Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Indianapolis
Every year, numerous pedestrians in Indiana face life-altering challenges following accidents on our roads. In 2022 alone, a record 40 pedestrians in Indianapolis were killed by drivers, underscoring the serious risks that pedestrians face. Victims often endure not just physical injuries but also emotional trauma and financial burdens due to mounting medical bills and lost wages. Navigating the aftermath of such accidents can feel overwhelming, which is why it’s crucial to have an experienced Indianapolis pedestrian accident lawyer by your side.
Doehrman Buba Ring Fights For You
At Doehrman Buba Ring, our top-rated Indianapolis pedestrian accident attorneys understand the devastating impact of these accidents. They are committed to fighting for the rights of those who have been injured. Our team has extensive experience handling a wide range of pedestrian accident cases, including:
- Crosswalk accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Car accidents involving pedestrians
- and more
Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek justice and fair compensation.
Do You Need to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Have you or someone close to you been injured in a pedestrian accident? If so, obtaining legal support as soon as possible is crucial. With the expertise of an Indianapolis pedestrian accident attorney, the injured can effectively pursue accountability from the negligent driver and seek rightful compensation. Consulting with a lawyer experienced in Indiana’s pedestrian law is vital before initiating any legal steps.
Pedestrian accidents often involve complex legal considerations, emphasizing the necessity for seasoned legal assistance. Indiana adheres to the rule of modified comparative fault. This means that a pedestrian can claim damages provided they are found to be 50 percent or less responsible for the accident. Nevertheless, the compensation awarded is adjusted based on the pedestrian’s proportion of fault, making the guidance of a proficient lawyer invaluable in such scenarios.
Establishing the fault of the other party in pedestrian accidents is paramount, given the severe injuries pedestrians can sustain and the dire consequences of receiving no compensation.
Establishing liability can be straightforward in scenarios where the driver’s negligence is clear, such as failing to yield at crosswalks with signals. However, in situations where the pedestrian is injured outside of a crosswalk or while jaywalking, the complexities of shared fault come into play. For example, consider a pedestrian injured while crossing a street outside a designated crosswalk by a speeding vehicle. Here, the pedestrian’s decision not to use the crosswalk might contribute to the fault, yet the driver’s excessive speed and disregard for safety point to negligence.
In these intricate cases, leveraging the expertise of a skilled Indianapolis pedestrian accident lawyer is vital. Such an attorney plays a crucial role in pinpointing the other party’s fault and engaging with insurance firms to secure fair compensation for the victims. This ensures that pedestrians and their families are not left to bear the overwhelming consequences of accidents that could have lasting impacts on their lives, emphasizing the critical importance of proving the other party’s fault in safeguarding the well-being of injured pedestrians and their families.
How Can An Indianapolis Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help?
At Doehrman Buba Ring, our dedicated team of pedestrian accident lawyers is committed to delivering justice for pedestrians injured on Indiana’s roads. We understand the complexities of pedestrian accident cases and are ready to leverage our expertise to support your claim.
Thorough Investigation of Your Case
Our legal team will conduct a comprehensive investigation of your accident to gather all necessary evidence, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports. This thorough approach ensures no detail is overlooked, providing a strong foundation for your case.
Expert Legal Advice
Leveraging our deep understanding of Indiana’s pedestrian laws, we provide expert legal advice tailored to the specifics of your pedestrian accident case. We’ll guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights and the best strategies for pursuing compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Our lawyers possess the negotiation skills required to deal with insurance companies effectively. We strive to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and any other damages resulting from the accident.
Advocacy in Court
Should your case go to court, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to advocate passionately on your behalf. We are committed to presenting a compelling case to the jury, emphasizing the impact of the accident on your life and why you deserve the requested compensation.
