Ohio pedestrians suffer from fatalities each year in the state. In 2016, 140 pedestrians died from injuries while they were out taking a walk according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Many other pedestrians sustain severe personal injuries annually. All pedestrians in Ohio has to deal with different types of risks while walking on city streets. If you walk around the city, there is a chance a bus, a car, or a truck can hit you. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), 73% of pedestrian fatalities take place in cities, and 70% of those pedestrian accidents happen somewhere other than an intersection.
If you frequently walk in Ohio, there are also dangerous road conditions you need to keep in mind. Tripping or falling on loose gravel, potholes, or cracks in the pavement can cause you serious injuries and property damage. Walking on or around private properties can also leave you with personal injuries due to hazards you are not expecting. If you or a loved one suffers injuries from taking a stroll on Ohio streets, the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers may be able to assist you and your family in receiving the compensation necessary to pay for any medical expenses resulting from accident injuries. Our pedestrian accident attorneys can help you file a claim to receive the money you need to recover from your injuries.
Ohio residents suffer painful, life-changing injuries from pedestrian accidents. It does not matter if you are the victim of a negligent driver or a lazy, property or business owner, an accident can change your life in ways you will not expect. When you suffer injuries due to another individual’s negligence, you need an attorney to protect your rights and stand up for you against the insurance company.
How to Prevent Ohio Pedestrian Accidents
Ohio pedestrian accidents could lead to serious personal injuries. Contact the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers to discuss your case.
As a pedestrian on Ohio streets and roads, you are responsible for using caution and care to protect your safety. You need to make sure you exercise caution every time you venture out to take a walk. You should make sure you:
- Pay attention to traffic signals at intersections
- Avoid disrupting the flow of traffic by entering the road while traffic is moving
- Use the crosswalks when crossing the street
- Never walk out in front of a car
Property owners in Ohio have a responsibility to keep property free from hazards and use warning signs to let pedestrians know there is a possibility of hazardous conditions. In order for you to receive compensation for damages you suffer on someone’s property, you will have to prove the property owner was negligent in their duty to care for the property. You will have to prove:
- The property owner is the reason for the hazardous condition
- The property owner knew about the condition and did nothing to remedy the problem
- The hazardous condition was in existence for an extended period of time, and the property owner should have known about the condition
Anyone in Ohio that owns property must maintain the property and land they own but are not responsible for hazardous conditions on a sidewalk in front of or outside of the property or land they own. Typically, sidewalk maintenance is the responsibility of the town or city.
If you or a loved one sustains injuries from a pedestrian accident, you should call the local police in Ohio as soon as the accident takes place. It is important that you do not leave the accident scene before receiving assistance. You should also collect the names and contact numbers of any witnesses and never make any statements claiming fault for the incident. It is also important for you to receive medical treatment even if you do not feel you have injuries. As with any other type of accident, you may not experience any pain or injuries until several days later. You need to make sure you have your accident and injuries documented in case you need to file a claim to request compensation. It is also a good idea for you to consult with a pedestrian accident attorney to discuss the specifics of your accident.
Possible Reasons for Ohio Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian accident can happen at any given time and usually occurs for different reasons. Some common causes for pedestrian accidents are:
- Pedestrians not paying attention to surroundings while walking
- Drivers not paying attention to surroundings while operating a motor vehicle
- Drivers speeding and not allowing enough time to stop to prevent an accident
- Reckless drivers that do not exercise caution while driving and fail to follow the rules of the road
- Property owners that fail to maintain property or correct hazardous conditions
After you suffer injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may want to speak with the property owner on your own to see if you can get them to compensate you for your injuries and damages. But there are times when you will need some assistance when you attempt to receive compensation because not everyone is willing to take responsibility for their actions. You will not be able to focus on your recovery and recuperation process if you are chasing the responsible party for money. The only thing you need to worry about is getting better. A pedestrian accident attorney can go after the responsible party and work with the insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you are due. After your accident, you should take the time to meet with an attorney to get advice even if you decide not to hire one. A lawyer with experience in pedestrian accidents will be able to give you an idea of what to expect in the accident claim process as well as tell you what you will be facing if you have to pursue legal action. An attorney will advocate on your behalf, negotiate with the insurance company and the responsible party, and answer any questions you have about your case.
