A tragic car accident in Lexington, Kentucky last Wednesday claimed the life of a pedestrian. The driver in the vehicle died as well. According to the Lexington Herald, this crash happened at a crosswalk between Bellefonte Drive and Jesselin Drive on April 18, 2018 at around 6PM.
Police are investigating the cause of this crash. As of today, police believe the driver may have had a medical emergency. Anyone with further information on this crash should call Lexington Public Safety at (859) 258-3600.
Pedestrian Rights In The Bluegrass State
As more people learn about the health drawbacks of a sedentary lifestyle, a growing number of Americans are opting to walk or bike to their destinations rather than rely on cars. While this is excellent news for public health and the environment, it’s not so great when it comes to pedestrian fatalities.
Recent data out of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that about 5,300 pedestrians in the USA die annually in a car crash. Most safety experts believe that number will only rise as more people choose to walk around American cities.
Some of the common reasons behind these pedestrian fatalities are the usual suspects in all car crashes: driving over the speed limit, texting while driving, or DUI. Whatever the reason, drivers are almost always responsible for a pedestrian fatality or injury.
Are drivers responsible for medical emergencies?
Rarely is a pedestrian who is hit in a crosswalk responsible for the accident. However, accidents involving medical emergencies can be very complex cases. Drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road to keep them safe. Some medical emergencies are foreseeable and others are not. The only thing you can be sure of is that an insurer is likely to give you a hard time in your time of need.
Understand Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle while walking in Lexington or anywhere in Kentucky or southern Indiana, we recommend that you speak with a Lexington Personal Injury Attorney who has experience representing pedestrians and has the resources available to handle these complex cases.