By choosing Doehrman Buba Ring, you can trust that you have a team of skilled pedestrian accident lawyers in Indianapolis who are dedicated to fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
After enduring a pedestrian accident, understanding the types of compensation you may be entitled to is crucial. Our dedicated legal team at Doehrman Buba Ring is prepared to help you seek full compensation to cover all aspects of your recovery. Key areas of compensation include:
Medical Expenses
The aftermath of a pedestrian accident often entails numerous medical treatments, from emergency care and hospitalization to rehabilitation and ongoing healthcare needs. You have the right to claim compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident, ensuring the financial impact of your recovery does not burden you.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries have forced you to take time off work, leading to lost wages, or have impaired your ability to earn in the future, you can claim compensation for these financial losses. This includes not only actual lost income but also the potential future earnings you’re unable to secure due to the accident’s long-term effects.
Pain and Suffering
Apart from the tangible economic losses, you may also experience significant pain and suffering, both physical and emotional. This non-economic damage is compensable, acknowledging the emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and physical pain endured as a result of the accident.
At Doehrman Buba Ring, we understand the profound impact a pedestrian accident can have on every aspect of your life. Our compassionate and skilled legal team is here to ensure you receive the comprehensive compensation you rightfully deserve, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
What Are Pedestrians’ Rights in Indianapolis?
In Indianapolis, pedestrians are afforded rights designed to ensure their safety on the road. These include the right to walk on sidewalks without obstruction from vehicles, the right to cross streets within marked crosswalks, and the right of way when traffic signals permit. Pedestrians also have the legal right to expect drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid accidents and injuries.
However, pedestrians must also adhere to traffic laws, such as obeying pedestrian signals and not suddenly leaving a curb into the path of a vehicle that does not have sufficient time to stop. Understanding these rights is vital for both pedestrians and drivers to coexist safely on Indiana’s roadways.
Proving Fault and Negligence
Establishing fault and negligence is pivotal in pedestrian accident cases, as it directly impacts the victim’s ability to secure compensation. In Indiana, proving that the driver of the vehicle was at fault involves demonstrating that they breached their duty of care towards the pedestrian. This duty of care requires drivers to operate their vehicles safely and attentively to avoid causing harm to others, including pedestrians.
Criteria for Establishing Negligence
To successfully prove negligence, the injured party must establish the following four elements:
- Duty of Care: The driver had a legal obligation to exercise a reasonable standard of care to prevent harm.
- Breach of Duty: The driver failed to fulfill their duty of care through actions or lack thereof.
- Causation: The driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and the pedestrian’s injuries.
- Damages: The pedestrian suffered measurable harm or loss as a result of the accident.
Evidence plays a crucial role in proving these elements. This includes collecting and presenting traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimonies, accident reports, and other relevant documentation that can corroborate the events and establish the driver’s fault.
Comparative Fault in Indiana
Indiana’s comparative fault law adds a layer of complexity to these cases. Even if the pedestrian is found partially at fault, they may still recover damages, provided their share of fault does not exceed 50%. However, their compensation will be reduced by a percentage equivalent to their degree of fault. Therefore, accurately attributing fault and navigating through the nuances of comparative fault is essential for achieving a fair outcome.
At Doehrman Buba Ring, our adept legal team is skilled in constructing a robust argument for your case, meticulously analyzing evidence to prove fault and negligence, and countering claims of comparative fault to maximize your compensation. Trust our expertise to guide you through this critical aspect of your pedestrian accident claim.
Non-Vehicular Pedestrian Accidents vs. Vehicular Pedestrian Accidents
While car-related pedestrian accidents get a lot of attention because they happen often and can cause serious injuries, accidents where pedestrians are harmed without a vehicle involved are also important for safety discussions. These can happen due to reasons like tripping on sidewalks, injuries from unsafe public paths, or accidents with bicycles and scooters. The major difference is that car accidents involve a vehicle hitting someone, often leading to severe injuries because of the vehicle’s size and speed. However, non-vehicle accidents may come from various other hazards like unsafe walkways or construction areas.
