road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
Please get immediate medical care. Ask someone to call an ambulance if you can’t move.
Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident
Bodily injuries do more than cause pain. They also make it difficult to go to work. Unsurprisingly, many accident victims feel incredible financial stress in the weeks and months following a wreck. Unable to work, they also need to pay medical bills that can total thousands of dollars.
At our firm, we aggressively seek compensation for our clients to cover:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Prescription medication
- Ambulance costs
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
A common question we receive is, “How much is my pedestrian accident worth?” It’s a good question—but one that’s hard to answer in the abstract. There are many factors that go into calculating the settlement value of your claim. For example, we want to know how much insurance the driver has. That sometimes serves as the ceiling for how much we can receive, but if you or a relative you reside with have automobile insurance coverage as well, you may be able to pursue underinsured motorist coverage under that policy if the other driver did not have enough insurance to completely compensate you for your injuries. We also like to review your medical bills, insurance statements, and pay stubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Most accidents happen at intersections or in parking lots—wherever pedestrians are around large numbers of vehicles. Other collisions happen when a pedestrian is walking on the shoulder of a road because there is no sidewalk.
In our experience, negligent and reckless motorists cause the bulk of accidents. They are usually in a hurry and failing to pay careful attention. Some direct causes include:
- Running a red light
- Making a right-hand turn without checking that the crosswalk is clear
- Intoxication
- Fatigue
- Distracted driving, such as texting and driving
- Impatience
- Carelessness
- Confusion
An investigation is often necessary to identify what caused the wreck. That also helps us understand your legal rights following a crash.
What Are The Laws On Pedestrian Accidents In Shelbyville, KY?
The state has various laws that come into play with pedestrian collisions. Our firm stays abreast of recent changes and knows how to use the laws to your benefit. Here are a few:
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Right of Way Laws: Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.570 says that motorists must yield the right of way to a pedestrian on a sidewalk. However, pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles on the road when they cross somewhere other than in an intersection.
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Comparative Fault: Kentucky compares the negligence of all parties involved in a pedestrian accident. This means that your own negligence is a relevant factor. Imagine you are distracted by your dog as you cross the road, so you step out in front of a car. This distraction means you are probably at least partially to blame for your crash. Any comparative negligence will reduce your settlement proportionally.
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Statute of Limitations: This statute is critical. It spells out the maximum amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Generally, accident victims get one year from the date of the crash. If you don’t file a lawsuit in time, a judge can bar you from filing at all. That would mean no compensation for your claim.
Contact Our Shelbyville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer with Questions
Meagher Injury Lawyers has provided passionate legal representation to people hurt in pedestrian accidents. Now is the time to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Call our law firm today at (502) 317-2721 to schedule a free consultation.
