Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC helps pedestrian accident victims in Louisville. These accidents can happen anytime, but are far more common during certain times of the year–especially the holiday season. Increased traffic, both on the road and on the street, leads to situations where you might be injured. Our team can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Are Pedestrian Accidents More Common During the Holidays in Louisville?
Whether you’re in your own neighborhood or exploring Christmas Tree Lane at Waterfront Park, the holiday season is an extremely hectic time in Louisville. It’s not just people on the road, it’s often packed on sidewalks and other walkways, which unfortunately means there’s a higher chance of accidents.
According to data from 2023 data from Vision Zero Louisville, there were:
- 64 pedestrian accidents that resulted in serious injuries from November 23 to January 1.
This time period is the height of the city’s holiday festivities, starting with Thanksgiving, ramping up during Christmas, and concluding at New Year’s. So, it’s not really surprising that pedestrians face such hazards. And while you have legal rights in this situation, it’s important to take the right steps to protect yourself.
What Should You Do If You’re Hurt as a Pedestrian in Louisville Holiday Traffic?
As a pedestrian in Louisville, you always have to be careful. Unfortunately, you’re almost always at risk of being hit by a driver, whether it’s during a busy weekend or during the holiday season. That said, though, the holiday season lends itself more to distractions, poor weather, low visibility, and impaired driving–all of which frequently cause accidents for pedestrians.
The question, then, isn’t what you can do legally, but what you should do to protect a potential claim:
- Call 911 for an ambulance – Get medical help right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show up immediately. For more serious accidents, call 911 for an ambulance. EMTs will care for you at the scene, then make sure you follow up with your doctor or visit an urgent care.
- Call the police – When you have 911 on the line, make sure they send the police to respond to the scene as well. They’ll make a report of what happened and get important information you can use for your claim.
- Gather information and document the scene – Swap contact and insurance information with the driver and anyone else involved. If there are witnesses, get their contact information. Their statements can be valuable later. Then, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including any vehicle damage, injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
- File a claim with your own insurance – Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible, no matter who was at fault. Keep records of your conversations and messages.
- Preserve evidence – Save medical bills, treatment records, and other accident-related expenses. Don’t repair any damaged property right away.
- Watch what you say – Be careful when you talk to police or to insurance companies about the accident. Don’t go into detail about what happened, just stick to the facts and don’t admit fault. Also, make sure to stick to your doctor’s treatment plan to show you’re actively working on your recovery.
- Keep track of your damages – Keep a detailed record of how the accident has affected your life–missed work, emotional distress, or changes to your daily routine.
It can be very hard to prevent accidents as a pedestrian, but taking these steps will at least ensure you have a strong foundation for a claim. But taking these steps can be easier said than done–especially if you’re more seriously injured or the driver flees the scene. That’s where you can turn to our team at Kaufman & Stigger for support.
Help for Pedestrians Hurt During Louisville’s Holiday Season
Getting hit by a car as a pedestrian during the busy holiday season in Louisville can be stressful and confusing. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Our experienced Louisville pedestrian accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC are here to help.
We can help you with filing an insurance claim or even a personal injury lawsuit to recoup your:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income from missed work
- Repair or replacement costs for any clothing or other property that’s damaged
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral or burial expenses and loss of companionship for fatal injuries
We’ll handle the legal process so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you recover.