Legal considerations also differ between the two types of accidents. Establishing fault typically involves proving driver negligence or recklessness in a pedestrian motor vehicle accident. However, liability may fall on property owners, municipal entities, or other parties responsible for maintaining safe walking conditions in a non-vehicular pedestrian accident. The process of claiming compensation can vary significantly, requiring a tailored legal approach depending on the accident’s specifics.
At Doehrman Buba Ring, we address both types of accidents, offering specialized legal assistance to ensure victims receive the compensation and support they need.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents occur due to a variety of factors, often involving negligence on the part of drivers, pedestrians, or even urban planners. Here are some of the most common causes:
Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or any activity taking the driver’s attention away from the road can lead to accidents.
Speeding: Higher speeds reduce the driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Failing to Yield at Crosswalks: Drivers who do not give pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks pose a significant risk.
Disobeying Traffic Signs or Signals: Ignoring stop signs, traffic lights, or other signals can lead to fatal encounters with pedestrians.
Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair a driver’s reaction times and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents.
Poor Road Design: Roads designed without considering pedestrian safety can increase the likelihood of accidents.
Lack of Sidewalks: When pedestrians are forced to walk on the road due to the absence of sidewalks, the risk of being hit by vehicles increases.
Poor Lighting: Accidents are more likely to occur in poorly lit areas where drivers have difficulty seeing pedestrians.
Inclement Weather: Conditions like rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and vehicle control, leading to pedestrian accidents.
Turning Vehicles: Drivers focused on navigating an intersection may fail to notice pedestrians crossing the road.
Backing-Up Accidents: Pedestrians can be hit by vehicles backing up, especially in parking lots where visibility is limited.
Electric and Silent Vehicles: The lower noise levels of electric vehicles can make it harder for pedestrians to notice approaching vehicles.
J-Walking: Pedestrians crossing the road illegally or unexpectedly can surprise drivers, leading to accidents.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying from minor bruises to catastrophic injuries and life-altering conditions. Beyond the immediate physical harm, accident victims often suffer profound psychological and emotional trauma. Recognizing the types of injuries involved is crucial for understanding the gravity of these incidents and the comprehensive care required for recovery. The list below outlines some of the common pedestrian accident injuries occurring in such accidents:
Minor Injuries: Cuts, bruises, and abrasions.
Severe Injuries: Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Life-Altering Conditions: Paralysis, loss of limbs.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression.
Fatal Injuries: Injuries leading to death either instantly or after a period of suffering.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Immediate Steps
Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if you’re able to do so without causing further injury.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s critical to get a medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, might not be immediately apparent.
Call the Police: It’s important to have an official report. This will be crucial for insurance claims and any legal action.
Gather Information (if possible): Collect contact and insurance information from the driver involved, as well as contact information from witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to any involved vehicles.
Post-Accident Actions
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of medical visits, treatments, and related expenses. Also, document days missed from work and other financial impacts.
Consult a Pedestrian Accident Attorney: An experienced attorney can offer guidance on protecting your rights and pursuing compensation. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies: Do not provide statements or accept settlements without consulting your attorney. Insurance companies often offer less than what you may be entitled to.
Follow Up on Treatments: Adhering to your prescribed medical treatment plan is crucial, not only for your health but also for supporting your legal case.
Protecting Your Rights
Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and pedestrian rights. This knowledge can be pivotal in establishing fault and negligence.
Do Not Admit Fault: Be cautious when speaking about the accident. Admitting fault can significantly impact your ability to recover damages.
Be Mindful of Statute Limitations: Legal actions have time limits. Knowing these deadlines is crucial to ensure you don’t forfeit your right to recover compensation.
Use Legal Representation: Having an Indiana pedestrian accident attorney represent you can significantly influence the outcome of your case, from negotiation to potential court proceedings.
Following these steps diligently after a pedestrian accident can significantly impact the protection of your rights and the pursuit of recovery compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Doehrman Buba Ring To Fight For Your Rights Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Doehrman Buba Ring are here to help. Our team has over 50 years of combined legal experience representing victims of accidents caused by negligence, and we’re committed to fighting for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
