Choosing to walk instead of drive doesn’t mean you won’t get hurt in a car accident. Pedestrian accidents have their own problems and can be tough to deal with. If you or someone you know gets into one of these accidents, it can cause a lot of money problems because of medical bills and not being able to work. You might also need help getting better physically and mentally.
The value of your pedestrian accident case in Kentucky relies on various factors specific to your situation, such as the facts surrounding your accident and the extent of your injuries and other damages. Unfortunately, the more injured or damage you suffer, the more your case could potentially be worth.
Experienced Legal Support For Pedestrian Accidents Throughout Kentucky
In pedestrian accidents, it is crucial to have an experienced team of lawyers in Kentucky by your side. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC., we understand the hardships you’re facing and are ready to assist you in obtaining compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers empathize with your situation and are committed to doing everything possible to make sure you get what you’re owed. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to learn more about how we will help you do that.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Kentucky?
Despite Kentucky’s lower population, especially in the state’s more rural areas, pedestrian accidents are more common than you may think. According to data compiled in the Kentucky State Police (KSP) 2021 Traffic Collision Report, there were:
- 916 total collisions involving pedestrians
- 178 resulted in serious injuries
- 77 were fatal
Obviously, this data underscores the serious nature of pedestrian accidents that happen throughout Kentucky. However, a fuller understanding of this issue can be found by looking at how these accidents occur.
What Causes Kentucky Pedestrian Accidents?
Although they’re somewhat unique, pedestrian accidents in Kentucky share many common causes with other car accidents. Unfortunately, many of these accidents occur due to negligent actions on the part of drivers, which you can’t control as a pedestrian. Some of the main causes of Kentucky pedestrian accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving or texting while driving – When drivers are not paying attention to the road because they are using their phones or engaging in other distractions, they are more likely to collide with pedestrians.
- Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks – Vehicles not giving the right of way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks can frequently lead to accidents. As a result, drivers should be vigilant and cautious when approaching and passing through crosswalks.
- Lack of caution at intersections – Drivers who fail to look both ways when turning at intersections can overlook pedestrians crossing the road, resulting in collisions and injuries.
- Excessive speeding – Driving at high speeds makes it difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid hitting pedestrians, especially in areas where pedestrians are present. Further, ignoring speed limits set for specific areas, such as school zones or residential neighborhoods, increases the risk of accidents involving pedestrians.
- Driving under the influence – Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reflexes, and overall driving ability, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents with pedestrians.
- Design flaws in crosswalk locations – Poorly designed crosswalks that do not adequately consider traffic flows or fail to provide clear visibility for both pedestrians and drivers can contribute to accidents.
Pedestrian accidents are more likely to happen in cities where there are more people and traffic. However, accidents can still occur on country roads. Country roads have curves, poor visibility, and fast speeds, which make them risky for both pedestrians and drivers. It’s important for everyone to be careful in these conditions because accidents can cause serious injuries.
Common Injuries in Kentucky Pedestrian Accidents
Again, most pedestrian accidents in Kentucky result in serious injuries for the person not in the vehicle at the time. Furthermore, young children and older adults, are usually more vulnerable to suffering serious injuries in these accidents. Another unique factor of these accidents is that they typically happen at night or early in the morning, making it harder to receive immediate and effective medical care, which is crucial for early treatment of injuries.
In Kentucky pedestrian accidents, you can expect the following common injuries:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal injuries
- Cuts or bruises
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
Pedestrian accidents are unpredictable, and the resulting injuries can vary. Often, you may experience a combination of different injuries. Additionally, these accidents are traumatic, so along with physical injuries, you may also suffer emotional and psychological harm. All of these characteristics, though, can be factored into what a potential case would be worth.
How Much Is a Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit Worth?
Every pedestrian accident case is unique, as it involves its own set of circumstances and facts that influence the amount of support you may receive from the person responsible for the accident. Although there is always some level of uncertainty in any case, collaborating with our experienced team of Kentucky pedestrian accident lawyers can bolster your case.
By filing a lawsuit for damages following a pedestrian accident in Kentucky, you have the opportunity to seek compensation for various losses, including:
- Medical expenses and related costs – This covers the costs of medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other healthcare expenses incurred due to your injuries.
- Ongoing medical care expenses – If your injuries require long-term or ongoing medical care, such as therapy sessions or follow-up appointments, you can seek compensation for these future expenses.
- Costs for medical devices – If your injuries necessitate the use of medical devices like wheelchairs, canes, or artificial limbs, the expenses associated with acquiring and maintaining these devices can be included in your claim.
- Lost income – If your injuries force you to miss work during your recovery, you can seek compensation for the wages you would have earned during that time.
- Loss of earning capacity – If your injuries result in a permanent disability or impairment that prevents you from returning to work or reduces your future earning potential, you can pursue compensation for this loss of your earning capacity.
- Physical pain and suffering – Compensation can be sought for the physical pain, discomfort, and limitations caused by your injuries, including the impact on your ability to engage in daily activities.
- Emotional distress – The psychological and emotional impact of the accident and its aftermath, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can be considered in your claim for compensation.
- Loss of companionship – If you experience a loss of companionship or the ability to enjoy the same level of companionship with your spouse due to your injuries, the law provides a path to compensation for this.
- Loss of enjoyment or quality of life – If your injuries significantly impact your ability to enjoy activities, hobbies, or other aspects of life, you can seek compensation for the loss of enjoyment or your quality of life.
- Costs related to scarring and disfigurement – If the accident results in visible scarring or disfigurement, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional effects associated with these changes to your appearance.
- Punitive damages – In exceptional cases where the at-fault party intentionally caused harm or displayed gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish their behavior and serve as a deterrent.
Remember that the details and circumstances will ultimately decide how much your case is worth. Talking to our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers will assist you in understanding and dealing with the complexities of your claim, ensuring that you seek the rightful compensation you deserve.
Fight For Your Compensation With Kaufman & Stigger
At Kaufman & Stigger, we are dedicated to fighting for our clients to get the compensation they deserve. Our experienced Kentucky pedestrian accident lawyers can assist you throughout the entire process. We will gather evidence, handle insurance claims, and even file a lawsuit if needed to support your case.
Don’t hesitate to get the legal guidance you deserve. Contact us today to set up your free consultation to get started.
