A Louisville Attorney Supporting Pedestrian Accident Victims In Kentucky
In 2019, drivers hit 76,000 and killed 6,205 pedestrians across the U.S. In 2020, in Louisville alone, 30 people who were walking or jogging were hit by drivers and lost their lives. This is up 30% from 2019 and up a whopping 275% from 2012. This is according to data from the Department of Public Works and the Governors Highway Safety Administration report. In fact, a pedestrian loses their life in a collision with a driver every 88 minutes in the United States.
At the Louisville law firm of T.J. Smith, Attorney at Law, we believe such statistics are simply unacceptable. We have built a strong reputation for excellence by fighting for pedestrians and other injured people in Kentucky, and we have obtained more than $250 million for our clients. To learn more about what our firm can do for you, call 502-677-1429 or email our firm to schedule a no-cost consultation.
Drivers Have A Duty To Keep Roads Safe For Pedestrians
Drivers of cars and trucks have the responsibility to pay attention on the road and protect those on foot. Even Kentucky law acknowledges this, and KRS 189.570 says that:
When traffic control signals are not in place or in operation, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.
Louisville Pedestrians Have The Right Of Way
If there is no stop sign or traffic light, the driver must automatically yield to pedestrians on the road. If you or someone you love was injured because a driver failed to pay attention or obey the rules of the road, we will fight for full compensation for you. T.J. has won over $230 million for his injured clients. He is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has decades of legal experience.
T.J. is a Louisville pedestrian accident attorney who works to get the maximum compensation but he also works to get you the maximum care; his vast network of specialists, doctors and care providers means that he can get you the right care when you need it.
Call T.J. – He’ll Make ‘Em Pay
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Collisions
Negligent drivers can cause serious injuries to pedestrians in many ways. Here are just a few:
- Failing to see or slow down for pedestrians in crosswalks
- Backing out of a driveway without checking for people on the sidewalk
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs
- Swerving into a pedestrian while trying to pass another vehicle by driving recklessly
- Texting, eating or being otherwise distracted
If you or someone you care about was hit by a driver, it is time to call T.J. After a Louisville car crash, get the representation you need to defend your rights and make ’em pay.
Answering Common Questions About Kentucky Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian accident occurs, it is natural to have many questions about what comes next. T.J. Smith, Attorney at Law can address these questions and more, providing you with essential information to navigate the aftermath of a pedestrian accident effectively.
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, many pedestrian accidents happen in cities where there are a lot of people walking and driving. This can include locations like intersections, parking lots and areas near schools and shops. If a street is busy and does not have good crosswalks or signals for pedestrians, accidents happen more often. Cities like Louisville and Lexington, which have a lot of pedestrians and drivers, have more accidents. It is important for everyone, both people walking and driving, to pay attention and follow traffic rules to avoid accidents.
Does where I was walking matter in a crash case?
Yes, where you walk can affect what happens in a crash case. In Kentucky, the law says you should use sidewalks if possible and cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. If you walk in the middle of the road or jaywalk, you could be more at risk for accidents. This could also affect a legal case because the court may believe you were at fault for the collision. Accidents in parking lots also look at what both the driver and pedestrian were doing.
Can a pedestrian cause an accident that injures them?
Yes, a pedestrian can cause an accident that hurts them. If a pedestrian does not follow traffic signals, runs into traffic suddenly, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can cause an accident. In Kentucky, if a pedestrian and a driver both have some fault in an accident, the amount they contributed to the accident will impact how much they get for their injuries. For example, if the court decides that the pedestrian was 20 percent at fault for a collision, they can only receive 80 percent of the damages they suffered.
Will I get the same type of settlement as a pedestrian as I would in a two-car accident?
The settlement a pedestrian gets can be different from a two-car accident because the injuries and who is responsible can vary. Pedestrian accidents often lead to more serious injuries, which might mean higher medical costs and larger settlements. However, the final amount depends on details like how much each person was at fault and the driver’s insurance limits. Unlike in car accidents where both drivers might have insurance, pedestrians usually must rely on the driver’s insurance, which can make getting a settlement more complicated.
How should I report a pedestrian accident to the police?
If you see or are in a pedestrian accident, call 911. This is especially important if someone suffers an injury. Tell the police where and when the accident happened, and explain what you saw. When the police arrive, they will document the scene and write up a report about the accident. This report is important for insurance claims and any legal actions that might follow.
Be sure to give the police all the details you can, like what the car looked like, which way it was going, and other vital information. Also, remember to ask the police how you can get a copy of the accident report, as you will need it for insurance or legal purposes later on.
Get Your Free Consult To Find Out More
Get your questions answered – schedule a free initial consultation with our lawyer and learn more about your rights. Call T.J. Smith, Attorney at Law, at 502-677-1429. No matter where in Kentucky you were injured; Louisville, Central Kentucky, or even out in a rural area, T.J. can help. Call anytime, day or night. You can also request a consultation via our email contact form.