Of all the different types of accidents that can happen to you in Kentucky, among the most devastating are those that occur to you when you’re moving on foot as a pedestrian. Typically, it involves you or a loved one being collided with by a moving vehicle, which creates obvious hazards. These incidents can be particularly serious, potentially endangering the lives of pedestrians due to various factors. When faced with such accidents, the resulting injuries and damages can be severe, and most often involve broken bones.
Experienced Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help You
It is crucial to take immediate action to protect your legal rights if you or someone you know has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Kentucky. These accidents can lead to serious consequences, including physical injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages that may have long-lasting impacts on your daily life.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping pedestrians who have been injured in accidents caused by others’ negligence. Our team of experienced Kentucky personal injury lawyers has the essential knowledge, skills, and expertise to assist you in obtaining the compensation you rightfully deserve. To learn more about your options, contact us today and schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Kentucky
Pedestrian accidents share many similarities with other car accidents in terms of their causes. However, pedestrian accidents primarily occur in more urban areas of Kentucky, especially in Lexington and Louisville. This is largely due to a more densely populated area, as well as street layouts and design. That said, there are also frequent accidents that occur in many of our state’s rural areas. In the vast majority of cases, negligent actions by drivers contribute to pedestrian accidents, including:
- Not paying attention while driving – When drivers are not focused on the road because they’re using their phones, eating, or doing other things, they’re more likely to hit pedestrians.
- Driving too fast – When drivers go faster than they’re supposed to or drive too fast for the conditions on the road, they might not have enough time to react if a pedestrian is crossing.
- Not letting pedestrians cross – Drivers who don’t stop to let pedestrians cross at crosswalks or don’t follow traffic signals like red lights and stop signs can cause serious accidents.
- Poor visibility – Pedestrian accidents are more likely to happen when it’s dark outside or during bad weather when it’s difficult to see well.
- Being intoxicated – When drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their judgment is impaired, and they react more slowly, making it more likely for them to cause accidents involving pedestrians.
- Problems with the road – Roads that are poorly designed or don’t have enough features for pedestrians, like crosswalks or sidewalks, can contribute to pedestrian accidents in Kentucky.
Regardless of the specific cause, injuries are highly likely to occur when a larger, metal vehicle moving at speed collides with a person on foot. On top of the typical injuries like cuts, scrapes, head injuries and sprains, these accidents frequently lead to numerous different types of broken bones.
Common Types of Broken Bones in Pedestrian Accidents
The fact is, every accident is unique and has its own set of contributing factors and circumstances. With that said, the nature of most pedestrian accidents are largely the same, especially in terms of injuries. Again, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to injuries in these types of accidents because they have virtually no protection against the much heavier vehicle.
When you take that into account, it’s easy to see how broken bones often result in these accidents. Here is a look at some of the more common types of broken bones pedestrians in Kentucky face in these accidents:
- Fractured or broken legs – The impact of a collision can cause fractures in the bones of the legs, including the femur, tibia, and fibula.
- Broken arms – Pedestrians may suffer fractures in the bones of their arms, such as the humerus, radius, and ulna, when they instinctively try to protect themselves during an accident.
- Pelvic fractures – The pelvis is a vulnerable area in pedestrian accidents, and fractures in this region can occur due to the force of impact.
- Fractured ribs – The ribs can be fractured when pedestrians are struck by a vehicle, leading to significant pain and potential damage to internal organs.
- Collarbone fractures – A direct impact or fall can result in fractures in the collarbone, causing pain and limiting mobility.
- Facial fractures – Pedestrians may sustain fractures in the facial bones, including the nose, jaw, cheekbones, or orbital bones, due to the impact of a collision.
- Spinal fractures – Severe pedestrian accidents can cause fractures in the spinal vertebrae, potentially resulting in spinal cord injuries and long-term complications.
It’s important to note that the specific types and severity of broken bones can vary depending on the circumstances of each pedestrian accident. That’s why it’s important to know what to do after you find yourself in one of these accidents.
What To Do After a Kentucky Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident in Kentucky, it is crucial to take certain steps to ensure your safety, address any injuries, and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention, you should also report the accident to local authorities and wait for them to arrive at the scene.
- Collect contact and insurance information from the driver involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses present.
- If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, including the location, vehicle damage, and any injuries sustained.
- It’s extremely important to follow the advice of medical professionals and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper care and to strengthen any potential legal case.
As with other accidents, it’s likely that an insurance company is going to get involved in some respect, either through your own claim or a potential claim against the at-fault driver. Before talking to insurance companies, it’s important to talk to our pedestrian accident lawyers first. Things you say to insurance companies can be used against you, so it’s best to have the right legal advice from our experienced team to protect your rights and claim.
What Damages Are Available in a Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Claim?
When you’ve suffered a broken bone (or any other injury) in a Kentucky pedestrian accident, you’re likely facing surgeries, treatment, and mounting medical bills. Not only that, but you’ll likely have to miss work and, depending on the severity of your broken bones, you may not be able to enjoy your life in the way you once did.
By teaming up with our experienced Kentucky pedestrian accident lawyers, we can assist you in filing your claim and representing you every step of the way. A successful claim can help you recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses, including any bills from hospitals, doctors’ visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation costs.
- Compensation for the income you’ve lost due to the accident, including any potential future earnings.
- Compensation for damage to your personal belongings that were damaged or lost in the accident.
- Compensation for the physical and emotional pain you have endured as a result of the accident.
- Compensation relating to the loss of your enjoyment of life or damage done to your personal relationships that arose from the accident.
It’s important to note that the specific damages you can recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your accident. However, by working with our team, we can guide you throughout the entire process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Pedestrian Accident Victims in Kentucky Can Count on Kaufman & Stigger
Getting hurt in a pedestrian accident is scary, and it can cause serious, long-lasting injuries like broken bones. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we understand how much this can affect you and your family. That’s why our Kentucky pedestrian accident lawyers will work hard to find out what really happened and hold the responsible person accountable.
Our law firm has a great track record of success in pedestrian accident cases. We’ll gather all the evidence, go through your medical records, and make sure your case is filed on time. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Kentucky, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation.
