Pedestrian Accidents

Call Hessig & Pohl for Your Louisville Pedestrian Accident Case!

When Kentucky drivers fail to drive safely, pedestrians are at risk of severe injury or death. Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident in Louisville, Kentucky? If so, you need an aggressive pedestrian accident lawyer. At Hessig & Pohl, we understand that a devastating pedestrian accident can change your life forever. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping injured pedestrians obtain total and fair compensation for their injuries. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about how we will fight for your right to compensation. Our law firm represents clients in the Louisville, Lexington, and Elizabethtown areas.

What to Do if You are Hit by a Vehicle

One minute you are walking alongside the road, trying to reach your destination. The next minute, you have been struck by a vehicle. This frightening scenario occurs every day in Kentucky. If you have been hit by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, you will probably leave the scene with serious injuries. You are probably wondering what you should do if you are hit by a vehicle. If you know the driver’s identity who hit you, you have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against that person.

The first thing you should do after being involved in a pedestrian accident is call 911. Even if you are not sure whether you need to go to the hospital, it is wise to call 911, report the accident, and request medical services. Should the paramedic suggest that you go to the hospital, we recommend following their advice. If you do not go to the hospital, make sure you undergo a thorough medical evaluation. Doing so will help you prove that the injuries you sustained were a result of the pedestrian accident and not something else. It will also help you prove the severity of your injuries. If you are able to, take photos of the accident scene with your phone.  

Be sure that you get the contact information of the driver who hit you and their insurance information. Do not discuss your case with an insurance adjuster until you speak to an attorney. Likewise, do not sign any settlement agreement until you discuss your case with a lawyer. Insurance companies are notorious for making low settlement offers, and your attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Common Injuries From Being Struck by a Car

Pedestrian accidents happen every day in Kentucky. Since pedestrians do not have the external protection of vehicles, they are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries. The majority of pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas, but they can also occur in rural areas. In the United States, over 60,000 pedestrians are injured, and 4,000 die every year in pedestrian accidents. We will discuss some of the most common types of pedestrian accident injuries below.

  • Soft Tissue Damage: Contusions, lacerations, sprains, strange, dislocations, and muscle tears are all common soft tissue injuries that can occur in pedestrian accidents.
  • Broken Bones: Pedestrians frequently fracture their wrists, arms, hands, legs, shoulders, and backs in accidents. Serious compound fractures can also occur in which the bone punches through the skin, causing long-term problems.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can be life-altering and cause fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, anxiety, and trouble concentrating.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries affect many pedestrian accident victims every year. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis or death.

Filing Your Suit and Pursuing Compensation

In Kentucky, pedestrians have a right to sue the driver or company whose negligence and recklessness cause their injuries. You will need to prove that the driver was acting negligently and that their negligence caused your injuries. For example, you will need to prove the driver was texting, not paying attention, intoxicated, not following traffic laws, or otherwise acting negligently when they struck you.

You can also pursue compensation through an insurance claim. In Kentucky, you have a right to pursue a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. As mentioned above, obtaining compensation through an insurance policy isn’t always easy. Insurance companies try to deny paying claims whenever possible, and you need an aggressive lawyer to hold the insurance company accountable.

Unfortunately, some pedestrian accidents end up being hit-and-run accidents. In this situation, the driver will hit a pedestrian and then quickly drive away. Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians are more common than most of us realize. As many as 20% of all drivers flee the accident scene after injuring a pedestrian. 

If you have been injured in a pedestrian hit-and-run accident, we recommend contacting Hessig & Pohl as soon as possible. One of our skilled lawyers can help you search for the unknown driver to hold them accountable. We will examine all the different ways you can pursue compensation for your injuries and advocate for your rights. 

Kentucky Pedestrian Laws

Under Kentucky law, pedestrians in dedicated crossings have the right of way. Drivers must slow down or stop for pedestrians, and they cannot pass other drivers who have stopped while pedestrians are crossing the street in a crosswalk. Pedestrians are also required to follow all traffic signs and lights. In Kentucky, pedestrians cannot cross at intersections with traffic lights unless they have been given the appropriate signal to cross.

Pedestrians cannot cross under, over, or round barriers protecting bridges or railroads. Drivers must yield right away to blind pedestrians, which can be identified by their guide dog or visible white cane. Finally, pedestrians are not allowed onto roadways suddenly and without warning.

Call The Top Auto Accident Attorney in Louisville Today!

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, time is of the essence. Contact the skilled pedestrian accident lawyers at Hessig & Pohl today to schedule your free initial consultation. Our experienced law firm represents clients in the Louisville, Lexington, and Elizabethtown areas.

Marty fought for me when the insurance company denied my claim. We sued and got the insurance limits.

- JERAMY

Louisville personal injury lawyer