Ohio law requires cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles to share the road with pedestrians. While Dayton and the surrounding areas feature many pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, pathways, and crosswalks, accidents can happen that cause serious injuries to pedestrians.
The Attkisson Law Firm is committed to fighting for justice for accident victims. With years of combined experience, our personal injury attorneys understand how catastrophic accidents between pedestrians and motor vehicles can be. When you suffer a serious or permanent injury, you need serious representation on your side. Call (937) 400-0000 right away to get your case moving.
What are the Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrians are continuously at risk on Ohio roads. Common causes of pedestrian-vehicle accidents include:
- Poorly marked or timed crosswalks
- Failure of vehicles to yield or check blind spots
- Lack of sidewalks or safe walking areas
- Impaired, distracted, or fatigued drivers
- Drivers disregarding current weather conditions
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the latter is often blamed for the accident. Pointing the finger at the pedestrian is an insurance company trick that alleges pedestrians should always be paying attention to traffic and should be able to get out of the way of an approaching vehicle. Legally the opposite is true. Drivers need to pay close attention to pedestrians and do whatever they can to avoid hitting them.
Discussing Fault in a Pedestrian Accident
Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian accident often involves reviewing the actions of drivers, pedestrians, and witnesses. While fault may seem straightforward, statements made immediately after the accident can influence how responsibility is viewed.
The way the accident is described, by witnesses or even comments made by you, can influence how fault is determined. Even small comments made right after an accident may be misunderstood, so it’s important to stay focused on the facts and avoid saying anything that could be seen as admitting blame.
Ohio Pedestrian Accident Laws
Ohio has laws in place to help keep pedestrians safe. Pedestrians are expected to use sidewalks when they’re available and walk as far from traffic as possible, especially if sidewalks aren’t present. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and pedestrians are expected to use caution when crossing streets at intersections without traffic signals.
These rules exist to reduce accidents and make streets safer for everyone. If an accident does happen, Ohio’s system allows pedestrians to seek compensation, even if they share some responsibility, though the amount may be adjusted based on each party’s role in the accident.
Dangerous Intersections & Roads in Dayton, Ohio
Dayton has several intersections and roadways where pedestrian and vehicle accidents are more likely to occur. Being aware of these areas can help you stay alert and take extra precautions when walking or driving.
- James H. McGee Blvd & 3rd Street: This intersection has been identified as one of the most hazardous in Dayton, with numerous crashes and injuries reported over the years.
- Philadelphia Drive & Salem Avenue: A high-traffic area with a history of accidents, including both fatal and serious injuries.
- Germantown Street & Broadway Street: Located in the Five Points neighborhood, this intersection has seen multiple crashes, some resulting in fatalities.
- Gettysburg Avenue & James H. McGee Blvd: Another major intersection with a significant number of accidents, contributing to its reputation for danger.
- North Main Street (SR 48): Known for a high number of pedestrian and bicycle crashes, leading to city initiatives aimed at improving safety.
- Wayne Avenue & Wyoming Street: This intersection has been the site of several serious accidents, raising concerns about its safety.
- North Gettysburg Avenue & Free Pike: A busy area with a history of traffic incidents, making it a focal point for safety improvements.
- Linden Avenue & South Smithville Road: This intersection has reported multiple crashes, highlighting the need for increased caution.
- Shroyer Road (Kettering): A stretch with reported pedestrian and bicycle crashes, prompting local authorities to consider safety enhancements.
- Burkhardt Road & Fifth Street: Characterized by confusing traffic signals and multiple access points, leading to accidents and safety concerns.
What Damages Can be Recovered After Pedestrian Accidents?
An accident with a motor vehicle can cause injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), internal bleeding, and more. While you prioritize your recovery efforts, we will seek justice for your injuries. While every pedestrian accident case is different, some of the common types of damages that may be recoverable include:
- Healthcare expenses
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement and disability
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. These are designed to punish the at-fault driver for particularly reckless or negligent behavior and to act as a deterrent for similar behavior in the future. To learn more about what types of damages may be available in your case, call The Attkisson Law Firm today to speak with an experienced Dayton pedestrian accident attorney.
Our personal injury attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of pedestrians who have been injured by the negligence of others. We will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case for your personal injury claim. We will also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
What Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Do for Me?
We can assist with filing insurance claims, investigating the cause of the accident, and seeking compensation. We will hold all negligent or reckless parties responsible, including the driver or even third parties, such as city or state governments, when applicable. We know how insurers approach these cases and the tactics they employ. We will gather medical records, police reports, witness accounts, and any other documents or reports possible to assert your rights to the full amount of compensation possible.
How Can a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help?
The Attkisson Law Firm will fight for you. Our Dayton pedestrian accident lawyers will hit back at insurance companies and negligent parties to enable you to move forward after a serious accident. You can focus on your health and recovery while we pursue every legal avenue for compensation.
Some of the many ways we will help you include:
- Thoroughly investigating your accident
- Aggressively pursuing all liable parties
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Filing all required paperwork in a timely manner
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- If necessary, taking your case to trial
At The Attkisson Law Firm, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We will put our experience and resources to work for you. Do not wait to get legal representation on your side. Contact us at (937) 400-0000 to learn more about your rights as an injured pedestrian and the legal services we can offer you.