Recovering Millions For Our Clients And
Making Justice Count

Get Compensated For Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries In Beachwood, Ohio

Whether it’s heading to your favorite ice cream place in the summer or walking to get a warm coffee in the fall, pedestrians are routinely out at all hours of the day throughout the entire year. Unfortunately, pedestrians are commonly injured in pedestrian accidents as a result of another’s negligent conduct. If you suffered injuries, discuss your rights with our pedestrian accident attorney in Beachwood, Ohio, today.

Let us fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a risk-free consultation to understand your legal options. Your path to justice starts now. 

What Is A Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident refers to any incident involving a collision or accident between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian, usually resulting in injuries or fatalities to the person on foot. In such accidents, a pedestrian is someone who is walking, jogging, running, or standing and is not inside a vehicle or on a bicycle at the time of the collision.

What Are The Different Types Of Pedestrian Accidents In Ohio?

Pedestrian accidents in Ohio can occur in various situations and under different circumstances. Here are some common types of pedestrian accidents that can happen:

Intersection Accidents

Many pedestrian-vehicle accidents happen at intersections. The issue can arise when the intersection lacks proper traffic control, or when drivers ignore red lights or stop signs. Another common scenario is when drivers are making turns and fail to watch out for pedestrians crossing the street.

Crosswalk Accidents

If you or your child were walking in a crosswalk, you should have been in a safe zone. But if a driver disregarded your safety and hit you or your loved one while crossing, get in touch with our trusted pedestrian accident attorney right away.

School Zone Accidents

Drivers need to be very careful when driving in school zones, especially during school hours. Unfortunately, some drivers who speed or drive recklessly near schools end up hitting children.

School Bus Crossing Accidents

When a school bus comes to a stop and extends its stop sign, every vehicle must stop. It doesn’t matter which direction the vehicles are coming from, all should pause to make sure the children getting off the bus can cross the road safely.

Back-Over Accidents

One of the most frequent accidents that can harm children is when vehicles back up. The area behind a vehicle where the driver cannot see, known as the blind spot, can be quite large, especially for big vehicles and shorter drivers.

Children Play Accidents

Children and teenagers frequently play on sidewalks, close to streets, and in parking lots. Children at play might not always be aware of traffic, making them vulnerable to accidents.

Pedestrian Work Accidents

Construction and utility workers frequently work on or close to the road. Even with warning lights, signs, and cones in place, some drivers may not pay attention to the potential danger.

Side-Of-The-Road Accidents

There are various reasons you might find yourself by the side of the road. Whether you’re checking the mail, getting in or out of your vehicle, or doing some yard work, you might not think much of stepping onto the shoulder of the road.

Off-Road Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian-vehicle accidents don’t always occur on the street. Sometimes, a vehicle may veer off the road and hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk, in their yard, at a bus stop, or even inside a building.

These accidents are often severe, and the driver might have been impaired. Our team of pedestrian accident lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to find out what happened and why.

Liability For Your Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Distracted drivers
  • Speeding
  • Drunk drivers
  • Inattention to crosswalks
  • Low light conditions
  • Driver impatience

After a pedestrian accident occurs, it is important to seek the medical attention you need. Any accident involving a pedestrian can result in serious and catastrophic injury as pedestrians are completely defenseless against cars, trucks, buses, and trains. Once medical care has been sought, injured pedestrians should report the incident to local law enforcement and create an incident report.

If possible, the pedestrian should also take photos of the scene and their injuries, gather contact information from potential witnesses, and obtain the negligent individual’s contact information.

Who Can Be Held Liable For My Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

Liability for pedestrian accident injuries can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Several parties may potentially be held liable for your injuries, including:

Negligent Drivers

The most common scenario is when a motor vehicle driver is at fault for the accident. If a driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, running a red light, or failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, caused the accident, they may be held liable for the injuries.

Government Entities

In some cases, the government may be held liable if the accident occurred due to dangerous road conditions or poorly maintained infrastructure, such as broken traffic signals, inadequate signage, or poorly designed intersections.

Property Owners

If the accident was caused by hazardous conditions on private property, such as a business parking lot or sidewalk, the property owner may be held liable if they were aware of the dangerous condition but failed to address it.

Manufacturers

In rare cases, if the accident was caused by a vehicle malfunction, such as brake failure or steering issues, the vehicle manufacturer or parts manufacturer may be held liable for producing a defective product.

Third Parties

Other parties might also be held liable, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. For example, if the driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer might share liability.

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to consult with our personal injury attorney who can help assess your case, identify the responsible parties, and protect your rights to fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Is Ohio’s Statute Of Limitations For Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims?

Every state has its own set of laws that determine the time limit within which a person must initiate a lawsuit or civil action. These laws are known as “statutes of limitations.” The specific time frame varies depending on the type of case, and it typically starts from the moment the incident in question occurred.

In Ohio, you only have two years to take legal action by filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit. If you fail to act within these two years, you lose the right to seek compensation from the responsible party. While two years may seem like enough time, it’s crucial to act promptly in any legal matter.

As time passes, evidence may be lost, and eyewitnesses may forget important details. That’s why we strongly advise reaching out to our pedestrian accident attorney in Beachwood, Ohio right away to initiate the process. Taking quick action can greatly improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

What Are The Elements Of Negligence In My Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim?

