When you're walking outside, you may take your safety for granted. Sidewalks, crosswalks, and crossing signals protect you from traffic. In truth, however, you always run a risk when you are walking near a roadway. Should you become involved in a collision with a vehicle, you are at substantial risk of serious injury or even death. If the unthinkable occurs and you are hurt in a collision—or a loved one is killed—contact a lawyer without delay.

As the miles Americans travel increases each year, so do pedestrian fatalities. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of U.S. pedestrian deaths climbed higher in 2019 than at any time during the previous 30 years.

WHO QUALIFIES AS A PEDESTRIAN? You do not have to be out for a walk to be considered a pedestrian. For the purposes of personal injury law, a pedestrian is an injury victim who was not in a motor vehicle at the time of a collision. As such, you qualify as a pedestrian if you were injured while:

* Changing a tire

* Cleaning the outside of the windshield

* Traveling on foot

* Riding in a wheelchair

WHO IS AT FAULT? Determining who is at fault in a collision is often difficult, but your lawyer has the knowledge and expertise to help. By law, drivers must show reasonable care in operating a vehicle. If they are negligent or willfully careless, they are likely to be liable for a collision that results. A negligent driver might:

* Be distracted by a passenger or a phone call

* Fail to notice a pedestrian “walk” signal

* Not see the crosswalk is occupied and stop

* Fail to signal a turn

* Miscalculate hazardous road or weather conditions

A willfully careless driver may:

* Text while driving

* Ignore crossing signals or school zone signs

* Choose to speed through an occupied crosswalk

* Choose to drive while impaired

CALCULATING DAMAGES. Determining the damages you are due as an injury victim is another gray area where a lawyer's advice is invaluable. A damage award should cover your current and future financial losses, including:

* Medical bills

* Loss of income

* Pain and suffering

* Ongoing physical or mental therapy

* Other foreseeable losses

We have been representing injured people and their survivors for more than 20 years. We understand the challenges you face and make sure you do not have to face them alone. Call us today at 253.858.5434 to set up a free initial consultation.