Defending Pedestrian Accident Victims in Louisville
As a Louisville injury attorney, Brian Dettman is dedicated to advocating for pedestrian accident victims in the Louisville area. With a focus on providing close personal attention to each case, Dettman Law is committed to helping those who have been injured due to the negligence of others.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents occur when a person on foot is struck by a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle. These accidents can result in severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and contusions
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can happen for various reasons, but some common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Poor road conditions or inadequate signage
Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur in urban areas, such as downtown Louisville, where there is a higher concentration of foot traffic and vehicles.
Kentucky Laws Regarding Pedestrian Accidents
In Kentucky, pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks and at intersections with traffic signals. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in these situations. Additionally, Kentucky follows a pure comparative fault system, which means that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault for an accident, they may still be able to recover damages from the driver.
Common Accident Injury Case Scenarios
Certain situations can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents, such as:
- Pedestrians crossing the street at night or in poorly lit areas
- Children playing near the street or darting out into traffic
- Pedestrians walking on roads without sidewalks or designated walking paths
- Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Construction zones or areas with heavy traffic congestion
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in any of these scenarios, it is essential to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney like Brian Dettman.
Seeking Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Dettman Law can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report
- Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident
- Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage
- Contact Dettman Law to discuss your legal options
Dettman Law: Your Advocate for Pedestrian Accident Cases
At Dettman Law, Brian Dettman is committed to providing compassionate and aggressive representation for pedestrian accident victims in the Louisville area. Contact Dettman Law today at (502) 444-HURT to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Kentucky Laws Specific To Pedestrian Accident Injury Cases
There are several Kentucky laws that are specific to pedestrian accident injury cases. Here are some of the most relevant laws, along with links to their sources:
- Duty of care for pedestrians (KRS 189.570): This law requires pedestrians to obey traffic control devices and use caution when crossing the street. It also requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians. Source
- Pedestrians’ right-of-way in crosswalks (KRS 189.570): Under this law, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections with no marked crosswalks. Source
- Pedestrians crossing roadways outside of crosswalks (KRS 189.570): This law requires pedestrians crossing the road at any point other than a marked crosswalk or intersection to yield the right-of-way to vehicles. Source
- Comparative negligence (KRS 411.182): Kentucky follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that a pedestrian’s damages may be reduced by their percentage of fault in the accident. However, even if a pedestrian is found to be partially at fault, they may still recover damages from the driver. Source
- Statute of limitations (KRS 413.140): In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accident cases involving vehicles, is generally two year from the date of the accident. Source
It’s essential for pedestrian accident victims in Kentucky to be aware of these laws and to consult with an experienced attorney like Brian Dettman, who can help them navigate the legal process and protect their rights.
Pedestrian Accident Facts and Statistics:
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,205 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2019. (Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety)
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html)
- The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found that pedestrian fatalities increased by 5% in 2019 compared to 2018. (Source: https://www.ghsa.org/resources/Pedestrians20)
- In Kentucky, there were 73 pedestrian fatalities in 2019, according to the Kentucky Transportation Center. (Source: https://transportation.ky.gov/Highway-Safety/Documents/KY_FatalityStats_2019.pdf)
- The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that the comprehensive cost of pedestrian deaths and injuries in the United States in 2019 was $96 billion. (Source: https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/pedestrians/)
Legal Disclaimer:
The information provided above is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it may not reflect the most current legal developments or be applicable to your specific situation. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney like Brian Dettman who can evaluate your case and provide personalized legal guidance. The outcome of each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances, and the results of prior cases do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.