Injured In A Louisville Pedestrian Accident? We Can Help.

Drivers are required to exercise caution in areas where pedestrians are present, including crosswalks, parking lots, school zones and parks. Sadly, many drivers ignore traffic laws and common sense, failing to slow down, yield and stop around those who are on foot.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the attorneys at Satterley & Kelley PLLC are here to stand up for your rights. With law offices in Louisville, we have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident claims and other personal injury litigation for clients throughout Kentucky.

The Strong Advocate You Need

We swiftly and thoroughly investigate accidents to determine how our clients were injured and who is at fault. Our investigations often uncover negligence and wrongdoing on the part of motorists and other parties.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Crosswalk violations
• Distracted driving
• Inadequate lighting making pedestrians difficult to see
• Drunk driving

Because pedestrians are completely unprotected, the injuries resulting from collisions with motor vehicles can be life-threatening. Even if an accident doesn’t result in wrongful death, there are likely serious injuries to contend with:

• Contusions and lacerations
• Muscle and ligament tears
• Dislocated joints
• Broken and shattered bones
• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injury

Our team at Satterley & Kelley PLLC has over 30 years of collective experience navigating car accident injury claims. We are ready to serve victims and their families who are suffering after an accident and work towards compensation on their behalf. Our team will help discover the cost of your injuries, in their entirety.

Determining Damages From A Car Accident

An impact can leave victims facing emergency medical care, with more long-term solutions necessary for full rehabilitation. It can be essential to work with an experienced attorney that can work with you to find the many costs that came with your accident. The list of damages that can be recovered may grow continuously through the process of healing from your injuries:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Ongoing care
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Potential future costs

As a pedestrian, you were defenseless on the street. In this legal battle, we can provide you with an ironclad defense against the legal tactics insurance companies may employ against you. We have a proven record of success helping people obtain compensation for the losses they have suffered due to the negligence of others.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

The Governors Highway Safety Association says 6,590 pedestrian deaths occurred in 2019. That figure represents an increase from 2018. Worst of all, the 2019 death figures are the highest in three decades.

Curiously, traffic deaths only increased by 2 percent between 2009 and 2018. Pedestrian deaths increased by 60 percent during that same period. Perhaps an increase in traffic safety features factored into reduced traffic deaths. Airbags, for example, may reduce fatalities.

The fatality rates do vary by state. Hawaii, for example, has a far higher pedestrian fatality rate than Vermont. Both Florida and New Mexico join Hawaii on the list of the three states with the highest fatality rates. Florida and Hawaii both host a significant number of tourists, which might play a role.

Tips to Increase Louisville Pedestrian Visibility and Safety

Whether you are a runner or a walker, as a pedestrian you are one of the most vulnerable individuals on Kentucky roads. Devoid of the protection a metal car or even a bike helmet, pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries and even death.

While drivers and bikers should be careful to protect pedestrians, you need to look out for your own health and well-being. Drunk driving or distracted driving behaviors can quickly place you in harm’s way. How can you protect your health and decrease your chances of accident and injury?

4 Key Ways to Protect Your Health

As a pedestrian, increase your visibility and situational awareness to protect your health. To do this, you can:

1. Wear bright colors and reflective materials. Drivers are accustomed to looking out for other large cars and trucks. Due to your smaller size, it may be more difficult for them to see you until it is too late. Wear bright colors and reflective materials to increase your visibility, especially at night. In the evening, consider carrying a flashlight to help drivers see you from a distance.
2. Use sidewalks or face oncoming traffic.Always use a sidewalk if it is available. If not, walk as close to the curb as possible, facing on-coming traffic. This allows you to watch the drivers’ behavior and quickly move out of the way if they do not see you. If cars are to your back, you have no way of knowing their position on the street and are much more vulnerable to distracted drivers who fail to allot you a safe passing distance.
3. Make eye contact with drivers.Before you cross the street in front of a car, try to make eye contact with the driver to ensure that they see you and are planning to stop. Check to see if they wave you across, flash their lights or use other signals to indicate that they are relinquishing right of way privileges to you.
4. Do not expect drivers to follow basic traffic laws.Never assume that drivers will stop at red lights or stop signs or that they will let you cross in a cross walk. Always assume that the driver is not paying attention and does not see you. This will make you more aware of the situation at hand and help you anticipate a driver’s potential mistakes.

Possible Factors

Several factors contribute to the increase in fatalities, such as distracted driving. Drivers talking or texting on their cellphones take their eyes off the road, and that may lead to accidents.

SUVs have become quite popular over the past several years. SUVs are large, heavy vehicles. They can inflict significant bodily injury when hitting someone.

Driving while intoxicated always presents risks. So does operating a poorly maintained vehicle. With these things in mind, pedestrians should be more mindful of vehicles when walking, jogging, cycling and so on.

An attorney could seek financial compensation for clients who get injured in pedestrian accidents. A lawyer might seek significant compensation to cover lost income if someone becomes unable to work and review the fairness of a settlement offer. If a client rejects the offer, an attorney could go to court and sue.

You Don’t Have To Face This Legal Matter Alone

Our experienced team of attorneys is here to handle all aspects of your personal injury claim so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. To arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced Louisville pedestrian accident attorney, contact us online or by telephone at 855-385-9532.