Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Dayton, Ohio
Pedestrians, especially children, have little or no protection against negligent drivers. When someone on foot is hit by a car or other motor vehicle, the risk of serious injury or death is extremely high. According to Ohio traffic statistics, approximately 12% of all motor vehicle accident deaths each year involve non-motorists. Under Ohio law, pedestrians injured due to a negligent driver may be eligible to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. You could seek compensation for:
- Hospital and medical expenses
- Past and future lost earnings
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages
Even if the pedestrian is partially at fault, Ohio’s comparative liability law may still allow for partial recovery of damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact an Ohio pedestrian accident lawyer at Attorney Michael Wright today for a FREE, no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
What to Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Car in Dayton
The actions you take in the moments after being hit by a car are critical for your health and your potential legal claim. If you are able, you should:
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move out of the roadway to a sidewalk or shoulder to avoid further injury.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request an ambulance, even if your injuries seem minor. An official police report is vital evidence.
- Get Driver and Witness Information: Get the driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance information. Also, get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the accident.
- Document Everything: Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicle, the accident scene, any relevant traffic signals, and your injuries.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement: Politely decline to give a recorded statement to any insurance company until you have consulted with an attorney.
Why You Need an Experienced Ohio Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Laws surrounding pedestrian accidents in Ohio can be complex. That’s why it’s important to work with a personal injury attorney who has experience litigating these specific types of cases.
At Attorney Michael Wright, we’ve earned a strong reputation across Ohio for representing injured pedestrians. Our legal team understands the physical pain and emotional stress these accidents can cause.
Ohio Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits
Pedestrians are no match for cars, trucks, or buses operated by negligent drivers. As a result, victims often suffer:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Wrongful death
Recovery may take months or even years, and some injuries may be permanent. To protect your legal rights, consult an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.
Proving the Driver Was Negligent in Your Pedestrian Accident
To win your case, it isn’t enough to show you were hit by a car. Your attorney must build a case that proves the driver was legally negligent. This involves proving four key elements: that the driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely, that they breached that duty through a careless action (like speeding or texting), that this breach was the direct cause of the collision, and that you suffered significant damages as a result. We use evidence like police reports, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony to establish each of these elements and build an undeniable claim on your behalf.
Our Experience in Pedestrian Accident Cases
At Attorney Michael Wright, our pedestrian accident lawyers have extensive experience investigating these cases. We work with top experts to build strong claims and identify all responsible parties. We also negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to protect your rights. Insurers know our reputation; we aren’t afraid to take a case to trial if needed. We have handled causes involving:
- Failure to pay attention by the driver
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Speeding or driving at unsafe speeds
- Backing up without checking
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Improper or illegal passing
Free Ohio Pedestrian Accident Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, and you want caring, personalized legal representation, contact Attorney Michael Wright. Ohio law sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including those involving:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Don’t wait. For a free, no-obligation legal consultation, fill out our online form or call us at (937) 222-7477.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Cases
There is no set time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident. It can take anywhere from weeks to years, but it typically depends on the severity of the sustained injuries and the cooperation of both parties in settlement negotiations. The more severe the injury, the longer the process will take. Also, if both parties can’t reach a settlement without having to go to court, the process will take much longer.
If you hit a pedestrian while operating a vehicle, you could be facing serious trouble. Criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and a suspended license are just some of the problems that occur. In order to minimize the damage, it is vital to consult an experienced lawyer. A lawyer can help explain your options, minimize potential risks, navigate negotiations with insurance companies, and protect your rights. Considering the risks of going to jail or paying hefty fines, a lawyer is well worth it.
The amount of compensation you can receive after a pedestrian accident can vary significantly, from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. A few factors that affect the amount of compensation include the severity of the injuries, the length of recovery, lost wages, medical expenses, and negligence of the driver.Â
Not always. While Ohio law provides strong protections for pedestrians, especially in crosswalks, individuals on foot also have a duty to exercise reasonable care for their own safety. A pedestrian cannot suddenly step into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop.
Yes, it is possible. Ohio follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages as long as you are not found to be 51% or more at fault. At Attorney Michael Wright, our personal injury attorneys will protect your rights, challenge unfair fault determinations, and earn the compensation you deserve.
You should still report the accident to the police immediately and seek medical care. Even if the at-fault driver cannot be found, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it. You can also contact an experienced attorney in Ohio. With years of experience handling personal injury and pedestrian cases throughout Ohio, Attorney Wright knows how to collect and preserve evidence, navigate timelines and insurance complexities, and advocate the maximum compensation for you
Attorney Michael Wright
- (937) 222-7477 (Call or Text)
- (937) 222-7911 (Fax)
- 130 W. Second St. Suite 1600 Dayton, OH 45402