Injuries from Ohio Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians can experience a number of injuries depending on the type of accident. Injuries can include any of the following:
- Broken bones
- Sprains
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Bumps, bruises, cuts, and abrasions
Any injury you suffer will most likely cause you pain and discomfort. But injuries that are serious or severe can leave you with long-term disabilities and affect your ability to work and earn money. If you or someone you love suffers injuries in a pedestrian accident, you should consider consulting with a pedestrian accident attorney to help you collect the compensation you need to pay for your injuries. After an accident, you need to be able to devote all of your time and energy on recovering from your injuries, and an attorney can work on your behalf to fight to get you the compensation you need to pay your medical expenses and lost wages.
Ohio Pedestrian Accidents Can Be Confusing
A pedestrian accident in Ohio can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Sometimes drivers claim the pedestrian caused the accident by not paying attention or being careless. In most cases, drivers claim they did not see you walking, and that is not an acceptable defense. The pedestrian accident attorneys at the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers will do thorough research to investigate your accident to find out what took place. We will meet with witnesses and use outside experts to help prove your case and get you the justice you deserve.
An accident can create a great deal of chaos and confusion in your life; you need someone on your side to help you understand the claims process and be there to assist you if you need to take legal action. Insurance companies do not want to have to pay your claim and will do everything in their power to pay you as little as possible. A pedestrian accident attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you receive the best possible compensation package for you and your family. Our attorneys are here to help you through this difficult process and we care about your well-being. A lawyer will work on your behalf to make sure the party responsible for your injuries pays you for your injuries and damages.
Possible Expenses from Ohio Pedestrian Accidents
When you suffer injuries from an Ohio pedestrian accident, you may have numerous expenses relating to the accident and your injuries. You may be unable to work depending on the severity of your injuries and you will most likely have extensive medical bills. It will be hard for you to recuperate if you are unable to pay for your medical expenses or cover your monthly household bills. An attorney will be able to help you collect money to cover the following expenses:
- Your lost earnings from being unable to work
- Medical expenses from treatments for your injuries
- Compensation to cover your pain and suffering
- Money to compensate you or your family for your inability to live your life in a normal capacity
- Payments to cover therapies and prescriptions
- Money to compensate for permanent scarring or disfigurements
If you work with a lawyer who is familiar with pedestrian accidents, it will be their responsibility to negotiate on your behalf to make sure you receive an appropriate settlement to cover your current and future expenses. An attorney will take care of your legal issues so you can focus on the recovery process. Any type of accident will result in setbacks, no matter how minor and you will need someone advocating on your behalf.
A pedestrian accident attorney can investigate the accident and determine the cause and make sure the responsible party compensates you for your injuries and property damage. A lawyer will be able to use their resources to review your accident report, medical report, interview witnesses, and bring in experts to reconstruct the accident. Your attorney will also be able to negotiate with the insurance company to make sure your settlement includes any and all expenses you incur as a result of the accident.
Your lawyer will remain by your side until you are satisfied with the settlement and will also make sure you and your family have the resources you need to move forward with your lives. After a pedestrian accident, you are bound to have questions and your lawyer will be able to answer them for you and let you know what to expect after you decide to file a claim to request compensation. An attorney will take care of all the legal details and protect your rights.
Contact the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers for Assistance with Your Pedestrian Accident Case
After an accident, you only need to concern yourself with recovering. When we work for you as your attorneys, it is our job to investigate the accident, collect the pertinent information, compile the information for your claim, and work to get a favorable settlement. Our attorneys will be by your side for the duration and will see your case through until the end. We will protect your rights and your interests and make sure you have everything you need to get your life back on track.
If you or someone you love suffers injuries in a pedestrian accident, the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers is here to provide you the assistance you need. We have locations throughout the state of Ohio and years of legal experience helping accident victims receive the compensation they deserve. Our attorneys will work hard to make sure your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering receive careful consideration. We are available to answer any questions you may have and want to make sure you and your family receive justice.
We are here to help you receive the compensation you need to continue with your life. Call our office today for a no-obligation consultation so we can discuss your case further.
