Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
When you’re walking to work, running for exercise, or simply strolling to enjoy the fresh air, you shouldn’t have to worry about your safety. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are common in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that more than 67,000 pedestrians were injured in accidents in 2022, and more than 7,500 were killed.
When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, they’re likely to suffer serious, disabling, and potentially life-threatening injuries. Many pedestrian accident victims face long roads to recovery, expensive medical bills, and months or years of disability. The combination of these factors can make the financial consequences of these accidents devastating, and many victims also suffer from serious psychological stress, too.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller, we work hard to help pedestrian accidents get maximum compensation for their damages. We do this by holding negligent drivers fully accountable for the harm they’ve caused. If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident, we’re ready to help—contact us today for a free case review.
What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons, but most are caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or not paying attention to the road can hit pedestrians who are walking in or even near the road.
- Speeding: The faster a driver is traveling in their vehicle, the less time they have to react and stop for pedestrians.
- Failing to Yield: Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Many accidents happen when drivers ignore this rule.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of hitting a pedestrian.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents are more likely at night or in bad weather when drivers may not see pedestrians. However, it’s still up to drivers to avoid accidents, and that often requires reducing their speed and driving more cautiously.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Drivers who fail to stop at intersections put pedestrians in danger.
What Types of Injuries Do Pedestrian Accidents Cause?
Pedestrians have little protection in a crash, so their injuries are often severe. Some common injuries include:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), skull fractures, and concussions can result from a pedestrian’s head hitting the pavement or vehicle.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and hips are common due to the impact of the crash.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can cause paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
- Lacerations and Bruises: Deep cuts and bruising can lead to infections or permanent scarring.
- Amputations: In severe cases, a pedestrian’s limbs may be crushed and require surgical amputation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?
Because the financial impact of pedestrian accidents can be so significant for victims and their loved ones, it’s extremely important to find out who is responsible and hold them liable for the damages incurred.
Several parties may be responsible for a pedestrian accident, including:
- The Driver: If a driver was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent, they may be liable.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
- Government Entities or Contractors: Poorly designed crosswalks, broken traffic signals, or inadequate street lighting may make a city or municipality liable. In some cases, this liability may fall on a contractor or company that was tasked with designing and building this infrastructure.
- Property Owners: If a business or property owner creates a hazard (such as blocking sidewalks), they could be responsible for an accident.
Ferrer Poirot Feller Has the Experience You Need After a Pedestrian Accident
Despite being completely defenseless when struck by vehicles, it’s not uncommon for at-fault drivers and their insurers to blame pedestrians after accidents. They often use many different excuses and defenses, but in almost all scenarios, it’s up to drivers to watch out for and avoid pedestrians in and near the road.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller, we have years of experience building and winning personal injury claims for victims like you, including injured pedestrians. We know what evidence to look for, how to analyze the facts of the case, which parties to hold liable, and which strategies to utilize during negotiation for maximum settlements.
Don’t wait another day to get the legal representation and compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a free case review.