How to Get Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident in Kentucky

Pedestrian accidents leave victims with devastating, costly injuries. Motor vehicles weigh thousands of pounds, and the force of a car hitting a walker causes severe injuries. Tragically, many pedestrians have been killed in motor vehicle accidents in Kentucky.

A pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Additionally, victims’ families can pursue wrongful death damages after fatal accidents.

To qualify for compensation, the motorist or another party needs to have been at fault for the accident. Sometimes, these incidents happen because of pedestrian negligence. Oftentimes though, it’s the car or truck driver’s fault.

If you’re an injured pedestrian, you should get in touch with a personal injury attorney as soon as you can. To seek compensation successfully, you’ll need to be able to prove that the responsible driver was at fault.

An attorney will help you gather evidence supporting your claim, and they will negotiate with the negligent party’s insurance company to recover you the most money possible.

The at-fault party’s insurance company will do everything they can to avoid paying out your claim. They may argue that the pedestrian accident was actually your fault, or they may attempt to undervalue what your claim is worth. For this reason, contacting an attorney is an absolute must.

In the event you were hit and injured due to a driver’s negligence, contact Rhoads & Rhoads Attorneys at Law by calling 888-709-9329. We have years of experience fighting on behalf of injured pedestrians in Western Kentucky. We also represent family members of those who suffer pedestrian deaths.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Owensboro, Kentucky

Your actions immediately following your pedestrian accident can substantially impact your personal injury claim. Victims of pedestrian accidents need to retain evidence proving that another party involved was negligent.

Those struck by motorists must also show that they suffered damages as a result of the at-fault party’s actions.

Pedestrians should follow these steps after being involved in an accident:

Seek immediate medical attention: Your health should come first above everything else. These accidents can cause life-threatening injuries, and you may not even be aware of the severity of your condition. Call 911 immediately to receive emergency medical attention. If your injury is only minor, you should see a doctor after leaving the scene of the accident.

Contact the police: If you don’t call 911, you should call the police. The police will make an accident report that you can use as evidence.

Gather information: Exchange information with the driver or anyone else who was involved in the pedestrian traffic accident. Of course, you may not be able to exchange information or collect evidence if you are substantially injured. Instead, have another party collect this information if possible.

Collect evidence: You’ll need evidence supporting your claim that the motorist or another party was at fault for your crash injury. Gather eyewitness testimony, photos, and video evidence.

Contact a lawyer: Hiring an attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents will increase your likelihood of recouping fair damages. Your lawyer will help you collect evidence and maximize financial recovery.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Crashes involving pedestrians occur due to many factors. Usually, either the driver of the car or the pedestrian is at fault.

Liability will depend on each party’s actions leading up to the traffic accident.

The Driver of the Motor Vehicle Was At Fault

Often, pedestrian accidents occur because of driver negligence. Drivers should yield to pedestrians.

Drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles with care and avoid causing accidents.

Situations in which the car motorist may be at fault in Kentucky include:

• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driving while distracted
• Speeding
• Failing to yield to pedestrians
• Reversing without checking mirrors
• Failing to see a pedestrian walking on a crosswalk

The Pedestrian Was At Fault

While pedestrians almost always sustain more severe injuries than motor vehicle drivers, there are situations in which they may be partially or wholly at fault for accidents. A walker must follow pedestrian laws and yield to drivers who have the right of way. Pedestrians have a responsibility to use crosswalks, and they cannot disrupt traffic by walking in front of oncoming cars.

If the circumstances in the accident involve a person walking on the street illegally, they could be found at least fault for their own injuries. For instance, suppose a pedestrian jaywalks on an interstate and is hit by a vehicle. Although the pedestrian could be severely injured or even killed, they were still likely responsible for the incident.

Interstates aren’t designed for pedestrians, and motorists do not expect walkers to enter. However, the motorist could at least be partially at fault.

Do you have questions regarding liability in pedestrian accidents? Get in touch with a personal injury attorney today at 888-709-9329.

Contact a Lawyer for Your Pedestrian Accident in Kentucky

If you’ve been hit by a car, you may suffer from severe wounds and impairments that impact your ability to work and enjoy life. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering — you need to file a claim to hold the responsible party financially accountable.

Here at Rhoads & Rhoads, our attorneys assist victims of pedestrian accidents in Kentucky. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, we may be able to recover your substantial payment for your losses and suffering. The lawyers on our team have years of experience handling pedestrian accidents in Kentucky, and we also represent family members in cases involving pedestrian deaths.

Our team will conduct an investigation into the accident and collect evidence to support your claim. We’ll also argue your case on your behalf to increase your damages.

Contact the Rhoads & Rhoads team today at 888-709-9329, or you can schedule your free consultation online here.