Ohio & Texas Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Like all accidents, those that involve pedestrians can occur in seconds. However, their effects can last for months, years, or even a lifetime, depending on the nature and extent of the injuries. 

Like motorcyclists, pedestrians have little protection when hit or thrown by vehicles which can lead to severe or even catastrophic injuries, such as:

•  Brain injuries 
• And spinal cord damage

As a pedestrian, you may suffer temporary or permanent disability in such accidents, requiring financial resources that will provide for all of your needs for however long your injuries affect you. 

At the Spitzer Law Offices, we put our experienced and committed team on your side in pursuing the fair and just results you need in the wake of a pedestrian accident causing injuries or the wrongful death of a family member. 

We have seen firsthand the devastating effects such accidents can have on clients and their families which is why we put 100 percent effort into investigating and building claims that position you for optimum results. 

Reach out to us via online message or by phone at (740) 675-6858 to arrange for your free initial consultation with a Ohio and Texas pedestrian accident attorney.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Ohio

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTSHA)reported that approximately 6,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2020 which was an increase of 3.9 percent over the previous year. According to the NHTSA, pedestrians were killed every 81 minutes and injured every 10 minutes in that year with fatalities accounting for 17 percent of all traffic deaths.

The Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents

While you may not be an everyday pedestrian, most of us become pedestrians at one time or another. Unfortunately, being struck by a motorist, bus, or others on the road can lead to serious injuries, even when the vehicle striking you is moving at low speeds. This is because you have zero protection, unlike the occupants of cars encased in a steel shell with safety features, such as seat belts and airbags. 

Thus, a pedestrian accident can result in serious injuries that can lead to:

• Skyrocketing medical expenses
• Other out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation or child care costs when traveling to medical appointments, the need for renovations to your home or car if permanently disabled, and more
• Lost wage, income, or earning capacity when unable to work
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and distress
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Expenses related to permanent disability

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?

Even though the laws of the road call for motor vehicles to always yield to pedestrians this does not mean motor vehicles are always liable for an accident in all circumstances. According to Ohio pedestrian laws, pedestrians still have a responsibility to follow traffic laws, which by and large, are put in place to keep motorists and pedestrians safe. Some of the most common traffic laws pedestrians break are:

• Crossing against the traffic signal
• Not using a crosswalk when crossing the road
• Walking where pedestrian access is clearly marked as not allowed

Ohio law still requires motorists to use care to not collide with pedestrians. The Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.48 states that although this law outlines what pedestrians must do and avoid it, “does not relieve the operator of a vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley from exercising due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway.” There are many factors that are considered when it comes to pedestrian accident liability. If you have been injured it’s important to contact our Ohio pedestrian accident lawyer today to learn how we can help you. 

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, it is vital that you:

• Call 911
• Get medical attention
• Get a police report
• Collect information on the driver that hit you
• And have another take pictures of the accident scene if you cannot

Your medical reports, police report, photos, and other documentation will all be necessary to build your claim for damages. You will have two years in which to file your claim after which the window of opportunity will end due to the statute of limitations. 

Do Not Accept Settlements Without Speaking to an Attorney 

It is critical that you do not accept initial settlement offers from any insurer without speaking to one of our personal injury lawyers first. We can prevent you from accepting undervalued settlements that may not fully cover your losses and damages or ensure that you have the financial resources to fully address injury issues for the long term. 

Ready to learn more? Call the Spitzer Law Offices at (740) 675-6858 or contact us online to get started.