Columbus Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking is a great way to get around Columbus. Whether you’re commuting to work or school or simply taking a stroll in the great outdoors, it’s a healthy and cost-effective way to travel. Unfortunately, it also comes with its own set of dangers. With reckless and distracted drivers on the roads, pedestrians are at risk of serious injury or even death.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to Slater & Zurz, our personal injury lawyers in Columbus, Ohio are dedicated to fighting for victims’ rights. We know how devastating these incidents can be and believe that those responsible for the injuries should be held accountable.

Our attorneys have years of experience representing injured pedestrians and will aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf. We understand that you’re going through a difficult time and want to help you focus on healing. That’s why we’ll handle the legal process, so you can concentrate on getting better.

Don’t suffer in silence. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, call Slater & Zurz today. Our skilled attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that you get the justice you deserve.

Pedestrian Accident Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, a pedestrian is killed approximately every 88 minutes. The fatality rate is so high because, unlike motorists, pedestrians have little to no protection and, therefore, have an increased risk of sustaining serious, often fatal injuries. Injuries range from mild cuts and bruises to more severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injury. Below are examples of injuries sustained in a pedestrian-related crash.

• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
• Broken bones
• Limb amputation
• Soft tissue injuries
• Fractures
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD
• Wrongful death

Leading Causes of Pedestrian Car Accidents

Walkers, runners, and even shoppers are frequently the victims of serious accidents. Although these accidents can take place as a result of a wide variety of circumstances, the following are some commonly occurring types of pedestrian-related incidents.

Crosswalk and intersection accidents – According to the NHTSA, nearly 20% of pedestrian accidents occur at intersections. Drivers can strike a pedestrian when they fail to obey traffic signals, are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving while distracted.

Parking lot accidents – Parking lots pose a great risk to pedestrians. Poor visibility, inadequate lighting, and aggressive driving lead to many accidents in parking lots and structures.

Hazardous conditions – Pedestrians can be injured when walking by construction sites, on poorly maintained sidewalks, or on private property where dangerous conditions are present.

School bus crossing accidents – A pedestrian injury accident can occur when a driver illegally passes a stopped bus or overtakes other vehicles waiting for children or others to cross the street.

Pedestrians walking on the side of the road – In many rural areas, there is no sidewalk present, and the pedestrian is forced to walk on the roadway itself. If a driver is not paying attention, speeding, or driving in a poorly lit area, they may not see the pedestrian and strike them with their vehicle.

Bus or public transportation-related accidents – Many pedestrians are hit by modes of public transportation, such as a train or buses. With frequent stops and many passengers getting on and off, pedestrians can easily be struck and injured.

Recoverable Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Case

If you were hit by a motorist or injured due to unsafe conditions, you have the right to seek compensation from the responsible party. The damages you recover largely depend on your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, compensation that may be available to you includes:

• Medical expenses
• Cost for future medical and rehabilitative care
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Home or vehicle modifications necessary to accommodate your disability
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident

Steps to Take After a Columbus Pedestrian Accident

The last thing you imagined was that you would be involved in a pedestrian accident. You are likely still stunned by the incident and have little idea what to do. Below are some steps you can take to help protect your rights as an injured victim and maximize your chances of recovering your rightful compensation.

• Make sure you are safe – If you were struck while in an intersection or roadway, get to a place free from any threat of oncoming vehicles or other hazards.
• Call 911 – Calling the police is critical. Emergency services will be dispatched if needed, and the officers will take down your side of the story and investigate the incident. Their findings, along with the contact information of all parties involved, will be included in their report.
• Document the accident scene – If you can, take photos and video of where the accident took place. Be sure to focus on any vehicles involved and any debris or skid marks. Document the weather conditions and any other relevant factors.
• Seek medical attention – If you were not transported directly to the emergency room, be sure to seek medical attention on your own right away. Even if you feel fine, keep in mind that many injuries don’t present themselves right away. Getting a thorough medical exam will ensure all injuries are noted and treated promptly. Also, be sure to follow all of the doctor’s instructions.
• Keep track of your medical records and expenses – Compile all documentation provided by your doctors as well as all medical bills and proof of any other expenses related to the accident.
• Don’t speak to anyone about the accident – Although you want to tell your friends, family, and co-workers about what happened, it is best to refrain from discussing the specifics of the incident. Keeping the details to yourself and staying off social media will ensure nothing is said or done to harm your chances of securing damages.
• Hire an attorney – Speaking to an attorney will help you protect your rights and provide much-needed guidance on how to proceed. Should you choose to file a lawsuit, having an attorney on your side will increase your chances of a successful outcome and secure maximum compensation.

How We Can Help

Being involved in a pedestrian accident is a harrowing experience. But you don’t have to deal with the aftermath of your accident by yourself. The legal team at Slater & Zurz will be there to help you in any we can.

From making sure you get the medical care you need to handle all communication with the insurance company, we can assist you through every step of the process. We will take care of everything, so you only have one task – getting better. When you hire our firm, you can rest assured knowing you and your case are in good hands, that every possible option will be pursued, and that your rights and best interests will always be vehemently protected.

Learn More About Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Columbus

The Columbus personal injury law firm of Slater & Zurz is committed to getting you the best possible result. Although we make every effort to resolve your case outside of the courtroom, our skilled trial lawyers will take the matter to court if needed to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.

We have earned the reputation as one of Ohio’s top pedestrian accident law firms because we don’t back down. We take relentless legal action against at-fault parties to ensure they are held responsible for their actions. We also fight diligently to secure the financial compensation our clients need to recover physically and financially from their injuries. When you need a legal team to be your strong and relentless advocate, call (614)756-2714. Your initial consultation is FREE, and there are no fees unless we win your case.