Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Fort Wayne
As a pedestrian, you are entitled to safely cross Indiana’s streets and enjoy strolls through our cities, such as Fort Wayne and Huntington without fear of being hit by an automobile. Unfortunately, thousands of pedestrian accidents occur each year throughout America, resulting in catastrophic injuries to civilians, often due to an auto driver’s negligence.
How Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
City streets are naturally more crowded with both pedestrians and vehicles than country roads. When motor vehicle operators fail to adhere to traffic regulations, such as stop signs, speed limits, crosswalk right of ways, or running stoplights and stop signs, pedestrians are often the victims. Also when drivers are distracted, pedestrian accidents can occur.
While anyone may be the victim of a pedestrian accident, the majority of victims are children or the elderly. This is due to many reasons, including:
- Children recreating and behaving in manners inconsistent with grown adults, requiring automobile drivers to exercise extra caution around children.
- The elderly are sometimes unable to recognize dangers in the same way as adults due to less capable senses.
What Common Accident Injuries Are Experienced In Pedestrian Accidents?
Due to a lack of protection between pedestrians and vehicles, accidents of this nature can result in catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Head Injury
- Shoulder injuries
- Back and neck injuries
What Are Some Tips for Avoiding a Fort Wayne Pedestrian Crash?
Although pedestrians cannot prevent all collisions, there are certain actions they can take to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a pedestrian accident. You should take the following reasonable measures any time you travel on foot:
- Do not text while walking or use headphones. Doing so distracts you from what is happening around you and you may unwittingly walk directly into traffic.
- Make certain to walk on sidewalks when they are available, use crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing the street.
- Be mindful of traffic signals and the movement of vehicles. Although the law says that pedestrians have the right of way, other drivers may not see you in time to stop their cars. Take responsibility for your own safety.
- If you are walking at night, wear highly visible clothing – especially if you will be walking through an area that does not have a sidewalk.
- Obey traffic laws (such as walking against traffic) and signs just as you would if you were a motorist. If a crosswalk sign tells you not to walk, do not begin crossing the street.
What Compensation Is Available for Pedestrian Accidents in Indiana?
Too frequently, pedestrian accident victims do not receive the compensation they are entitled to. This is often due to the pressure and intimidation tactics of an insurance company.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Diminished earning capacity
- Related medical bills
- Loss of companionship and funeral bills, if the accident resulted in the wrongful death of a pedestrian.
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of wages
- Permanent scarring
Is There A Statute of Limitations for Filing an Injury Lawsuit for a Pedestrian Accident?
Yes, there is. The Indiana statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is 2 years. This means you must file your personal injury lawsuit within two years of the injury. If you do not file before that time expires, you will have forfeited your opportunity to have your lawsuit heard in court.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
Pedestrian accident victims need a Truitt Law Offices personal injury attorney on their side who will not succumb to the insurance companies and corporations.
Accident attorney, Richard Truitt of Truitt Law Offices, has over 40 years of personal injury law experience in the Indiana area. His compassion and legal experience can help you through this trying time and obtain the compensation your family deserves. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a pedestrian accident, please call us at (888) 665-1972 or contact our auto accident offices online today. Make your first call, your only call.
