East Ridge Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians are found in most places, but especially in cities and suburban areas. For this reason, drivers of motor vehicles are expected to take the safety of pedestrians into consideration at all times. Unfortunately, many drivers refuse to or are simply unable to do this, and often, their carelessness results in their vehicle striking a pedestrian on the sidewalk or at a crosswalk.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Even if you are partially to blame or criminal charges were not filed, you may still be able to obtain compensation from another party. Pedestrian accident injuries have the potential to be deadly and debilitating, and they could cost thousands of dollars to treat.

Contact an East Ridge pedestrian accident lawyer now to discuss your case.

Determining Responsibility After an Accident

Whether injured by a car or an object struck by a car, pedestrians may be able to recover damages for their injuries if the accident was caused by the negligence of another person. Negligence is defined as the failure or refusal to do (or not do) something a rational person in a similar situation would to protect another person from harm. To prove a driver was negligent in a pedestrian accident, an East Ridge pedestrian accident lawyer and their client must prove:

  • The motorist owed a legal duty of care to the pedestrian
  • The motorist breached this duty of care through inaction or action
  • The breach resulted in the accident in question
  • The accident resulted in injury to the plaintiff

It is important to note, however, multiple parties may be held liable for a pedestrian accident. Depending on the case, the following parties may be held responsible for an accident:

  • The motorist who struck the pedestrian
  • The party responsible for maintaining the road, parking lot, or sidewalk where the accident occurred

Like motorists, pedestrians also have an obligation to ensure the safety of others to some degree. If a pedestrian is struck while engaging in illegal or unsafe actions, he or she may be unable to recover damages for his or her injuries.

Pedestrian-vehicle accidents are based on the principle of negligence, so both parties must exercise reasonable care. Sometimes, even when negligence seems obvious, the courts examine numerous factors when making a decision. Some of the most common factors contributing to vehicle-pedestrian accidents include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians
  • Speeding
  • Failure to signal when turning
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Pedestrian Accident Injuries

As expected, many pedestrians do not fare well after being struck by a moving motor vehicle weighing thousands of pounds. Compared to passengers in vehicles, pedestrians do not have any protection, and when they are struck, there is no barrier between them and the vehicle. For this reason, accidents often result in common and serious injuries such as broken bones, concussions, lacerations and scratches. Such injuries may seem minor, but they are immensely painful and expensive to treat.

Severe injuries are also likely to result from an accident. Injuries such as internal bleeding or organ damage, spinal cord injury, brain trauma, and the loss of limbs are exceedingly common.

Reach Out to an East Ridge Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be confused about how to proceed with a lawsuit. Such confusion is normal, and filing a lawsuit is a complicated process. However, with the right attorney on your side, you could take the legal actions you need to take to get the compensation and justice you deserve.

Reach out to an East Ridge pedestrian accident lawyer now to learn more.