The elements of negligence in a pedestrian accident injury claim are as follows:

Duty Of Care

You must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care. In the context of a pedestrian accident, this means the driver had a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle to avoid causing harm to pedestrians.

Breach Of Duty

You need to demonstrate that the defendant breached their duty of care. To do this, you must show that the driver’s actions or inactions fell short of what a reasonably prudent person would have done under similar circumstances.

Causation

You must establish a direct causal link between the driver’s breach of duty and your injuries. In other words, you need to show that the driver’s negligence was the proximate cause of the accident and your resulting injuries.

Provable Damages

You must have actual damages that resulted from the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. These damages must be quantifiable and supported by evidence, such as medical bills and receipts.

To succeed in your pedestrian accident injury claim, you need to demonstrate all four of these elements. Hiring our legal team can greatly assist you in navigating the legal process, building a robust case, and maximizing your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

How Can I Strengthen My Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim?

Filing a personal injury claim might seem overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to start or how to build a strong case, the best move is to consult our pedestrian accident attorney in Beachwood OH.

Report The Accident Right Away

If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, make sure to report it to the police right away. The officer who responds to the scene will create an official report with all the details. Having this report can be helpful when you need to prove what happened and how you got injured.

Get Immediate Medical Attention

It’s essential to see a doctor right away after the accident, even if you think your injuries are not severe. Seeking prompt medical attention helps prevent further harm and can also support your claim. If you delay visiting a doctor, the insurance company might argue that your injuries weren’t significant and could result in partial liability and a smaller settlement.

Write Down A Detailed Account Of What Happened

Write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. Take notes of any witnesses you spoke to, any nearby surveillance cameras you noticed, and any other details you think might support your case. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your belongings.

Keep Comprehensive Records Of Everything Related To The Accident

Be sure to keep track of all the paperwork related to the accident and your injuries. This includes any reports, photos, pay stubs, emails, medical bills, receipts, and prescriptions you’ve received throughout your case. Having these documents on hand will be helpful in demonstrating the damages you’ve experienced.

Do I Always Have The Right Of Way As A Pedestrian?

While road laws require motor vehicles to yield to pedestrians, it doesn’t automatically mean that vehicles are always at fault in every accident. In Ohio, pedestrian laws also hold pedestrians accountable for following traffic regulations to ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians. Some of the most common traffic laws that pedestrians might violate are:

  • Crossing the road against the traffic signal
  • Crossing the road without using a designated crosswalk
  • Walking in areas where pedestrian access is prohibited

Even though Ohio law specifies what pedestrians should and shouldn’t do, motorists still have a responsibility to be careful and avoid hitting pedestrians. According to the Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.48, drivers must exercise due care to prevent collisions with pedestrians on any roadway.

What Is Comparative Negligence In Ohio?

Our team often receives questions about whether an injured person can still receive compensation if they were partly at fault for the accident. The answer is that it depends.

In Ohio, the state follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that a person can still seek compensation from the party (or parties) at fault as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. If they are found to be 50% or less at fault, they can seek damages, but the awarded amount will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Proving that you had a lesser role in causing the accident can result in significantly higher compensation for your losses.

What Damages Can I Recover After My Pedestrian Accident?

Although each pedestrian accident case is unique, some of the typical types of damages that might be compensable include:

  • Medical bills and healthcare expenses
  • Lost income and potential future earnings
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Compensation for disfigurement and disabilities

In certain situations, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. These are intended to penalize the responsible driver for extremely reckless or negligent behavior and discourage similar actions in the future. To understand better what types of damages you might be entitled to, contact our law firm today and speak with our pedestrian accident attorney.

Why Do I Need A Pedestrian Accident Attorney In Ohio?

We are here to support you. Our pedestrian accident attorney in Beachwood OH will strongly advocate for your rights against insurance companies and negligent parties, allowing you to progress with your life after a severe accident.

You can concentrate on your health and healing, as we explore all possible legal options to secure the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the ways we will assist you:

  • Conducting a comprehensive investigation of your accident
  • Vigorously pursuing all parties responsible for the accident
  • Collecting evidence to strengthen your claim
  • Filing all necessary paperwork promptly
  • Assessing the complete extent of your damages
  • Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
  • If needed, representing your case in court

Our law firm has successfully obtained significant compensation for many clients through verdicts and settlements. We will utilize our experience and resources to support your case as well. Don’t hesitate to have legal advocates on your team. Reach out to us for a risk-free consultation to understand your rights as an injured pedestrian and the legal assistance we can provide to you.

Our Ohio Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Is Ready To Help

Those injured in pedestrian accidents should also contact our experienced pedestrian accident attorney. At Karp Steiger, our team of experienced pedestrian accident attorneys can assist you with any injury sustained in a pedestrian accident.

Common injuries stemming from pedestrian accidents include broken and fractured bones, head trauma, leg injuries, neck and back injuries, and brain damage. Trying to seek compensation alone can be difficult, expensive, and daunting.

We are also ready to assist you with Workers’ Compensation and Sex Abuse. Please call our team at Karp Steiger, for a risk-free and confidential case review.