Did a driver hit you while you were walking in London, Kentucky? If so, you may have suffered serious injuries. It is important to have a London pedestrian accident lawyer review the crash and discuss your legal options. You may have a right to file a pedestrian accident claim to seek compensation for your medical bills and accident-related losses from the motorist who hit you.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can review your pedestrian traffic accident and evaluate whether you are owed compensation from the at-fault driver. You should not have to bear the financial burden of a serious accident you did not cause.
The Kentucky Courage attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer want to help you demand justice and financial accountability. Our law firm is dedicated to helping injured Kentuckians assert their rights and pursue full compensation available by law. We’ve secured over $300 million on behalf of our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation with a London personal injury lawyer. Our legal team can provide the Kentucky Courage to demand fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in London, Kentucky
There were nearly 1000 pedestrian collisions throughout Kentucky in a single recent year, leading to more than 100 pedestrian deaths, according to a Kentucky State Police report. Accidents involving pedestrians accounted for 13 percent of all traffic-related fatalities that year.
Crashes involving people on foot represented less than 1 percent of all traffic accidents across Kentucky but accounted for 14 percent of all fatal traffic accidents. These statistics highlight the disproportionate risks that pedestrians face on Kentucky roadways.
Pedestrian accidents have numerous contributing factors. Driver negligence plays a significant role in many collisions. Here are some common causes of pedestrian road accidents:
- Speeding in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, such as school zones or residential areas
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Distracted driving from phone use, talking to passengers, eating, or other activities
- Impaired driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs in pedestrian areas
- Illegal or unsafe turns at intersections
- Driving in reverse without checking for pedestrians, especially in parking lots and driveways
- Exiting driveways or parking spots without proper caution
- Failure to reduce speed in adverse weather conditions
- Poor visibility or inadequate street lighting
- Driver fatigue and failure to remain alert for pedestrians in intersections
Kentucky law imposes specific legal responsibilities and grants certain rights to pedestrians. Here’s what you should know:
- Pedestrians must obey all traffic control devices specifically applicable to them.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks when no traffic control signals are in place, but they must make sure it is safe to proceed before entering a pedestrian crossing.
- Pedestrians must yield the right of way when crossing roadways at points other than crosswalks.
- Pedestrians should use pedestrian tunnels or overhead crossings where available and yield the right of way to vehicles on the roadway otherwise.
- Pedestrians must not cross intersections diagonally unless authorized by traffic control devices.
- Pedestrians should use sidewalks where available and walk as far from the roadway as practicable where no sidewalks are available.
- Pedestrians walking along highways should do so on the left side, facing traffic when no sidewalks or shoulders are available.
- Pedestrians should not enter or remain on bridges or pass through railroad crossings when signals indicate it is unsafe to do so.
- Pedestrians must not solicit rides, employment, or contributions from the roadway unless permitted explicitly by traffic control devices or in emergencies.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
The steps you take after a pedestrian accident in London, Kentucky, can significantly affect your physical recovery and the outcome of any personal injury claim you file. Here’s what you should do:
- It’s important to contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to evaluate whether a pedestrian accident compensation claim is in order.
- Call 911 from the crash scene to report the road traffic accident and request emergency medical help if anyone has injuries. Pedestrian accidents often involve injuries such as lacerations and broken bones or more severe injuries.
- If possible, take photos of the accident scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and exchange information with the driver, but do not discuss fault at the scene.
- Seek a medical evaluation if you do not need emergency care. A prompt evaluation can help identify injuries that didn’t produce obvious signs. Obey the doctor’s orders for follow-up care.
- Report the accident to your insurance provider. Keep things factual. Do not blame yourself for the accident or cast blame.
- Request copies of your medical records, save all medical bills and receipts related to the accident, and document any work or activities you miss due to the accident.
- Do not post details about the pedestrian accident or your injuries on social media. During the claims process, an insurance company adjuster might try to use your comments to minimize your injuries and deny your car accident claim.
- Take advantage of a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer to understand your rights. Bring your evidence folder with you to help the lawyer assess your options for pursuing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
How a London Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in London, Kentucky, you may need legal representation. An experienced lawyer can investigate the accident, determine who is at fault, and gather evidence to develop a strong claim for compensation to cover your financial losses.
The personal injury team at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer knows the types of evidence needed to build a persuasive case. They seek witness statements, cell phone records, surveillance camera footage, dash cam videos, and police reports. In complex accident cases, they may work with specialists in accident reconstruction to demonstrate how the accident occurred and who bears the responsibility.
Once our personal injury team has the evidence needed to support your case, the attorney can file a claim against the driver’s insurance company and seek to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. They try to protect their profit margins by paying out the least amount possible to settle claims. Accident victims who do not have legal representation are at a disadvantage when dealing with insurance companies. Your lawyer can handle all communications with insurers, reject unfair settlement offers, and develop compelling counter-arguments.
An experienced lawyer will fight for a settlement that compensates you for all the ways you’ve been harmed by the accident. This includes money for your medical expenses, income losses from any time you could not work, and more subjective losses such as pain and suffering. Full and fair compensation is critical for helping injured people cope with the financial and emotional effects of a pedestrian accident.
The legal team at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer offers free case reviews. This provides an opportunity for you to discuss your case, learn about your legal rights, and get an idea of what you can expect as you pursue your claim.
How to Choose the Right London Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the success of your London pedestrian accident case. You want a lawyer who has extensive experience with Kentucky’s traffic laws and the local civil courts that hear personal injury cases.
When looking for a pedestrian accident lawyer in London, Kentucky, start by asking people you know for recommendations and reviewing the testimonials of the lawyer’s former clients. The comments of former clients about a prospective attorney’s performance and results are helpful.
Next, assess the lawyer’s experience in dealing with cases similar to your case. Lawyers with a strong track record of handling pedestrian accident cases are better positioned to help you demand fair compensation for your losses. Finally, consider the attorney’s communication style. Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly, makes you feel comfortable, and responds promptly to your concerns.
Take advantage of free consultation offers. Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer offers free, no-obligation consultation sessions. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to get the support and guidance you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in London, Kentucky
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident in London, Kentucky, you likely have many questions about your rights and what comes next. Below, we answer some of our most frequently asked questions to help you understand your options and what to expect during the legal process.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You might still be entitled to compensation even if you are partially to blame for the pedestrian accident. When multiple parties are at fault for an accident in Kentucky, the courts assign a percentage of fault to each party based on their contribution to the accident. The total compensation you can receive is then reduced according to your percentage of fault.
For instance, if the courts awarded $100,000 in damages and found you were 30 percent responsible for the accident, you would be eligible to recover $70,000.
It’s so important to work with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in London who will work to maximize your financial recovery.
How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer cost?
The attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Clients do not pay a legal fee for our legal representation unless we obtain an insurance settlement or court award for the client. If we win your case, then we receive a share of the amount we obtained as payment for our services.
Talk to a London, KY Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Now
If you have been struck by a car, truck, or another motor vehicle in London, Kentucky, and sustained serious injuries, you should contact a pedestrian accident lawyer at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys are committed to helping injured Kentuckians demand every dollar they deserve from insurance companies after devastating accidents.
Contact us now at (877) 809-5352 for your free consultation.