On average, over 1,200 pedestrians are injured and over 50 are killed in Wisconsin car accidents each year. Pedestrians are some of the most defenseless accident victims, and in many cases, their injuries can be severe. If you have been injured as a pedestrian, understanding some of the frequent causes of pedestrian accidents may help you work with an attorney to demonstrate a driver’s negligence and obtain full compensation for your damages.
How Do Wisconsin Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists several situations that often lead to accidents between pedestrians and motor vehicles, some of which include:
- A driver fails to yield to a pedestrian when turning at an intersection.
- A driver fails to give a walker or jogger adequate space.
- A driver backs into a pedestrian while leaving a driveway or parking spot.
- A driver fails to stop for a bus picking up or dropping off passengers.
- A driver fails to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- A driver fails to see a pedestrian.
While there are some things pedestrians can do to reduce the risk of an accident, such as obeying crosswalks and walk signs, looking out for nearby vehicles, and wearing bright colors, drivers can often be found negligent for any action that demonstrates a failure to care for pedestrians’ safety. Many pedestrian accidents involve speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving, all of which can strengthen the pedestrian’s claim for compensation.
Pursuing Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident
As with any car accident resulting in injuries, it is important to seek the medical care and treatment you need as soon as possible. However, this treatment can be expensive, and in order to receive compensation that can ease your financial stress, you should hire a personal injury attorney who can help you make the case for another party’s negligence. A lawyer can help you do this by obtaining medical records that thoroughly document your injuries and promptly collecting evidence from the accident, which may include photographs and video, witness testimony, police reports, phone records, and more.
Contact an Appleton Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Though you may have had few defenses in the accident itself, you do not have to be defenseless in your personal injury case. At [[title]], our attorneys will stand up for you and fight for the most possible compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation, contact a Green Bay personal injury lawyer today at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/statistics/final.aspx
https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/11146b-preventpedestriancrashes.pdf