Bartholomew County Attorneys Represent Victims of Pedestrian Accidents
Columbus lawyers pursue full compensation for injured clients
Because people on foot are unprotected against cars, trucks and motorcycles, pedestrian traffic accidents often result in devastating injuries and even death. In Columbus, pedestrian crashes occur in crosswalks, parking lots, neighborhoods and along busy roads. If you or a loved one has been injured while out walking, the Indiana attorneys at Thomasson, Guthrie, Schuh-Ogle & Happel, P.C. are prepared to help. Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience in all types of traffic accident litigation. We can help you assert your rights and will work to recover the compensation you deserve.
What is considered a pedestrian accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is injured by a motor vehicle. These accidents are not limited to marked crosswalks and busy intersections. Many pedestrian crashes occur in the middle of the block, close to the curb, in a parking lot, on a driveway, or even on the sidewalk.
Common scenarios include:
- Drivers failing to yield, or turning sharply at crosswalks
- Distracted or speeding motorists
- Vehicle operators violating DUI/DWI laws
- Drivers blindly backing up
- Vehicles running red lights or stop signs
- Intersections with poorly timed crossing signals
At times, drivers and their insurance companies might try to shift blame to the victim by claiming they were jaywalking or impaired by alcohol or drugs. That is why it is critical to retain a seasoned Indiana litigator who’ll counter unwarranted assertions.
Understanding your rights after an accident
Pedestrians injured in Indiana auto accidents have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. This typically begins with a claim defended by the driver’s auto insurance company. Depending on the circumstances, the victim’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage might apply.
Injured pedestrians can seek compensation for medical expenses, hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Following fatal accidents, family members might file a wrongful death action.
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, which means an injured pedestrian can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50 percent at fault. However, any compensation is reduced by the percentage of responsibility assigned to the pedestrian for their injury.
What can happen after a pedestrian accident
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. Many victims suffer severe injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or internal injuries. Recovery often requires ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy and significant time away from work.
Insurance companies might reach out with settlement offers or requests for recorded statements. While these communications might seem routine, they are designed to limit the insurer’s financial exposure. Accepting an early settlement can prevent you from collecting full compensation for the various forms of harm you’ve suffered.
Legal considerations you need to know in Indiana
Indiana law sets important rules and deadlines for pedestrian accident claims. The statute of limitations generally gives injured pedestrians two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar recovery entirely.
Pedestrians must also understand how Indiana traffic laws apply, including right-of-way rules, crosswalk obligations, and driver duties. These laws influence fault determinations, on which damage awards are based.
If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, an employer can be held legally responsible. Accidents involving government vehicles or unsafe road conditions might also involve special notice requirements and shorter deadlines.
How our Columbus, Indiana personal injury law firm can help
Pedestrian accident cases require prompt action and careful legal analysis. When a person is seriously injured, it’s too much to ask for them to gather witness statements and secure traffic camera footage, or negotiate a fair settlement with an insurance company. Our Columbus personal injury lawyers help injured pedestrians by investigating crashes, consulting with accident reconstruction experts, handling insurance negotiations, calculating appropriate damages, and pursuing fair compensation through settlement or litigation.
Contact an accomplished Indiana pedestrian accident lawyer
Thomasson, Guthrie, Schuh-Ogle & Happel, P.C. in Columbus represents victims of pedestrian traffic accidents in Bartholomew County and other Indiana communities. To schedule a consultation, please call 812-565-5041 or contact us online.
